Sig 226 or 229 - which is better?

[PJ.357]

I have shot the 229 in 9mm, love its accuracy and feel and want to get one. Although I have heard good things about the 226 and held one in a store, I have not been able to shoot that model. I know the differences in the specs, but wanted to hear from owners about their experience with either gun in the real-world. There are so many variations on the 226 and 229 models it's hard to choose. Would love to hear your comments. Thanks

 

[sigarms228]

One is not better than the other. The P229 is a compact version of the stainless steel slide P226.

I own both. You really need to try each one out to see which, if either, works better for you.

For me they are both outstanding shooters in my hand. My P226s are 9MM and my P229 is .40.

There are two versions of the P226 - the original carbon steel slide that came in 9MM only and the current stainless steel slide that comes in 9MM, .40, and .357 SIG. The current version is about 2 ounces heavier than the older German made carbon steel slide P226 but many prefer the older carbon steel slide P226 because of it's claimed better balance while shooting. I own both and am happy shooting either.

My guess, from what you are saying, is that you will be perfectly happy with your P229 and probably not much to gain going with the P226.

 

[EBShooting]

Owning both I can say that they are essentially identical shooters. The only difference is the specs. Mine are both in 9mm and really seem to like 124gr bullets. But they are accurate with any round.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The 226 is the flagship Sig. It has proven itself with numerous military and LE units and is know for it's accuracy and reliability. I've carried one as a duty gun for years and it is also a greta teaching tool.

The 9mm 229 is the domestically produced version of the 228 (the .40 caliber versions are a bit different). I've shot several 9mm 229s, but have never owned one, I own 3 228s, and found them just as accurate and reliable.

The difference you'll find has to do with the balance in your hand. There really isn't much difference is size (only about .5"), but I have found the smaller gun to carry more comfortably and more lively in the hand

 

[2low]

First of all you can't go wrong with either pistol. I'd say you should make your choice depending on what you are going to be using this pistol for primarily. If you want something a little bit more manageable for everyday carrying then i'd opt for the 229. Both pistols would be great for home defense but in the end just go with the model that speaks the most to you...or just buy both lol.

My brother has a .40 S&W P226 and he carried it when he worked for loomis. It truly is a great pistol and the steel frame is well suited for the somewhat snappy recoil of the .40 as compared to a 9x19. I can't say that i've fired a P229 yet, but I instantly fell for the P226 in .40. Plus if you get the .40 you can also purchase a .357 sig barrel and simply swap them out if you'd like. Same mags for both calibers and the .357 sig is a tremendously potent yet compact cartridge. It contains nearly as much punch as a .357 magnum round with lower recoil but more muzzle flash.

In the end just go with what you like, any road you choose will end with a great pistol that will provide you with years of shooting joy.

 

[2low]

First of all you can't go wrong with either pistol. I'd say you should make your choice depending on what you are going to be using this pistol for primarily. If you want something a little bit more manageable for everyday carrying then i'd opt for the 229. Both pistols would be great for home defense but in the end just go with the model that speaks the most to you...or just buy both lol.

My brother has a .40 S&W P226 and he carried it when he worked for loomis. It truly is a great pistol and the steel frame is well suited for the somewhat snappy recoil of the .40 as compared to a 9x19. I can't say that i've fired a P229 yet, but I instantly fell for the P226 in .40. Plus if you get the .40 you can also purchase a .357 sig barrel and simply swap them out if you'd like. Same mags for both calibers and the .357 sig is a tremendously potent yet compact cartridge. It contains nearly as much punch as a .357 magnum round with lower recoil but more muzzle flash.

In the end just go with what you like, any road you choose will end with a great pistol that will provide you with years of shooting joy.

 

[golden]

If used for concealed carry, go with 229

I have owned both and in the 9m.m., I would go with the 229 as it is easier to conceal. If you are going to use it as a house gun or car gun, the 226 carries a few extra rounds, has a larger grip to hold onto and a longer sight radius. So it would depend on your need.

I carried a SIG 226 on duty and owned a SIG 229. I kept the SIG 226 for sentimental reasons, but sold the SIG 229.

Both are good guns, it is just a matter of which size fits your needs.

Jim

 

[jaysouth]

Carry the one you shoot best. There is not enough difference in their dimensions to have a serious discussion about it.

I personally like the 226. The 229 seems topheavy to me. How much more subjective could you get than that?

 

[PJ.357]

Thank you all for your comments. They are very helpful and much more credible than statements from a brochure or salesman. I will try to shoot the 226 before making a purchase, but there aren't many ranges that rent guns in California.

 

[Dean1818]

Both are fantastic

Great DA/SA trigger

 

[Lonestar49]

229 told you

I have shot the 229 in 9mm, love its accuracy and feel and *want to get one.

...

I'm not biased having 2 P229n.r /40's, 1 P229R 9mm, 1 P228n.r. 9mm and 1 P225n.r. 9mm

One happy family of the same size and in "your own words" *get one


Ls

 

[Dogguy]

I own 2 P229s and love them both. What's not to like? But the P226 is on my list of guns to buy...right up there at the top, as a matter of fact.

Advantage of P229: a little smaller in size for easier concealment.

Advantage of P226: a little longer in the grip for better handling if you have larger hands, a little longer in the barrel for somewhat improved sight radius.

After you buy both the P229 and P226 (you probably will, you know), you can then look at the P220. And the P239. And....

 

[Creature]

For CCW, get the 229. If not, get the 226!