Sig P226 VS Sig P239

[Midnight Bomber]

I'm currently on leave from Iraq, and my dad and I decided to go do a little shooting at our local indoor range. Among the firearms shot were his personal P239 and a rented P226. For some reason, that heavier P226 kicked a considerable amount more. Both were the same caliber (.40), has anyone ever heard of anything like this?

 

[HighVelocity]

Welcome home from the sandbox.

I believe the slide on the 239 is heavier than that of the 226.

239 Slide milled stainless steel which has been blackened and the 226 slide is stamped steel in most cases.

My 226 9mm w/ +P ammo has more felt recoil than my 239 in 357sig.

 

[Midnight Bomber]

Ahh, most appreciative of the welcome home and the explanation. Do you have any idea if one could buy a stamped steel slide for the 239?

 

[HighVelocity]

I am not positive but I don't think the 239 has ever come with a stamped steel slide. I have seen a 226 with a stainless slide though.

 

[Midnight Bomber]

226 with a stainless steel slide eh? Sounds good, and i'd do it if I were to get one. I'll probably just buy the 239 (the one I shot being my fathers), that 226 wasn't quite as comfortable in my hands, nor did it seem as accurate, at least when being shot by myself. My father shot roughly the same with both, so who knows.

 

[teombe]

Midnight-

The P239 in all flavors has a stainless slide. All newer P226s also have the stainless slide. All P226s in .40 and .357 SIG have the heavier stainless slides, as the folded slide/breechblock configuration cannot handle the pressure ceiling of either cartridge.

So, you were undoubtedly shooting two guns with stainless slides.

Also, your perception of recoil could have possibly been attributed to being able to get a better grip on the smaller P239 grip. I would suggest you try a short trigger on the P226 to see if that isn't the issue.

 

[Midnight Bomber]

Interesting theory, i'll look into it.