SIG P228 - someone educate me on this model

[kerank]

I've been saving up for a SIG 239 SAS (they ain't cheap ). Today I found a co-worker selling a SIG that he thinks is a P228. He's not really a gun guy, so he couldn't tell me for sure. He's says it's in great shape (he has never shot it), and was told it was worth $500. I assume I could possibly get him down to $450.

So...
- Any problems with this model? Why did SIG stop making them? I've only read good things.
- What should I look for in this particular model? Anything that makes one 228 more valuable than another?
- Given the choice would you buy a used P228 or a new P239 SAS, considering almost double the price?

Thanks!

 

[SnakeEater]

So...
- Any problems with this model? Why did SIG stop making them? I've only read good things.
- What should I look for in this particular model? Anything that makes one 228 more valuable than another?
- Given the choice would you buy a used P228 or a new P239 SAS, considering almost double the price?

I'm not a big Sig fan, however, the P228 is a helluva pistol. I'd grab it over the P239 anyday.

 

[sig228]

$450 is a pretty good price if the pistol is in good shape and doesn't show a lot of holster wear. Its not a full size service pistol like the 226, but is not a pocket pistol either. Check the rails and the barrel. "Smileys" are normal. The 228 is a highly regarded 9mm pistol. Do a Google search. You'll get nothing but positive reviews. Sig offers a overhaul for about $100 that includes night sights. You can get the info on their website. Good luck.

 

[270Win]

IMO, the P228 is the best-balanced handgun in history. And a simply wonderful trigger.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Originally posted by kerank:
Today I found a co-worker selling a SIG that he thinks is a P228. He's not really a gun guy, so he couldn't tell me for sure.

He doesn't have to be a gun guy. Can he not read? It's stamped right on the slide.

I've had one (made in Germany in 1995) since 1997. Excellent pistol - very accurate and reliable. I use it little these days because, being a fat-grip (13-round magazine), double-action trigger pistol, it is too large for my hands and I don't shoot as well with it. If you're familiar with the P226, shorten it about three quarters of an inch on each end and you've got a P228.

 

[silversport]

I bought one of these when they first came out ot compliment my P226...excellent pistol...EXCELLENT.
Here's some info for you IIRC:

SiG Sauer P228
9MM (only)
stamped and folded carbon steel slide with pinned breachblock...CLASSIC P series pistol
was chosen by the US Military as the M11...same as your P228 BUT with night sights (Trijicon from the factory) and different markings
I believe ALL were made in Germany (or West Germany as mine was)
May be marked by the "distributor" at the time, SiGARMS...Herndon, VA or Exeter, NH as they are now...
precursor to the P229 (which differs in part by being available in 9MM, 357SiG and .40S&W and a milled stainless slide)...the P229 NEVER replaced the P228 as thought...the P228 is discontinued in the US at this time but this has happened before...of ALL the SiGs I have owned (and I have owned a bunch)...THIS is the pistol I miss the most...mine was Trijicon Night Sighted and was Electroless Nickled...and I have to look at it on the hip of a coworker every day...
Buy it at that price or tell me where it is...
Bill

 

[1BLINDREF]

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.
The P239 is nice, but if you have a chance to pick up a P228 thats clean, do it. The military adopted the P228 - M11. Only certain branches are issued them. At around that time, Sig stopped selling the P228 to civilians. I bought my P228 in 1995 when they were still available I still have it today.
The P229 has "replaced" the P228 for civilian sales. The P228's slide is folded steel and the P229's slide is solid. The P229 is available in 9mm, .40S&W, and .357sig. The P228 is 9mm only.
You'll always be able to pick up a P239 later.

My P228


My P229 .40S&W DAK trigger


My P239 .40S&W

 

[kerank]

Wow! Great grips on that 228, what are they and where did you get them?

My co-worker is going to bring it in Monday. so I'll be able to confirm model (pretty sure it's a 228) and what shape it's in. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 228....if it's in good shape. Although, I still love the looks of that 239 SAS!

 

[ajoker31]

If you decide against the 228 please post a pic here or on the sigforum. I'm sure someone else would like a shot at it!!!

Jerry

 

[Ala Dan]

The Nail Has Been Struck Squarely On Its Head

as the SIG 9m/m P228 is simply the worlds best balanced handgun period,
bar none~! The superior craftsmanship, reliability, and accuracy keep this
pistol as a highly sought after firearm; and is still in use by many govern-
ment agencies, and military units (M11). A few years ago, SIGARMS made
the decision to curtail sales to civilians in order to keep up with all of the
government contracts. Since then, there have been a few released for
sale; but they are few and far between. Introduced in 1989 as a compact
9m/m it was quickly adopted by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police,
U.S. Army CID units, and the ATF. I have a very early 1990 basic model
that is one of my cherished possessions; as NO amount of cash could
pry it from my grasp. Yes, I too would choose the P228 over any P229
or P239 any day of the week~!

 

[1BLINDREF]

Wow! Great grips on that 228, what are they and where did you get them?

They are Hogue Kingwood grips. These are the checker ones.
http://www.getgrip.com/

 

[antsi]

Sounds like a very fair price for an excellent quality pistol.

The only downside, if you were considering a 239, is that the 228 will be somewhat larger and thicker - maybe not as easy to carry depending on how you intend to carry.