SIG P229 generation questions

[valnar]

I have a German SIG P229 9mm with the 13rd magazines. I bought it in the 90's. I have several of those 13rd mags, many pre-ban.

I'd like to buy another one, in stainless steel, that uses the same mags. I see that SIG has come out with a new generation of SS P229's that uses 15rd mags, but I believe that is a different design?

1) Is that true? So I need to find an older P229 that uses my 13rd mags? I don't want to have different mags.

2) Which stainless model uses the 13rd mags? I know they were produced, but it's hard to tell on Gunbroker which are new and which are old. I assume ALL are new models, but perhaps there is an older one that pops up now & then, and I want to be able to identify it.

 

[Old Dog]

There are currently two different versions of the P-229 available. You've still got 229s with the traditional, old(er)-style grips/stocks, and then there's the E2 gripped version, which some retailers are apparently calling the "Gen 2." The Gen 2 uses a different mag.

There are still deals out there on the excellent P-229 Stainless Elite which will take the old style mags.

You can confidently use the excellent Mec-Gar 15-round P-228/P-229 magazines in your current 9mm P-229. These can be ordered from various suppliers such as Top Gun Supply, www.topgunsupply.com(probably about the lowest price you'll find on them) or others such as Midway, etc.

You don't need to buy another SIG to use the 15-rounders made for the old-style SIG. But if you do, ensure you know which version you have (the grip styles are significantly different) and easily recognized.

Just noticed that TGS (as of right now) has the two-tone (stainless slide) P-229R in stock.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The newer model is the 229-1, which shares frames with the 229 chamber for .40/357SIG...that is why they can take the new 15 round mags; they are wider.

The new mags will not fit in the older 229s, but the older mags will fit in the 229-1 frame...but they'll rattle a bit.

There were only two all stainless 229 models that I'm aware of...the 229 Sport and the 229 Elite..and both had the original frame dimensions.

As stated about, the Mec-Gar 229 mags, for your 229, will accept 15 rounds...their springs nest differently

 

[valnar]

The problem is, at least on Gunbroker, a lot of them are labeled as P229 Stainless Elite but I think its the new model.

For the purpose of consistency, I am not interested in the new model, even if they can support the 13rd mags or aftermarket 15rd mags.

 

[Rinspeed]

I have a German SIG P229 9mm with the 13rd magazines

I would have to first ask why you think it is a "German 229". Just because any Sig says made in Germany on any part doesn't mean a whole lot. They have send various parts over to the states for 20 years.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I thought the 229 was the first American made SIG? I could be wrong on that though.

Are you sure you're not talking about the P228?

 

[J2FLAN]

I bought a couple of 12 rd (40/357) a few weeks back for my 1996, 229, they were listed as for the 229, and were the correct mags. Others were listed for the 229-1, or E2. I got a good price on them from- http://www.cdnnsports.com/
BTW: The frame is marked "made in Germany" the slide is usa made.

 

[Nighthawk0083]

Mag on the left is 9mm 15rd mag made for the p228 and p229 9mm only frame. I made the mistake of thinking all 229's could be swapped over to 40 or 357sig but that is not true.

Mag on the right has the bump about half way down. You dont want any mags with that bump they wont work in your 9mm only frame. I believe that all of the new e2 mags come that way so dont buy any of those.

Also I believe if it is a 9mm 13rd mag its the old style. They will work in any 228 or 229. Even the new 229's with the wider mag well but they do rattle a little.

 

[valnar]

I don't need any more mags.