Trade a P239 for a P229?

[Doogledog]

Back in January I purchased a Sig P239 in .40 S&W. It's a great shooter and very accurate but, it just doesn't fit my hand. It was my first Sig purchase and I like the gun a lot and I'm really impressed with the quality of the firearm but my Glock 23C carries better and feels better in my hand. I also have a couple of 1911's that I shoot very well as well, so it's not that I'm just a Glock guy. Anyway, what I'm getting around to is this: If I attempted to make a trade for a Sig P229, Would it be worth it? It probably wouldn't be for everyday carry or anything that critical I just really like the Sig's and the P229 with the full size grip looks more like something I'd like. What do you guys think?

 

[LTR shooter]

I've owned my P239 9mm for close to 15 years and thought of trading it for a used P228 at one time. He was giving me a good trade price but I decided to keep the P239.

Not long ago I finally picked up a P226 with the E2 grip and it actually fits me hand better than the compact P239. I'll still probably keep the P239 as it is an extremely accurate and totally reliable pistol.

If you really like the P229 it won't hurt to see what kind of trade difference the dealer will offer. Or you could even sell the P239.

 

[AK103K]

Having owned both, Id say go for it, and Id actually take it a step further, and go with a P226. I always found the grip on the P226 to be the most comfortable of the three. Its also a tad slimmer than the P229.

SIG has funny ideas on "size", and all three really arent all that different. Might as well take advantage of the higher cap guns.

 

[Kymasabe]

I once traded a beautiful CPO Sig P226 9mm for a .40cal P239 and totally regret it. I found the P226 fit my hand better and was far more accurate. Most accurate handgun I've ever owned actually.

 

[Doogledog]

Isn't the P229 just a shorter barreled version of the P226? Or am I mixed up?Unfortunately where I live there isn't much opportunity to go to a range and rent one or even hold them much.

 

[AK103K]

Pretty much, about 1/2" shorter, and a tad "fatter".

 

[Quat]

If you have stock grips on the P239, you might look at Hogue rubber grips for it. Not sure exactly how much larger than stock they are but the one I held with them felt just right. I think you can get them for $20 or less.

 

[AK103K]

I had a set of Houge Cocobolo's on mine, and they did feel much better, but they also made the gun basically as fat as a double stack P229 through the grip.

Thats the main problem I had with the P239, the stock panels were to skinny and needed more "swell" in the palm. It would have been nice if SIG offered a factory alternative with more swell, but they didnt. I have Houge rubber grips on other guns, and they are to sticky/grabby for carry. The wood grips work well, but just add unneeded bulk to the gun.

 

[REJones]

Doogledog,

If the P239 doesn't fit your hand well it's not going to be fun to shoot. There are plenty of people out there who would love to have yours, so you might as well set it free and get something you'll like better

 

[skt239]

Doogle,

What don't you like about the P239 grip? Have you handled the P229?

 

[Doogledog]

The grip is a bit too short for me. I actually like the thickness but it appears and feels "top heavy". I think if the grip was just about 1/2" longer it would be perfect.

There isn't much opportunity for me to handle a 229 here where I live. I'm at least 150 to 200 miles from Birmingham.

 

[coalman]

It's a hobby. Own guns you like IMO. The P229 is a nice gun. Owned one. Feels and shoots very nice.

 

[boricua9mm]

I had a set of Houge Cocobolo's on mine, and they did feel much better, but they also made the gun basically as fat as a double stack P229 through the grip.

Thats the main problem I had with the P239, the stock panels were to skinny and needed more "swell" in the palm. It would have been nice if SIG offered a factory alternative with more swell, but they didnt. I have Houge rubber grips on other guns, and they are to sticky/grabby for carry. The wood grips work well, but just add unneeded bulk to the gun

Hogue never quite understood this and how it made their wood grips a "no go" for many people. Back around '03 I had asked Hogue if the grips could be reduced and I was told that doing so would severely compromise the integrity of the grips and I'd be at risk of breaking them. Well, I had a pair of Walnut panels that only cost me $50 at the time, so I decided to reduce them myself and took the chance. I reduced the thickness from ~0.25 down to about 0.16" per panel. Those grips have taken a lickin' and they keep on tickin' so I have no idea why Hogue doesn't wake up. I figure they just haven't done the R&D to find out what I found out.

In fact, I just got done doing the same project for my lady's 3912LS...

For me personally, I wouldn't trade a 239 for a 229 unless I was strictly looking for a range gun. The 239 and I get along very well and I can count on my first DA shot landing where I need it to go. After 6k rounds the trigger became smooth as butter. That confidence in its accuracy and its reliability go a long way. I used to carry the 239 in the dark days of the AWB. I have since retired it from the primary carry rotation and it now lives as a suppressor host.

 

[mahansm]

I have both the 229 and 226 in .40 and prefer the way that the 226 feels in my hand. The grip just fits better. I've handled the 239 and it just doesn't fit my hand. My wife really likes her 230 but doesn't care for the grip on the 232; I can shoot the 230 but, again, it doesn't fit me.

Steve

 

[skt239]

I also would not trade my P239 for a P229 but as you said, it does not fit your hand. The 229 should give you the grip length you need but keep in mind it will be a bit tougher to conceal. IMO, the 239 is pushing it in terms of weight and size for comfortable carry. The added thickness and height of the 229 is more than I can conceal, YMMV.