Was the Sig P229 built originally for .40?

[Surefire]

...or was it a 9mm model that was scaled up to also fire .40?


Also, in general, is the operational life (for the frame especially) significantly less for the .40 Sig P226, P229, and P239 versions vs the 9mm versions?

 

[dao]

Yes, the SIG229 was originaly built for .40SW. The older SIG228 was not strong enough for this cartridge, so SIG built the 229. And they made a 9mm version of this gun after, which was basically a stronger 228.

 

[jc2]

And they made a 9mm version of this gun after, which was basically a stronger 228.

That's kind of misleading statement on a number fronts. There is lot more significant differences (construction, balance, ergonomics, etc.) between the P228 and P229 than just model numbers.

 

[allen268]

The difference is in the slide, the 229 slide is milled from a solid piece of stainless steel while the 228 has a stamped slide.

 

[dsk]

The pressure from the .40 stressed the roll pin used to secure the breechblock in the P228's stamped slide, so SIG had to make new ones out of solid stainless steel as Allen said. Given that's the only significant difference between the P228 and P229 I'm surprised the P228 is still in the lineup.

 

[gc70]

dsk,

The 228 is no longer imported into the US and there is speculation that it is only being produced to fill existing military and police contracts.

OTOH, I feel that the 228 has a much better balance than the 229 precisely because it has less weight in the slide.

 

[caz223]

I had a 229 in .40 and had a 357SIG barrel for it and hated it. It was even pretty tutone.
I still have my basic black 228 and love it.
The balance of the 229 is all wrong.

 

[jc2]

Ditto. The balance and "feel" of the P228 are far superior to those of the P229. If my first SIG had been a P229, it would have been last SIG.

 

[Surefire]

In what way is the balance wrong?

I have a P228, but have never handled the P229...

 

[allen268]

The stainless slide makes it a little top heavy (more noticeable when empty mag), however I love both my standard 229 and 229ST in 40/357Sig, there is something to be said about a .40 that I can shoot as accurately with as any 9mm including my 228. I practice often with my 229s and balance has never been an issue for me, in fact I would say that the extra slide weight is what helps contribute to its easy handling/accuracy with hotter rounds such as the .40/357Sig. I love my 228, but if I had to choose one then personally I would stick with my 229 (also my daily carry). You definitely need to shoot one for yourself before forming an opinion as to whether you’d like it or not, for me it was my answer to the perfect handgun, 12+1 of .40 S&W in an incredibly accurate firearm that was specifically designed for that caliber.