The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Walter45Auto on January 01, 2010, 01:19:46 PM
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I'm thinking of getting a SIG .40 cal. But I can't decide between the 226 and the 229. I'm thinking maybe the 229 because it's more compact. one thing I'm wondering though, is how much size difference is there between the two???
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Not much, I think it's about 1/2 inch in length...not much weight difference either. My SIL has both though I don't understand why since they are so close.....he just likes the Sigs which I can understand. They are well built, accurate guns though as I've said before, I find them a bit topheavy.
You want smaller, look at the 239, still a bit hefty for a small single stack.
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A friend of mine had a 229 in .40 cal. I was impressed by it it seemed milder than I expected.
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I'd get the 226.
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Forget everyone else's advice for now. Here is the key question - what are you intending to use the pistol for. Plinking? Go with the 226. CCW, go with the 229.
Good boy on the decision for the Sig though, you will not regret it so long as you have already handled it and you know it fits your hand and provides an instant sight picture for you.
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229:
Overall Length 7.10”
Overall Height 5.40”
Overall Width 1.50”
Barrel Length 3.9”
Sight Radius 5.70"
32.4 oz
226:
Overall Length 7.70”
Overall Height 5.50”
Overall Width 1.50”
Barrel Length 4.40”
Sight Radius 6.30”
34 oz
*My preference would be for the 229 because of the more compact size
You do know they are still making Glocks, dont ya?
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he are really only talking about a 1/2" in OAL and 1.6 oz in wieght. you won't notice either.
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P226, because its based off the P220, which we all know is the baddest ass pistol ever made. Have you put thought into the .357 SIG? Because with .40 and .357 SIG all you need is a barrel and main spring change, same mags and everything.
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If you can find a range where you can rent pistols, try to shoot both and see how they feel. That's the main difference. When I was shopping for a carry gun, I looked at a 229 and a 239. Strangely enough, I shot better with the 239. Had I looked only at technical specs, though, I would have chosen the 229.
Between the 226 and 229, the latter is considered to be more concealable. Even though the widths of these two models are listed as the same (1.50"), the 229 slide is noticeably thicker. It's a shame that SIG didn't slim it down and maybe trim a bit more overall length, to make these models more distinct. The 226 is considered a combat pistol and the 229 more of a police/carry pistol, but not strictly.
They're all a bit top heavy, but great for shooting--you kind of want that heft for .40. I have a 239 in .40 and never regretted it. People who carry them only speak highly of this one, even though single stack is kind of old school ;)
Of course I want another SIG, and I'm going through the same agonizing that you are--226 or 229? Can't decide!
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This is my first Sig. Its a p226 equinox.The quality of this gun is amazing, a great shooter. Its a .40sw and I purchased the 357 sig barrel for it. For me this is a range gun. I would not hesitate to carry this though. I carry the glock20+29 because I love 10mm.
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SEXY!
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I've got the 229 and think it's a great gun. I've never shot the 226 but I don't think theirs enough of difference to matter. Which one can you get the best deal on?? That would be the decider for me. I don't know, but do they have the same mag capacity? For me though the sig's are a range / home defense gun. Their to heavy for carry in my opinion. I have carried mine but that was in the early days when I was still learning about CCW. ::) Their are far better pistols for carry on the market for a better price. Sig's are rather expensive.
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Good guns...I've got a Pro 2022 in 9mm and a GSR 1911- both very nice. They make the 2022 in 40, and at about $450 it's the most underrateed gun out there.
Yes, they're top heavy, expensive, and a little clunky, but they're well made, sexy, and that "To hell and back reliability" slogan is dead on.
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I almost bought a 226 equinox but heard a lot of bad stories about the wood grip screws backing out and the grip falling off. BUt I will say that the equinox wood grip is the most comfortable grip i have ever held in my life and the polished raised edges on teh equi look amazing.
I have always prefered the 226 over teh 229 on asthetics alone. The 229 has all teh edges rounded off to prevent snagging for concealed carry. looks wierd to me
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A little blue LocTite goes a long ways with grip screws. Buy a tube and leave it in the range bag. I've had a tube of red and blue for years.
Warning.....don't use the red on small fasteners. You'll shear off the screw or bugger the head before you can remove it.
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YES I KNOW THEY STILL MAKE GLOCKS! and I have the main Glock I want (Model 30). The SIG when I get one will be a possible nightstand gun, and a sometimes Concealed Carry pistol. And mostly, just because I feel like getting one.
Partly also because of advice I've heard that it's not a bad idea to use what the local police use for a Home Defense gun. And Dallas Police use the 226 (Unless hired before 2001. Then they can choose a GLOCK instead, I'm told.). One thing I wonder is if there is a huge difference in how concealable the 229 is over the 226. I know there's not all the much difference in length of the 1911 Govt model and Officers model grip, but the Officer's conceals a lot better. Of course since I'll only be able to carry it occasionally, I wonder how much it'll actually matter.
Oh, does anybody know if the 229 can use a 226 magazine?
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Oh, does anybody know if the 229 can use a 226 magazine?
The answer is Yes, BUT the 229's base plate is a contoured plastic piece, were as the 226's base plate is a flat steel piece. Also the 226 mag is about 1/4 in longer than the 229 mag. So while the 226 mag will work in 229 it will stick out the bottom a little bit and for me it the lip of the steel base plate rubs on my pinky finger. That would be okay if I were in a S.D. shooting and needed to borrow a mag from a 226 user, but would get old real quick at the range without a glove or something to protect my finger. And in .40 they both hold 12 rds. I have one 226 mag that I bought used just because it was cheap and because it gave me another extra mag. ::) I also think the 229 with night sights and Crimson Trace laser grips would make and awesome night stand gun with limited CCW use (due to the wt.). ;D Oh and one more AND I don't think the 229 mag would fit in the 226. :P
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IMHO, the three critera that divides a holster gun from a CCW is: grip thickness, grip length (i.e. height), and overall weight. Based on these, you're drawing six or a half-dozen here....
I wish more manufacturers would make short-gripped semi-autos with full-length slides. As much as I like my 9mm XD sub, I'd like it even better with the 4" top end mated to the sub frame....that, with the different-capacity mags, would give you a choice b/t a full-sized range gun and a great CCW piece....
Springfield....Glock....Ruger....are y'all listening?..... 8)
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IMHO, the three critera that divides a holster gun from a CCW is: grip thickness, grip length (i.e. height), and overall weight. Based on these, you're drawing six or a half-dozen here....
I wish more manufacturers would make short-gripped semi-autos with full-length slides. As much as I like my 9mm XD sub, I'd like it even better with the 4" top end mated to the sub frame....that, with the different-capacity mags, would give you a choice b/t a full-sized range gun and a great CCW piece....
Springfield....Glock....Ruger....are y'all listening?..... 8)
+10 ;D
I would love to have a full length slide on my M&P9c. I actually put the slide of M&P9 on the c model and it fit but fore a 1/2 in. gap at the end of the frame wear the spring was exposed. ??? I would carry it that way but for all the dust bunnies you'd pick up. :(
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Heck, my Commander 1911 is about the same size but its lighter (by nearly 1/2 pound), thinner and still maintains a 4-1/4" barrel length. I think I'll stick with what I've got. Besides, when you're on a budget, buy what you trust and beware of the old guy with one or two guns...
When my SIL carries any of his Sigs, he prints everything. He's just to damn skinny to carry anything without it dragging his pants off and won't consider something else because it's "what the SEALS carry".........which may or may not be true....who cares!
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YES I KNOW THEY STILL MAKE GLOCKS! and I have the main Glock I want (Model 30). The SIG when I get one will be a possible nightstand gun, and a sometimes Concealed Carry pistol. And mostly, just because I feel like getting one.
Partly also because of advice I've heard that it's not a bad idea to use what the local police use for a Home Defense gun. And Dallas Police use the 226 (Unless hired before 2001. Then they can choose a GLOCK instead, I'm told.). One thing I wonder is if there is a huge difference in how concealable the 229 is over the 226. I know there's not all the much difference in length of the 1911 Govt model and Officers model grip, but the Officer's conceals a lot better. Of course since I'll only be able to carry it occasionally, I wonder how much it'll actually matter.
Oh, does anybody know if the 229 can use a 226 magazine?
Glocks may be fine for carry and utility, but who want's to take plain old black plastic to a BBQ ;D
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If you are thinking of the full size 226, I recommend going to take a look at the FNH USA 40 before you buy. http://www.fnhusa.com/support/images/dynamic/m/FNM0124mb.png
Its lighter and holds more with the slide stop in the right place. But that's just my opinion.
Unless you are getting a great deal online or personal sale, you can do yourself a favor and do a personal Test and Evaluation at a rental range or handle them at a local gunshop. If you are upfront about the situation the sales staff you talk to will be most likely a huge help in your problem solving.
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If you are thinking of the full size 226, I recommend going to take a look at the FNH USA 40 before you buy. http://www.fnhusa.com/support/images/dynamic/m/FNM0124mb.png
Its lighter and holds more with the slide stop in the right place. But that's just my opinion.
Good point Tex....Sig puts the slide release right where your thumb lands. At least for a right hand shooter. When the SIL is shooting quickly, he rarely gets a slide lock because of it's location. Makes for a bad/slower reload unless he's counting rounds.
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IMHO, the three critera that divides a holster gun from a CCW is: grip thickness, grip length (i.e. height), and overall weight. Based on these, you're drawing six or a half-dozen here....
I wish more manufacturers would make short-gripped semi-autos with full-length slides. As much as I like my 9mm XD sub, I'd like it even better with the 4" top end mated to the sub frame....that, with the different-capacity mags, would give you a choice b/t a full-sized range gun and a great CCW piece....
Springfield....Glock....Ruger....are y'all listening?..... 8)
I wouldn't mind a Glock 30 grip with a G21 length barrel and slide. I've seen a couple that members on other forums have made for themselves. Had a friend who put together a Colt commander Slide/barrel and an Officer's frame (Another I'd like to have.).
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YES I KNOW THEY STILL MAKE GLOCKS! and I have the main Glock I want (Model 30). The SIG when I get one will be a possible nightstand gun, and a sometimes Concealed Carry pistol. And mostly, just because I feel like getting one.
Partly also because of advice I've heard that it's not a bad idea to use what the local police use for a Home Defense gun. And Dallas Police use the 226 (Unless hired before 2001. Then they can choose a GLOCK instead, I'm told.). One thing I wonder is if there is a huge difference in how concealable the 229 is over the 226. I know there's not all the much difference in length of the 1911 Govt model and Officers model grip, but the Officer's conceals a lot better. Of course since I'll only be able to carry it occasionally, I wonder how much it'll actually matter.
Oh, does anybody know if the 229 can use a 226 magazine?
Walter,
I carry my 229, .40 IWB. As far as concealability of it versus the 226, if you carrry IWB, it all depends on how much barrel and slide that is comfortable for you. I also carry a full size 1911 IWB from time to time without issue. I always carry any of my guns IWB simply because I don't want to worry about concealability as it relates to barrel length.
Another post mentioned the loaded weight of the 229, and yes it is heavier than a lot of other guns, but then again it is all about what you are comfortable with.
Overall, I love my 229. My step son, who is a sheriff's deputy in the Austin area carries a 226 (.357 sig) as his duty gun and really likes it as well.
-TexGun
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The service life on that Sig is 20,000 rounds. But, if it goes to sleep with you it won't matter.
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Good point Tex....Sig puts the slide release right where your thumb lands. At least for a right hand shooter. When the SIL is shooting quickly, he rarely gets a slide lock because of it's location. Makes for a bad/slower reload unless he's counting rounds.
I love the location of the slide release on the 229. It's perfect for doing a reload with out having to use the weak hand to release the slide or adjust your grip to move the lever. I've never had a failure to lock the slide on empty because of my thumb either. It's actually one of the things I really like about the sig!
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I love the location of the slide release on the 229. It's perfect for doing a reload with out having to use the weak hand to release the slide or adjust your grip to move the lever. I've never had a failure to lock the slide on empty because of my thumb either. It's actually one of the things I really like about the sig!
I'll second that...
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Now let me throw something at you. I carried the Sig P-220 for most of my career, as an LEO and civilian firearms instructor I had the unique opportunity to test and evaluate many side arms. My/our top list was and is:
SigSauer for double action pistols [Beretta & H-K tied #2]
Smith & Wesson for revolvers
Springfield for stricker fired pistols
Many others are also good, but this is how our test came out, with 22 other instructors input/testing.
Anyway consider the P-250, it's convertable to any size frame/shell and several calibers. I now carry IWB the .40 caliber compact, two tone, night sights,4"bbl. The grip felt a little short so I removed the magazine floorlate and installed a finger grip extender for a Springfield XD (9mm model) Pierce Grip, snug--but working great. Smoothest trigger pull [double action] pistol ever felt.
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Now let me throw something at you. I carried the Sig P-220 for most of my career, as an LEO and civilian firearms instructor I had the unique opportunity to test and evaluate many side arms. My/our top list was and is:
SigSauer for double action pistols [Beretta & H-K tied #2]
Smith & Wesson for revolvers
Springfield for stricker fired pistols
Many others are also good, but this is how our test came out, with 22 other instructors input/testing.
Anyway consider the P-250, it's convertable to any size frame/shell and several calibers. I now carry IWB the .40 caliber compact, two tone, night sights,4"bbl. The grip felt a little short so I removed the magazine floorlate and installed a finger grip extender for a Springfield XD (9mm model) Pierce Grip, snug--but working great. Smoothest trigger pull [double action] pistol ever felt.
The P250 is an idea I had forgotten about. I've read about them but have no practical experience with one. I generally don't ask to play with guns at the store unless I'm actually considering a purchase. So far I haven't been able to develop enough interest in another sig purchase. I'm sure it will move up on my list eventually, after some higher priority purchases are made.
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Now Sig is offering the 2-fer... The 250 which includes a full size frame and a compact frame and barrels...the firing mech can be switched between the two. Check their website.
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Howdy all,I'm new to the site.How about the sig 250,it comes in a compact and sub-compact.just a thought. :)
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I had the fortune of being loaned a SIG226 in .40 while my M&P was out of hand. I loved it except for the weight and the trigger. In this case an early version of the DAK. I really would like to get some time at the range with the FNP. I really like their quality and the fact you can save a lot compared to the price of the SIG.
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Keep an eye out for used police guns. "used" meaning not hardly.
My dealer friend bought a bunch of Sigs and had them for $300 or $350. I think they were 226's.
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Keep an eye out for used police guns. "used" meaning not hardly.
My dealer friend bought a bunch of Sigs and had them for $300 or $350. I think they were 226's.
They'll probably look fairly used on the outside Police guns tend to get drawn a lot but shot seldom!