Sig Sauer P226 vs. 229

Bearlegs · Oct 27, 2002

I've wanted a Sig ever since seeing a picture of one in a "Guns & Ammo" magazine several years ago, and then every week (nearly) on the "X-Files". ;o) I had been considering picking up a .357 S&W 686, but went to a gun store over the weekend and was shocked to find how much one would cost! I also made the horrible mistake of handling a Sig 229 in .40 and was more or less won over to the "dark side". Upon looking at the Sig website, it seems there is a barrel conversion for the 226 which allows switching between .357 Sig an .40 S&W. I don't know if this is possible with the smaller 229, or if it would even be a major advantage. I am intrigued by the .357 Sig cartridge, in any event. The smaller size is no huge advantage to me because I don't carry concealed - I'd like a really nice pistol for home defense, plinking at the range, and passing on to a son someday. I already own a Ruger MkII Government Competition Target Model .22 that's the perfect plinking machine, but doesn't inspire confidence should some ne'er-do-well decide to creep into my humble abode and relieve my of my breath or belongings. I know some will try to persuade me to try a Glock, but I tried one once and didn't care for it at all. Nevertheless, any advice or experience any of you may have with these calibers or pistols is appreciated. Thanks!

grantdouglas · Oct 27, 2002

I carry a Sig P229 in .357 and love it. You can pick up a .40 barrel and use the same mags and have two guns in one. I've found that .40 ammo is usually cheaper.If you get one you will not be disappointed.

Danbo · Oct 28, 2002

I have owned both of these fine pistols. You really can't go wrong with either. The main differences are that the 226 is a full size pistol and it has a rolled or stamped sheet steel slide, while the 229 is a newer model, designed specifically for the high pressure 40 S&W and .357 Sig cartridges. The 229 also has a solid stainless steel slide. The 229 is a more compact, carryable sized pistol too. I love em both!

DB1 · Oct 28, 2002

The 357 SIG is a great round. I personally have a Glock 32 in 357 SIG, which you can also interchange barrels with to 40S&W caliber (Glock 23 barrel).

IIRC the 357 SIG is basically a necked-down 40S&W (10mm down to 9mm bullet diameter). In essence it's a hot 9mm. The bottleneck feature seems, in my experience, to feed quite reliably, although my SIG P220 in 45 ACP has never failed to feed a round.

You won't go wrong with either pistol. SIGS are my favorite...(btw save up for the 686 too, my favorite wheelgun...)

NGK-Webmaster · Oct 28, 2002

.357 sig and .40 have almost no ballistic differences. The .357 sig has more kick to so less controllability. The .40 rounds are allot cheaper and easier to reload. The guns are basically the same and same prices. So save money in the long run and go with the .40. The .357 Sig round was created in order to entice the older generation of Police Officers to switch to semi-autos instead of their old 357 revolvers. But the ballistics and 1 shot stop stats on the two rounds are almost identical so why pay more for the .357 ammo to get .40 cal stats? Although there is a cool factor in the round. And as with most necked down cartridges there is feed reliability but the .40 cal is not known for having feeding problems anyway so that advantage would be mute. The Sig is a great gun so either way you wont be going wrong.

Bearlegs · Oct 28, 2002

Thanks again for all the info, guys! I sure did like the feel of that 229 I held at the gun store. It was even in .40 and was very slightly used, so was marked at $470. I suppose I should call the store and see if they still have it! What are your thoughts on finish for this gun? I know it's offered in all stainless, stainless slide only, blued, or k-kote. I won't be carrying it on my person because I don't have a concealed carry permit, though I would like to get one in the future, primarily so I can carry it in my truck legally. The k-kote seems pretty cool, but I'm not sure if this used pistol has it or is blued. It's not one of the stainless variety, but I like the covert black look, anyway.

Danbo · Oct 28, 2002

For $470, unless it has been used as a boat anchor, it is a great deal. I personally fired over 1000 rds through my .357 Sig model 229, and it was barely broken in. Never had a single feed problem or jam of any kind. Damn, I miss that pistol!

Senator · Oct 29, 2002

Click on the thumbnail for a big pic of my "baby."

<CENTER>Stainless Sig P229 in .40 caliber
<A HREF="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=4011025&a=30192575&p=60759230&f=0"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Thumbnail?u=4011025&a=30192575&p=60759230&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0"border="3"></A></CENTER>

Bearlegs · Oct 30, 2002

I'm weeping openly like a babe. That is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I may have to go with stainless, too!

budrichard · Oct 30, 2002

I have two P229's with Sig Lites I use for CCW in 40 cal with 13 rnd mags. The reason for thier use is twofold. One they are very realiable and two, I can shoot very well with them. Snatch the slightly used P229 for $470! The slide is black coated stainless with an aluminum frame. -Dick

tique · Nov 1, 2002

I wish the 229 in .40 you speak of was in my gun store, I just sold one of my rifles and have some spare cash that would be spent as soon as I got my hands on it.

I've been looking to upgrade my caliber a little bit, just for the hell of it... I currently carry a Sig 239 in 9mm, and love it. The 229 would be a perfect just a bit bigger gun for winter carry.

I have been reading about all I can on .357Sig vs .40, and have come to the same conclusion as above. .357 doesn't work better, and .40 is cheaper, plus you get the added bonus of a bigger hole and non bottleneck cartrige. I'm still kinda torn between .40 and .45, but I'd jump on that 229 .40 if I had the chance, can always add a .45 later on.

Win Heger · Nov 2, 2002

I've never had a 226, but I did have a 229 for awhile. I only sold that off because I like my 220, alot. We can't carry in NJ, so size doesn't matter.

Between myself and a couple of friends we've never had a misfire or jam in our Sigs!!

Kelly, you're such a show off. I love that gun!

Win

Bearlegs · Nov 3, 2002

I'm definitely going to try to obtain that 229 after reading all the praises for it here. I'm now selling some items on ebay to fund the purchase. I'll let you all know what I think of it once I get it, if it's still there! If not, I may have to break down and buy the all stainless version like Senator's.