M&P 40 vs. Sig P229 40

[UMan5]

Any thoughts?

 

[bronco45]

An M&P many folks can own; a Sig is the Mercedes Benz of firearms. M&P one trigger to learn. Sig a DA pull and a SA pull to learn, and to transition from one to the other with speed and accuracy, has proven to be a challenge for many.

Sig=Prestige. S&W M&P= a workaholic American machine. Kinda like a Model 10 4" HB.

 

[JustAnotherGunGuy]

My buddy has a 229 and I have the M&P. The Sig seemed to have more flipping and muzzle rise to both of us. The M&P just felt easier to shoot. YMMV

 

[Buckey08]

I have them both, due to the fact that a very slight touch to the M&P 40 mag button will send the mag to the floor I will only use it for a house gun, I've seen the M&P mag come out too many times when putting it in a I.W.B holster. On the other hand the Sig with a full load of Federal HST (12)the mag button is good and firm and a slight bump won't send the mag flying. As far as both guns going bang when you pull the trigger, they are equal and with good ammo will out shoot the owner. When it comes to how they feel in the hand the M&P wins hands down, S&W did a great job of making it fit the hand. So which one would I choose if I had to pick only one? Lets say TO Hell And Back I'd take the Sig P229 hands down.
Before you say " send the M&P back to S&W, they will fix it" it has been back 3 times and I don't think they understand the problem or the fix.

 

[walkin' trails]

I quit carrying a Sig when I kept managing to snag the hammer and cock the piece in my trousers with an IWB. No accidents, fortunantly, but I considered a cocked Sig in an IWB holster more dangerous than a Glock without a holster in my waist band. I'd have the magazine catch on the M&P checked. I carry my 45 in an IWB and have never had that problem. If its not the mag catch, examine the way your holster rides and what might have contact with the piece. Years ago, I remember guys beating the brush with their P226s strapped on and donating 15-round magazines to whomever came along the trails afterwards and found them because the duty holsters they used somehow allowed the magazine catch to get bumped. I had that problem occasionally with a G23 in a tactical holster. I went away from that method of carry.

Anyway, to compare the M&P 40 to the P229, I'd personally give the nod to the Smith. I can't equate a Sig to a Mercedes unless you're talking about their P210. Anyway, the P229 is a reliable pistol with ergonomics that are dated. It is sort of brickish compared to an M&P or even a comparable Glock. I don't care for the way the P229 fits my hand, although the E2 version had posibilities. The P226 E2 felt much more comfortable and controllable. They shoot well - very accurate, but I would have to say that either pistol will shoot better than most shooters carrying the pieces. I don't care for the DA/SA trigger of the Sig, and never thought that Sig triggers were as marvelous as the magazines tout them. I did see a P228 after an armorer got ahold of it, and made a remarkable improvement - actually was light and smooth. The DAK triggers are light and consistent, but the P229 DAK I fired seemed to transmit recoil vibrations through the trigger and into my trigger finger. A few magazines and my finger was throbbing. In terms of durability, I can't say the M&P will have a shorter lifespan. Though I've never seen the problem with a P229 or any newer Sig, I've seen cracked frames on P220s (locking block area), 226s (rails) , and P228s (rails) that were manufactured in the late 80 - early 90s. They're alloy and the pistols had been shot a lot. Mass produce enough copies of a good design and sooner or later there will be an example make it through that has problems. For an all round carry and/or target or home defense pistol, I'd give the nod to the M&P.

 

[BoringGuy45]

Traded my Sig229 DAK .357 for a M&P45 about three months ago.

The 229 was a solid, reliable piece, don't get me wrong. I really liked the new E2 frame as well (though I also liked the old style). However, even though the DAK trigger was consistent and relatively light for a double action system, it was still much longer than I liked and it had a LONG reset. It feels pretty good when you dry fire it, but once you start putting rounds down range, you realize how hard it is to get a quick follow up shot accurately (unless you have the time and the money to put in a LOT of practice). I've also tried a 229 in DA/SA at a local range and just couldn't get used to it, so converting my Sig was out. I tried the M&P at the same place and fell in love instantly. Traded my Sig in and barely paid a dime in balance for the M&P. One of the best decisions I've ever made.

Sig Sauer is considered, along with H&K, to be the Rolls Royce/Mercedes of guns: High price and high quality. But to be perfectly honest, I'd say Sigs, as good as they are, are WAY overpriced. In terms of quality, accuracy, and reliability, I'd say that the M&P, Glock, XD, and CZ 75 series of pistols are just as good, if not better than the Sigs, and they cost about half.

If you really want a Sig, I'd strongly suggest the Pro series. They have the same feel as the 220-229 series, same trigger, same quality and reliability, but they have a polymer frame and cost about $500 (as opposed to the $900+ most Sigs cost).

One thing about Sig to beware of: Their customer service. Unless you're an LEO or military, they treat you like dirt and offer very little effort to help you. They also frequently, and without warning, change designs and parts, making their guns incompatible with accessories like holsters, lights, etc., and offer very little help with customers, even LEOs, who encounter these problems.

I have some Sig stories, but this post is getting too long, so I'll wait.

 

[raylo]

So more of what others have said. I have a sig 226 da/sa and a 229 SAS DAK. Sigs have a high bore axis so you will notice more muzzle flip/rise compared to a M&P or Glock especially in a 40. I love my sig in da but do not like going back and forth. Hate the DAK! smooth trigger yes but long and heavy also. double taps are a work in progress and after taking a few tactical pistol courses where you shoot 350-500 rounds a day for 2-3 days your trigger finger hurts!

I have a m&p 9c and the trigger is not as smooth but short and reliable and double taps have become impressive. I will not sell my sigs but the m&p is now my favorite.

 

[budrichard]

Two TOTALLY different pistols.
Either will do the job. Purchase which one YOU like.
Next question.-Dick

 

[DocSunShine]

Do you like Striker fired or DA/SA? Most shoot better with striker fired, do you might wanna look at M&P. If you do go P229, I'd go with the elite, the trigger is much nicer than a stock P229... Of course the same could be said about an Apex enhanced M&P.

For a carry gun, M&P will be significantly lighter, it's up to you though, your gun.

 

[toocool]

I've had Sigs and M&Ps. I still have the M&Ps. After holding the M&P, I found the Sig felt too fat in my hand. The E2 grips are a little better, (I had a P229 E2) but it felt like I was holding a sandpaper toilet paper roll. I really like my M&P 9 FS and my Shield. If I were given a Sig of any flavor, I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at it, but given a choice, I'd take my M&P...

 

[StatesRightist]

Another thought...SIG sells SRT's.

Metal craftsmanship vs plastic utility, each has it's advantages. I don't see the comparison.

 

[Badkarma 1]

SIG! Simply because it's been there and done that! It used by more Gov't agency's than any other pistol save Glock, and still in use by the SEALs.
The M&P is in mainstream law enforcement but that's about it. Dale