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SIG P229 9mm
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5Wire
Member
I have one, SN: AK 26-XXX, a pre rail, non-convertible caliber issue, the first of Sig's pistols to be manufactured in the U.S. It uses the Heinie style two dot sights. It's not a big pistol but it's more of a sidearm type than a concealed carry gun, IMO. Reliable with all ammo I've tried in it, no failures of any kind. Solid, kind of boxy looking, like this
I bought it before the multi-caliber version was available. If I were to do it again, I'd get a .40 and probably the barrel//magazine combination for 9mm.
I bought it before the multi-caliber version was available. If I were to do it again, I'd get a .40 and probably the barrel//magazine combination for 9mm.
I have had one for several years and it is the most reliable pistol I own. I don't believe it has ever malfunctioned in well over 15K rounds. It is heavy, but it is accurate. I took it to a shooting school and put over 2K rounds down range in 3 days without a bobble of any kind.
Other than a CZ 75 probably the best pistol ever made. JMHO and lots of Military and Police like them also.
absolutevil
Member
I've fired thousands upon thousands of rounds through 9mm P229's. My opinion is it may be the finest handgun made for duty type service.
Gunslinger808
Member
I carried one (in .40) as a duty weapon for 4 years till I retired.
Accurate, reliable, and fit me well.
Hey, I bet my life on it.
Accurate, reliable, and fit me well.
Hey, I bet my life on it.
Ogandydancer
Member
I have a 229 in 40 S&W and it was a CPO whn I bought it and therefore I have no idea how many rounds thru it but it has been flawless for me, It's one of my EDC pistols.
Love it. Only thing is the trigger is less than ideal after shooting Smith Revolvers.
Have the SRT trigger installed. I put it in all my Sigs (myself)
P229s are not graceful - there is no feeling of agility, liveliness, or quickness to them, compared to a P226 or P228 - but as accurate, reliable shooting machines, they are pretty good. Of the three 229s I have traded my way through over the years, all were excellent shooters and all had good triggers. The big SIG-failing has always been the extremely awkward location of the slide stop and (if you like a manual safety) no safety lock. Otherwise, I think you could do a lot worse.
Thanks for the comments.
I bought a P229 in 9mm a while back...I have been trying to decide whether to keep it, or sell/trade it for another 1911. I carry a Shield, so I don't carry it (it's too bulky and heavy anyway, IMO.) I don't reload (and don't plan to start) and with the combined cost of .45 ammo and my fixed income (is zero "fixed" or broken?) I can't shoot my .45s as often as I would like. So, I was thinking about getting a 1911 in 9mm...but I sure do like this P229 as well. There is something nice about having 15 + 1 rounds at your command (mine is the new configuration that holds 15 rounds in the magazine) without reloading.
Hmmm...what to do? I know I should keep it and just buy a 9mm 1911 outright, but there are three things that argue against that: my checkbook, my wife, and our couch (it is very uncomfortable to sleep on.)
I bought a P229 in 9mm a while back...I have been trying to decide whether to keep it, or sell/trade it for another 1911. I carry a Shield, so I don't carry it (it's too bulky and heavy anyway, IMO.) I don't reload (and don't plan to start) and with the combined cost of .45 ammo and my fixed income (is zero "fixed" or broken?) I can't shoot my .45s as often as I would like. So, I was thinking about getting a 1911 in 9mm...but I sure do like this P229 as well. There is something nice about having 15 + 1 rounds at your command (mine is the new configuration that holds 15 rounds in the magazine) without reloading.
Hmmm...what to do? I know I should keep it and just buy a 9mm 1911 outright, but there are three things that argue against that: my checkbook, my wife, and our couch (it is very uncomfortable to sleep on.)
Who was it that so famously said high-capacity pistols are mainly useful if you plan to miss a lot? 
16-rounds in a pistol is overrated, unless you really need it. Your preference for the Shield points to that.
With the understanding that 1911s in 9mm can be a bit problematic, and since you already have a smaller 9 for other purposes, I can see the logic in moving the SIG and changing to a 1911 in 9mm for most of your target shooting - mainly because I happen to prefer 1911s, and secondarily since, as you say, the ammunition is much less expensive for you (non-handloader). I'd probably do it.
16-rounds in a pistol is overrated, unless you really need it. Your preference for the Shield points to that.With the understanding that 1911s in 9mm can be a bit problematic, and since you already have a smaller 9 for other purposes, I can see the logic in moving the SIG and changing to a 1911 in 9mm for most of your target shooting - mainly because I happen to prefer 1911s, and secondarily since, as you say, the ammunition is much less expensive for you (non-handloader). I'd probably do it.
Who was it that so famously said high-capacity pistols are mainly useful if you plan to miss a lot?
I have never subscribed to the "spray and pray" mentality...and especially so since I have never yet in my 61 years needed to use a gun, and sincerely hope my next 61 years is the same.
The other logical fallacy is that I prefer .45 for home defense but I trust my life and that of my loved ones to 9mm when I am out and about. Not wanting to start another caliber war, I do believe that the best gun is the one you have with you, not the one at home, and the best shot is the one that is properly placed, not the one that misses, irregardless of caliber.
My comment about having 15 + 1 rounds was more along the lines of convenience than any practical necessity. What I should have said, and didn't, was that I find the DA/SA action more appealing to me for a gun inside the home. I like and use the safety on the Shield, but I find the P229 to combine the best attributes of a revolver and a semi-automatic, with the added plus of additional capacity and ease of second and subsequent shots.
It sounds like I am making an argument for the P229 doesn't it? Maybe I am trying to convince myself to just keep and enjoy what I have...when what I really want is an excuse to buy one more 1911.
This is a disease, you know?
I would not trade a reliable, high capacity, tried and true platform for one of hopes and dreams. 9mm is a bad choice in a 1911, to me. I would keep the known performer, especially in these uncertain political times. Who knows, before long you may not have an opportunity to buy another. Bird in the hand, grass is always greener, blah, blah
I do agree...I have always felt that a 1911 should be chambered in .45 ACP, without a rail or other similar abominations such as a scope, mag well, FCS, FPS, FLGR, or anything "tactical." I am, however, not COMPLETELY a dinosaur since I like a beaver tail grip safety and commander hammer (I get hammer bite since I have small, fat hands.)
Or even keep the ones we currently have...
Having said that, let's not get off into a forbidden topic. (You do make a good point, though.)
Texas Star
US Veteran
I have not shot a P-229, but did handle my son's. It strikes me as top-heavy, unless a loaded mag. is in place.
I think a CZ-75B might better suit target shooting needs and remain a solid defense gun. A P-210 might be better, but is costly.
But for what it is meant to be, a basic defense gun that is highly reliable, adequately accurate, and pretty durable, i think you should stay with the P-229.
It is wise to have a good 9mm to shoot cheaper ammo, but I wouldn't shoot a lot regardless if in your financial position. And I probably am... no fun! But you can keep your skills up with a few range trips a year and not wear out your guns or your limited ammo budget.
You aren't a SEAL or a hostage rescue team member, and Texas security guards qualify just once every two years and manage. I wouldn't cut practice back to that little, but you get the idea. If you want a new gun and to shoot a lot, a Ruger .22 auto may be the answer. But I'd keep that P-229 and use it as it was intended. Should be about what's needed if your home is invaded.
BTW, my son did sometimes fire all 15 or more rounds in a 9mm magazine in Iraq, and a few times, fired more than one mag. But that was very intense military combat, sometimes while protecting convoys and dignitaries while a "contractor." (Hired paramilitary.) Because home invaders sometimes come in groups, I don't disparage anyone who keeps a 15-shot pistol for that need. Got a Beretta 9mm, myself. Doubt that I'd need 15 or more shots, but if I do, they're there. And I don't have to stash extra magazines in every room.
I think a CZ-75B might better suit target shooting needs and remain a solid defense gun. A P-210 might be better, but is costly.
But for what it is meant to be, a basic defense gun that is highly reliable, adequately accurate, and pretty durable, i think you should stay with the P-229.
It is wise to have a good 9mm to shoot cheaper ammo, but I wouldn't shoot a lot regardless if in your financial position. And I probably am... no fun! But you can keep your skills up with a few range trips a year and not wear out your guns or your limited ammo budget.
You aren't a SEAL or a hostage rescue team member, and Texas security guards qualify just once every two years and manage. I wouldn't cut practice back to that little, but you get the idea. If you want a new gun and to shoot a lot, a Ruger .22 auto may be the answer. But I'd keep that P-229 and use it as it was intended. Should be about what's needed if your home is invaded.
BTW, my son did sometimes fire all 15 or more rounds in a 9mm magazine in Iraq, and a few times, fired more than one mag. But that was very intense military combat, sometimes while protecting convoys and dignitaries while a "contractor." (Hired paramilitary.) Because home invaders sometimes come in groups, I don't disparage anyone who keeps a 15-shot pistol for that need. Got a Beretta 9mm, myself. Doubt that I'd need 15 or more shots, but if I do, they're there. And I don't have to stash extra magazines in every room.
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I'm more like a walrus...without the mustache.
The P229 is a good shooter, and it seems to balance well in my hand. I've decided to keep it, for several reasons...and I'll just ask for .45 ammo to run in my 1911s for my birthday and for Christmas.
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