SIG-P229 vs P226

Axion · September 2, 2006, 09:26 PM

I just shot that SIG-p226 in .40 and was very impressed with how much more accurate I was with it then I was with the XD tactical I shot a few weeks back. How does the p-229 compare to the p-226 in terms of accuracy. I assume the p-226 will be more accurate but is it pretty close? If so I think I'll go with the p-229 because I like that it's a little bit more compact.

PS- The range i go to only has 229s in 9mm, and whatever i buy will be .40, or I'd just go shoot one instead of asking.

DonR101395 · September 2, 2006, 10:07 PM

I've got a 229 in .357 and .40, I think you'll like it. It's stainless so you won't have the issues some have reported with their 226's as far as rusting is concerned. I went with the Nitron finish just to add another layer of rust protection and I preferred the look. Recoil isn't much different, mine is slightly more accurate with the .357 barrel, but not enough to complain about.

MoW · September 2, 2006, 10:35 PM

The P226 is better IMO. If you get a chance to handle both at the same time, you'll notice that the P229 is top heavy vs the P226's perfect balance.

DonR101395 · September 2, 2006, 10:37 PM

MoW
You're correct there, the 229 is one of the most top heavy guns I've shot.

Axion · September 3, 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

The P226 is better IMO. If you get a chance to handle both at the same time, you'll notice that the P229 is top heavy vs the P226's perfect balance.

That's intersting that you say that. I did hold them side by side and I actually think the 229 feels better balanced then the 226. I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not sure how the 226 with it's longer slide and barrel (longer = more weight) would be less top heavy.

You want to talk top heavy...the XD is top heavy.

Quote:

I've got a 229 in .357 and .40, I think you'll like it. It's stainless so you won't have the issues some have reported with their 226's as far as rusting is

So even the all black 229 is stainless underneath? If so that's good to hear.

Quote:

You're correct there, the 229 is one of the most top heavy guns I've shot.

Since I haven't got chance to hold a whole lot of guns i'd like to know what you consider to be better balanced.

I'd still like to hear from people who can comment on how close the 229 is to the 226 in terms of accuracy.

DonR101395 · September 3, 2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:
I've got a 229 in .357 and .40, I think you'll like it. It's stainless so you won't have the issues some have reported with their 226's as far as rusting is

So even the all black 229 is stainless underneath? If so that's good to hear.

Quote:
You're correct there, the 229 is one of the most top heavy guns I've shot.
Since I haven't got chance to hold a whole lot of guns i'd like to know what you consider to be better balanced.

Axion,
Yes, it stainless under the the Black Nitron finish. So far the finish seems pretty durable.

It's probably the most top heavy pistol I've shot, but it's not uncomfortable, or IMO not anymore top heavy than any other machined Sig. You can't go wrong with any of the Sigs, just find the one that feels most comfortable to you and run with it. Balance, accuracy, concealibility are all subjective to a cetain degree. Ask 50 people about a specific model and you will get 50 responses all varied based on their perception.
For example, I was a die hard 1911 guy for over 20 years, I heard about the horrible grip angle on Glocks, but after I shot one I couldn't see or feel what anyone was talking about, it felt fine to me.

hknut · September 3, 2006, 01:43 PM

I have both in .40, and I got to say the 229 is the way to go. The 229 is actually heavier than the 226 so recoil is not a issue. the 229 carries way better, and accuracy they are about the same.Good luck

GreyFox · September 3, 2006, 04:34 PM

I went through the same thing and i ended up buying the 229 equinox (.40) just b/c is is a tad smaller. I don't think you would be disapointed in ethier way 226 or 229, and as far as accuracy im not a expert but i don't think you would be able to tell a group difference from a 226 or a 229 if they were side by side.... Ethier way good choice and good luck

TrooperSon · September 3, 2006, 05:10 PM

226 is 9mm, and 229 is 40. Both about the same in accuracy for me up through 15 yards. On the 25 yard range, I start to notice a slight benefit from the longer barrel of the 226. But the difference is marginal and something I could probably resolve with more practice on the 25 yard range (I just spend most of my pistol time on the 7 - 15 yard range). Either way, both are very nice shooters.

Hammerhead · September 3, 2006, 06:48 PM

The P229 isn't all that much smaller than a P226, so it really doesn't have much of a concealment advantage, so for me the P226 makes more sense.
--The top heavy thing is overrated IMO. USP's are very top heavy, but you don't notice it at the range, it seems to be a gun store 'feel' thing. Sigs aren't quite as top heavy, and feel great at the range.
IMO, if you want a concealment pistol, get a P239.
If you want a range/home pistol, the P226 is the way to go.
Both my P226ST .40 and my P226R Navy 9mm are fantastic off hand shooters.
I bought the stainless .40 as a close quarters heavy hitter, but it's 25 yard accuracy has amazed me. It keeps right up to my Navy 9mm. Both guns shoot Blazer aluminum like it's match ammo.
The P229 should be every bit as accurate, but the slightly shorter sight radius will be a very slight handicap.
If you have young eyes, it won't be an issue.

Axion · September 3, 2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

I have both in .40, and I got to say the 229 is the way to go. The 229 is actually heavier than the 226 so recoil is not a issue. the 229 carries way better, and accuracy they are about the same.Good luck

According to sig's site the 229 = 32.4 oz and the 226 = 34oz

Axion · September 4, 2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

The P229 isn't all that much smaller than a P226, so it really doesn't have much of a concealment advantage, so for me the P226 makes more sense.
--The top heavy thing is overrated IMO. USP's are very top heavy, but you don't notice it at the range, it seems to be a gun store 'feel' thing. Sigs

I agree that the top heavy thing isn't that important. I felt that the XD was very top heavy, but even that didn't really bother me when shooting.

I like the 229 beause it feels a little bit better in my hand.

918v · September 4, 2006, 06:27 PM

Both are equally accurate and capable of sub-2" 25-yard groups with good ammo.

MuthaGoose · September 4, 2006, 08:14 PM

It just goes to show how different people perceive things differently. Having shot a P226 and P229, my impression is that the 226 was noticeably muzzle-heavy when compared to the 229; but that is the exact opposite impression that some others in this thread have come away with. Ergonomics on both felt great and their triggers were excellent. Not too crazy about their weight or price tag, though.

You pretty much have to shoot them for yourself to decide. Since firearms are a very personal thing, there are many subjective feelings about them.

BouncerDan · September 4, 2006, 09:04 PM

I personally own a 229 chambered in 40 and one of my good friends owns a 226 chambered in 9. Every time we go to the range togeather I have both a better group and a better looking target. This could just be by chance but.....

DonR101395 · September 4, 2006, 09:56 PM

Quote:

I personally own a 229 chambered in 40 and one of my good friends owns a 226 chambered in 9. Every time we go to the range togeather I have both a better group and a better looking target. This could just be by chance but.....

You could just shoot better than him

Axion · September 5, 2006, 12:07 AM

Bouncer Dan

I see you also have a PX4 in .40. That's the other gun I was very intersted in but kinda gave up on since I can't find one to shoot. I'd like to know how the PX4 and the 229 compare in terms of accuracy and which one you like better. I've held a PX4 so I know I like the way they feel, just haven't shot one.

9mm1033 · September 5, 2006, 07:38 PM

At the range today I put my 229 next to a 226. Both 9mm. Both with no rails. The only difference I spotted was the 1/2" longer barrel and longer grip on the 226. The 226 barrel is 4.4" and the 229 is 3.9" long. That's it! Personally, I like the feel of the solid stainless slide on my 229. Not sure but the 226 slide may be machined stamped. Plus, for my small hands the 229 fit perfect. Larger hands would probably fit the duty size 226 better. As far as top heavy...my 229 actually seemed alittle heavier on top. I think those two together are a close call. Now, I also handled a Glock 17. Yikes, like night and day. I found the Sig to be a quick pointer. The Glock aimed high everytime I pointed it towards a target spot. And the grip angle is far different from the Sig or XD. That's another debate.

HorseSoldier · September 6, 2006, 06:28 PM

I'd say get a 228 if you can find one. The 226 feels good in the hand, but I have to agree on the 229 being top heavy and kind of funky in terms of balance. The 228 feels great in the hand, comparatively.

stephen426 · September 6, 2006, 07:26 PM

I'm not trying to thread jack here but what the heck are you guys talking about top heaviness for? If you are dealing with a steel slide and an allow fram, the gun will be top heavy. This is absolutely irrelavent if you are holding the gun as it was intended to be held... horizontally with the sights on top and the grip pointing down. Now if you guys are shooting gangsta style, you might notice that the slide is heavier than the frame.

Sigs are superbly balanced in the sense they are neither muzzle heavy nor grip heavy. This translates into a gun that is easily pointed perfectly horizontally. Test it by turning the gun upside down and pinching it at the base of the trigger guard, where it meets the grip. The gun should be perfectly horizontal. Now hold the gun the proper way and loosen your grip. You will notice how the weight of the gun sits on your middle finger. Even with a full mag, the gun is very well balanced. Most Glocks are muzzle heavy, as are many polymer guns since the slide is heavier than the frame and sticks out past where you are supporting (gripping) it from.

Pretty much, the only guns that are balanced front to back and top to bottom are steel framed pistols since the weight is evenly distributed. Even if the gun is grip heavy, it will not affect the overall balance since you are directly supprting the grip.

Now to get back on topic... The Sig P229 feels more top heavy than the P228 since the stainless slide is heavier than the stamped slide. The P226 is now made with a machined stainless slide so rust and corrosion is no longer an concern. I traded my Sig P245 because it rusted so I undestand what you mean.

Your choice between the P226 and P229 should be decided upon your primary use for the gun. If you are going to conceal carry it, the P229 is easier to conceal. If the gun is for home defense and range use, you might get slightly better accuracy out of P226 due to the longer sight radius, and you also have greater ammo capacity. While I have not shot it, many people on this forum are very fond of the P239 for concealed carry so that is an option you can look into as well.

zelet · March 18, 2007, 12:07 AM

I just came across this and I'm having a problem with the 229's handle being too small for my hands.

Do you guys have any recommendations for handles that are bigger around than what the stock is?

Thanks

Willy T · March 18, 2007, 01:09 AM

My 229 in .40 feels superbly balanced. Points naturally and feels like quality. As far as accuracy I believe it is much better than me. You have a choice between stamped steel or milled stainless. Not much of a decision if both fit your hand.

The 1/2" sight radius isn't going to make a big difference.

Axion · March 18, 2007, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Do you guys have any recommendations for handles that are bigger around than what the stock is?

Thanks

Aftermarket grips would probably be your best best. Hogues maybe.

antsi · March 18, 2007, 10:10 AM

Clarification:

ALL 229's have machined stainless slides.

ALL 228's and 225's have stamped stainless slides

ALL 357SIG or 40SW 226's have machined stainless slides.

OLDER 9mm 226's have stamped carbon steel slides, as do older 220's.

NEWER 9mm 226's have machined stainless slides, as do newer 220's.

The slide (stamped vs. stainless) makes a lot more difference in the pistol's balance and feel than the model (226 vs. 229) does.

Some people prefer the feel of the stainless models, some prefer the stamped ones. You will have to try both (including shooting them) to find out which you prefer.

Counsel · August 7, 2008, 02:57 PM

Not asked about but commented on...

The P239 is a wonderful single-stack handgun. I am 6' tall and weigh 180lbs. The little finger does not fit on the handle/grip, but, to me, the gun is balanced and fits "right" in my hand. The P229 may be slightly taller (it is), but if you are going to conceal the gun, you might consider th P239.

The difference in capacity may or may not be an issue for you...

Of course, it all depends on your proposed use...

September 2, 2006, 09:26 PM	#1
Axion Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 619	SIG-P229 vs P226 I just shot that SIG-p226 in .40 and was very impressed with how much more accurate I was with it then I was with the XD tactical I shot a few weeks back. How does the p-229 compare to the p-226 in terms of accuracy. I assume the p-226 will be more accurate but is it pretty close? If so I think I'll go with the p-229 because I like that it's a little bit more compact. PS- The range i go to only has 229s in 9mm, and whatever i buy will be .40, or I'd just go shoot one instead of asking.

September 3, 2006, 01:43 PM	#7
hknut Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2005 Location: Olympia, Wa. Posts: 535	I have both in .40, and I got to say the 229 is the way to go. The 229 is actually heavier than the 226 so recoil is not a issue. the 229 carries way better, and accuracy they are about the same.Good luck __________________ "Gun control is like trying to reduce Drunk Driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars" Walk softly and carry a big SIG.

September 3, 2006, 04:34 PM	#8
GreyFox Member Join Date: August 13, 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 60	229 I went through the same thing and i ended up buying the 229 equinox (.40) just b/c is is a tad smaller. I don't think you would be disapointed in ethier way 226 or 229, and as far as accuracy im not a expert but i don't think you would be able to tell a group difference from a 226 or a 229 if they were side by side.... Ethier way good choice and good luck

September 3, 2006, 05:10 PM	#9
TrooperSon Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Posts: 91	I have both 226 is 9mm, and 229 is 40. Both about the same in accuracy for me up through 15 yards. On the 25 yard range, I start to notice a slight benefit from the longer barrel of the 226. But the difference is marginal and something I could probably resolve with more practice on the 25 yard range (I just spend most of my pistol time on the 7 - 15 yard range). Either way, both are very nice shooters. __________________ AR-15 Match HBAR Remington 700 VLS 22-250 Remington model 552 22cal S&W Model 19 357 mag Browning HP Practical 9mm Sig P230 Sig P226 9mm Sig P228 Sig P229 40 HK USP 40 S&W 1076 10mm Springfield XD 45 Kel-Tec 380 Glock 26

September 4, 2006, 09:04 PM	#15
BouncerDan Member Join Date: July 24, 2006 Location: Gainesville Fl Posts: 41	229 I personally own a 229 chambered in 40 and one of my good friends owns a 226 chambered in 9. Every time we go to the range togeather I have both a better group and a better looking target. This could just be by chance but..... __________________ This year will go down in history as the first year a civilized nation has full gun control, our streets will be safer, our police more effective. The rest of the world will follow our lead into the future." Adolf Hitler 1939. Sig 229 (.40 cal) Beretta 92 FS Beretta PX4 (.40 cal) Ruger P94TH (.40 cal) Ruger 10/22 AR 15 Mossberg 500 (12GA) (modified by myself from hunting variant to home defence variant) Remington 870 (20 GA)

September 2, 2006, 10:07 PM	#2
DonR101395 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2005 Location: NWFL Posts: 3,031	I've got a 229 in .357 and .40, I think you'll like it. It's stainless so you won't have the issues some have reported with their 226's as far as rusting is concerned. I went with the Nitron finish just to add another layer of rust protection and I preferred the look. Recoil isn't much different, mine is slightly more accurate with the .357 barrel, but not enough to complain about.

September 2, 2006, 10:35 PM	#3
MoW Junior member Join Date: January 27, 2005 Posts: 1,009	The P226 is better IMO. If you get a chance to handle both at the same time, you'll notice that the P229 is top heavy vs the P226's perfect balance.

September 2, 2006, 10:37 PM	#4
DonR101395 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2005 Location: NWFL Posts: 3,031	MoW You're correct there, the 229 is one of the most top heavy guns I've shot.

September 3, 2006, 06:48 PM	#10
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	The P229 isn't all that much smaller than a P226, so it really doesn't have much of a concealment advantage, so for me the P226 makes more sense. --The top heavy thing is overrated IMO. USP's are very top heavy, but you don't notice it at the range, it seems to be a gun store 'feel' thing. Sigs aren't quite as top heavy, and feel great at the range. IMO, if you want a concealment pistol, get a P239. If you want a range/home pistol, the P226 is the way to go. Both my P226ST .40 and my P226R Navy 9mm are fantastic off hand shooters. I bought the stainless .40 as a close quarters heavy hitter, but it's 25 yard accuracy has amazed me. It keeps right up to my Navy 9mm. Both guns shoot Blazer aluminum like it's match ammo. The P229 should be every bit as accurate, but the slightly shorter sight radius will be a very slight handicap. If you have young eyes, it won't be an issue.

September 4, 2006, 06:27 PM	#13
918v Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Posts: 1,372	Both are equally accurate and capable of sub-2" 25-yard groups with good ammo.

September 4, 2006, 08:14 PM	#14
MuthaGoose Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2005 Posts: 130	It just goes to show how different people perceive things differently. Having shot a P226 and P229, my impression is that the 226 was noticeably muzzle-heavy when compared to the 229; but that is the exact opposite impression that some others in this thread have come away with. Ergonomics on both felt great and their triggers were excellent. Not too crazy about their weight or price tag, though. You pretty much have to shoot them for yourself to decide. Since firearms are a very personal thing, there are many subjective feelings about them.

September 5, 2006, 12:07 AM	#17
Axion Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 619	Bouncer Dan I see you also have a PX4 in .40. That's the other gun I was very intersted in but kinda gave up on since I can't find one to shoot. I'd like to know how the PX4 and the 229 compare in terms of accuracy and which one you like better. I've held a PX4 so I know I like the way they feel, just haven't shot one.

September 5, 2006, 07:38 PM	#18
9mm1033 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: A big city with far too many cars and people. Posts: 932	At the range today I put my 229 next to a 226. Both 9mm. Both with no rails. The only difference I spotted was the 1/2" longer barrel and longer grip on the 226. The 226 barrel is 4.4" and the 229 is 3.9" long. That's it! Personally, I like the feel of the solid stainless slide on my 229. Not sure but the 226 slide may be machined stamped. Plus, for my small hands the 229 fit perfect. Larger hands would probably fit the duty size 226 better. As far as top heavy...my 229 actually seemed alittle heavier on top. I think those two together are a close call. Now, I also handled a Glock 17. Yikes, like night and day. I found the Sig to be a quick pointer. The Glock aimed high everytime I pointed it towards a target spot. And the grip angle is far different from the Sig or XD. That's another debate. __________________ No one reads or cares what is written in ones signature box. So I'm not writing anything worth reading or remembering.

September 6, 2006, 06:28 PM	#19
HorseSoldier Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: OCONUS 61°13′06″N 149°53′57″W Posts: 2,282	I'd say get a 228 if you can find one. The 226 feels good in the hand, but I have to agree on the 229 being top heavy and kind of funky in terms of balance. The 228 feels great in the hand, comparatively.

September 6, 2006, 07:26 PM	#20
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	I'm not trying to thread jack here but what the heck are you guys talking about top heaviness for? If you are dealing with a steel slide and an allow fram, the gun will be top heavy. This is absolutely irrelavent if you are holding the gun as it was intended to be held... horizontally with the sights on top and the grip pointing down. Now if you guys are shooting gangsta style, you might notice that the slide is heavier than the frame. Sigs are superbly balanced in the sense they are neither muzzle heavy nor grip heavy. This translates into a gun that is easily pointed perfectly horizontally. Test it by turning the gun upside down and pinching it at the base of the trigger guard, where it meets the grip. The gun should be perfectly horizontal. Now hold the gun the proper way and loosen your grip. You will notice how the weight of the gun sits on your middle finger. Even with a full mag, the gun is very well balanced. Most Glocks are muzzle heavy, as are many polymer guns since the slide is heavier than the frame and sticks out past where you are supporting (gripping) it from. Pretty much, the only guns that are balanced front to back and top to bottom are steel framed pistols since the weight is evenly distributed. Even if the gun is grip heavy, it will not affect the overall balance since you are directly supprting the grip. Now to get back on topic... The Sig P229 feels more top heavy than the P228 since the stainless slide is heavier than the stamped slide. The P226 is now made with a machined stainless slide so rust and corrosion is no longer an concern. I traded my Sig P245 because it rusted so I undestand what you mean. Your choice between the P226 and P229 should be decided upon your primary use for the gun. If you are going to conceal carry it, the P229 is easier to conceal. If the gun is for home defense and range use, you might get slightly better accuracy out of P226 due to the longer sight radius, and you also have greater ammo capacity. While I have not shot it, many people on this forum are very fond of the P239 for concealed carry so that is an option you can look into as well. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!

March 18, 2007, 12:07 AM	#21
zelet Junior Member Join Date: March 18, 2007 Posts: 1	P229 Handle is too small I just came across this and I'm having a problem with the 229's handle being too small for my hands. Do you guys have any recommendations for handles that are bigger around than what the stock is? Thanks

March 18, 2007, 01:09 AM	#22
Willy T Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2006 Location: Alaska Posts: 526	My 229 in .40 feels superbly balanced. Points naturally and feels like quality. As far as accuracy I believe it is much better than me. You have a choice between stamped steel or milled stainless. Not much of a decision if both fit your hand. The 1/2" sight radius isn't going to make a big difference.

March 18, 2007, 10:10 AM	#24
antsi Member Join Date: April 20, 2002 Posts: 92	Clarification: Stainless vs. Stamped SIGs Clarification: ALL 229's have machined stainless slides. ALL 228's and 225's have stamped stainless slides ALL 357SIG or 40SW 226's have machined stainless slides. OLDER 9mm 226's have stamped carbon steel slides, as do older 220's. NEWER 9mm 226's have machined stainless slides, as do newer 220's. The slide (stamped vs. stainless) makes a lot more difference in the pistol's balance and feel than the model (226 vs. 229) does. Some people prefer the feel of the stainless models, some prefer the stamped ones. You will have to try both (including shooting them) to find out which you prefer.

August 7, 2008, 02:57 PM	#25
Counsel Junior Member Join Date: July 28, 2008 Posts: 2	P229...p239 Not asked about but commented on... The P239 is a wonderful single-stack handgun. I am 6' tall and weigh 180lbs. The little finger does not fit on the handle/grip, but, to me, the gun is balanced and fits "right" in my hand. The P229 may be slightly taller (it is), but if you are going to conceal the gun, you might consider th P239. The difference in capacity may or may not be an issue for you... Of course, it all depends on your proposed use...