Sig reissue P228 w/ tac rails vs P229 ??

[Guest motonut]

I'm really interested in a Sig 9mm. Apparently last year Sig came out with a reissue of the previously discontinued P228 (9mm only w/ ~3.9" bbl) and added a lower tactical rail. The P229 was the next evolution that comes in either 9mm, .40 or .357 Sig (I think). Which would be the better way to go, P228 or P229 in 9mm? (P226 is in the longer 4.4" bbl). My local gun shop only had the P226 so I couldn't compare the weapons.

I've found the P228 (NIB) for anywhere from $750 to $1000+ online. Just curious what the groups opinion on the 2 is?

[Guest malbolja]

I'm really interested in a Sig 9mm. Apparently last year Sig came out with a reissue of the previously discontinued P228 (9mm only w/ ~3.9" bbl) and added a lower tactical rail. The P229 was the next evolution that comes in either 9mm, .40 or .357 Sig (I think). Which would be the better way to go, P228 or P229 in 9mm? (P226 is in the longer 4.4" bbl). My local gun shop only had the P226 so I couldn't compare the weapons.

I've found the P228 (NIB) for anywhere from $750 to $1000+ online. Just curious what the groups opinion on the 2 is?

If you're sure you only want 9MM, I would go with the 228, as it is lighter and many think better balanced due to it's stamped slide. The 229 slide is machined from solid stainless steel. Other than that they're pretty much the same pistol. The 229 was developed to handle the higher pressure of the .40 S&W which is too much for the stamped slide models. IIRC, Sig is no longer producing parts for the stamped models, but there are enough spare parts out there that I wouldn't let that influence your decision.

However, if you get a 229 in .40 or .357 Sig, you can shoot both those calibers and get an aftermarket conversion barrel to shoot 9MM as well. But you can't go from 9 to 40/357.

Both are excellent pistols and IMO would serve you well.

Edited June 8, 2010 by malbolja

[Guest motonut]

Thanks for the info, I have 2 other handguns in .40, I'm looking for a 9mm this time. But good thought on the barrel change.

[nolo]

I like the 229. I don't know if the mags are interchangeable, but the 229s I have seen have a higher cap mag than the 228.

[R1100R]

I have a 229 in 40. You can get barrels for .357 SIG and 9MM. I got mine CPO from SIG for 550.00. My last three SIG's have been Certified Pre Owned by SIG. They have been a bargin.

[Guest malbolja]

I have a 229 in 40. You can get barrels for .357 SIG and 9MM.

for clarity:

If you want to shoot 9MM out of a .40/357, you have to get a

9MM CONVERSION barrel, you can't just drop in a stock 9MM barrel.

[Guest motonut]

Is there a best place for a 9mm conversion barrel? If I can get effectively a .40 and a 9mm for the price of a new 9mm that sounds like the way to go (for me).

Glad I asked about this.

[R1100R]

Welcome to EFKFireDragon.com Nice people to deal with on barrels, especially the price.

[Guest BJEC1248]

I have a 229 in 9, shoots like a dream.

[nolo]

Is there a best place for a 9mm conversion barrel? If I can get effectively a .40 and a 9mm for the price of a new 9mm that sounds like the way to go (for me).

Glad I asked about this.

Barsto is the best place. EFK makes a pretty good product too. Stormlake will be making a barrel in the near future.

[Ropin4gold]

I don't think you can find a better 9mm than the 228. Check them out on sigforum. You should be able to find a used one for around 550. As for the new ones with the rail, I think the best price I have seen is 879.

[Reservoir Dog]

I have both a P228 and P229 (.40 cal), and have carried them both extensively. Both are excellent pistols, and have served me well. Personally, I favor the 228. The balance and weight of the 228 is much better than the heavier 229. I don't like the recent reissue of the 228 because of the rail, the 228 is a much better looking pistol without it.

I personally believe that the P228 is one of the finest combat handguns out there, and probably the best pistol ever produced by SIG Sauer.

[Guest Oaklands]

I have the 229 in .40 and recently purchased a used .357 barrel. A few of use went out shooting about a month ago. One of the guys had a .40 in a glock and could not hit much with it. He also could not get used to the muzzle flip. I let him shoot the 229 and he did much better. I had put a recoil reducer in it and the difference in his glock and my sig was day and night.

I was impressed w/how the sig did not have much flip to begin with. You can get it back on target really fast. This makes two glocks I have shot and I have not been impressed with either. They don't feel good in my hands.

You will be happy with a 229. That way you can change around as you like. You can use the same mags with the .357 sig barrel.

Best of luck on your decision.

[Guest motonut]

Welcome to EFKFireDragon.com Nice people to deal with on barrels, especially the price.

Outstanding! Direct link to the conversion.

Display Products

I thought I would also have to get a 9mm mag too but it looks like the stock .40 mag will also work with the 9mm.

Also looks like I can do the same thing w/ my .40 XD too.

This place is great! Thanks guys!

[Guest motonut]

Finally made a decision, I decided to go a little upscale and get a new p229 .40 Equinox and will order a 9mm conversion kit for it (I will also get the dedicated 9mm mags just to avoid any hassle). I may even get a 9mm conversion barrel for my XD40.

Problem now is finding who has a 9mm conversion in stock, everyone seems to be OOS.

Sorry, can't post pics yet as I need to line up a FFL to take the transfer, I'll most likely use Guns and Leather just for an excuse to visit the shop.