This is a review of the SIG Sauer P229, a compact pistol that has been a staple of the SIG lineup since the 1990s. The P229 is used by the US Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with many other agencies and militaries around the world.
It’s known for offering what many consider unrivaled reliability, accuracy, and balance.
After taking a closer look at the P229, I found that it handles recoil well all things being considered, especially in the higher caliber offerings of this firearm. It’s also a well-constructed firearm that may last a lifetime with proper care.
The P229 is a top choice for those that want a dependable carry weapon with a decent capacity. It’s a little smaller compared to the P226 but has a 13+1 round capacity.
In this SIG Sauer P229 review, we’ll examine the most important details to help you determine whether it meets your needs. Explore the P229’s performance, pros, and cons.
Keep reading to learn more about the SIG Sauer P229 pistol.
SIG Sauer P229 Overview
The SIG Sauer P229 is a compact pistol with a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) system. The SIG Sauer P229 is essentially an upgrade to the P228 and a smaller version of the P226.
SIG Sauer introduced the P229 in 1992 and made it specifically for the US market. The main update to the P229 was a heavier slide to accommodate heavier rounds.
The P229 was the first SIG Sauer pistol designed for the .357 SIG round. Instead of a stamped slide, the P229 included a CNC-milled slide with a Nitron finish.
SIG Sauer P229 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles recoil exceptionally well
- High-quality construction that can last a lifetime
- Easy to disassemble and clean
Cons
- Relatively bulky and heavy for a compact pistol
SIG Sauer P229 Features
The P229 is often used as a backup weapon or a concealed carry weapon (CCW) thanks to the following features.
Compact Pistol with a Solid Design
This firearm is a compact pistol with a shorter barrel and slide compared to the P226. It is about the same size as the Glock 19, which is also commonly used for concealed carry. It’s considered one of the best handguns for beginners due to its crisp trigger and simple safety mechanisms.
Available in Four Different Chambering Options
You can choose from four different types of cartridges when getting a P229. It’s available chambered in .357 SIG, .40 S&W, 9mm, or .22 long rifle (LR) cartridges. If you choose the .40 S&W model or the .357 SIG model, you can easily change between the two by switching out the barrel.
Use a Double-Action/Single-Action Trigger
The SIG Sauer P229 has a double-action/single-action firing system. A DA/SA trigger requires you to use more pressure when firing the first shot but tends to provide smoother trigger action with the follow-up shots.
Social Proof
The P229 is a popular gun, which means that the internet contains plenty of positive reviews. P229 owners typically praise the accuracy and balance of the firearm when firing. Most people find that the SIG Sauer P229 is a comfortable gun to fire.
Alternatives to the SIG Sauer P229
The P229 is a popular handgun but may not fit everyone’s unique needs. One possible alternative is the Glock 19. As with the P229, the Glock 19 is small enough to conceal and accepts magazines with 15, 17, 19, or 33 rounds. Along with a larger capacity, it’s typically cheaper compared to the SIG Sauer P229.
The P238 is another alternative to the P229. It’s a little smaller, making it easier to conceal. However, it also holds fewer rounds, as it doesn’t use a double-stack magazine.
Conclusion
The P229 is one of several top-rated pistols from the Swiss-German manufacturer. It has a capacity of 13+1 rounds and is available in several variants, including a .357 SIG model and a 9mm model.
Yet, it’s not the lightest or easiest pistol to carry. It’s bulky compared to many other concealed carry pistols, but also provides a level of reliability that you may not get from other manufacturers.
Start looking for P229 pistols for sale if you want to add a dependable, compact handgun to your collection.
Brady Kirkpatrick is the Editor of Gun Made. Brady is a passionate firearm owner from Omaha, Nebraska. Gun Made has been featured in various publications such as Forbes, Officer.com, American Police Beat, and countless others.
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