S&W M&P9 fullsize or Sig P228?

Coincidentally, I have two almost identical guns, a P228 and a M&P compact 9mm. Both have had outstandingly reliable functioning - tie there. I would give a slight advantage to the SIG for pure accuracy in slow fire or from a bench. But the one I shoot the most and carry is the Smith, due to its better hand/grip fit and more "user-friendly" trigger pull. I think I would let that be your guide.

is the Sig a better gun than the unproven M&P?

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In my opinion ... yes.

But, opinions vary (as the man said in that cheesy, but classic B-movie).

I'd pick up the 228 now before the supply of good ones dries up. Then later, pick up an M&P (before they get too popular -- deservedly, if early reviews stand up -- and the prices go up).

I've had both and I much prefer the S&W over the Sig.

I have both and they are fine guns. The 228 is no longer being imported, so buy it first and buy the M&P later (with more assurance as it is proven over time).

I am one of the few people that's not a SIG fan.
I carry an M&P and love mine to death. I'd say just pick whichever one you like best. Either is a fine weapon that'll serve you well when needed.

You can get night sights for the M&P if the night sights is what has you. I'd also be sure to get an M&P in the configuration you want (with/without mag safety and with/without lock) as you CAN get them in either configuration.

The M&P is hardly unproven. Several PDs have it. IIRC, one of the moderators here is issued one in .40. They seem to be holding up well. There were a few bumps in the road initially (man I hate being a beta tester and paying $500 for the priviledge). I wanted a 228 for a long time. Finally got a 229 in 9mm. For carry applications, the M&P is lighter, higher capacity and offers superior resistance to the elements. It's a current production gun and when you buy one new, you get a lifetime warranty. Have a warranty problem? S&W is known to send out prepaid UPS pickup labels.

I'm assuming the Sig you're looking at is used. You'd be second owner (at least) on that 228. Any repairs will be on your shoulders, so if you choose this one make sure it is mechanically 100%. The gun is technically discontinued for the US market (although limited runs are made for large contracts and overruns occasionally are seen on the general consumer market). Not much of a concern as the 229 in 9mm is still there and going strong and most parts are interchangeable.

So, I'd go for the M&P.

Interesting question! I JUST picked up a SW M&P9 yesterday, and will be picking up a used Sig 226 later this week! (Not quite a 228, but close!). I'll let you know what I think.

See below...

I have a SW, M&P 40c. Man is that a sweet pistol. i'm hoping they make a 357 Sig barrel for it real soon. I am selling all my glocks, and buying M&Ps, (except for my 2nd gen 17, 1st wonder nine i ever had).

I have a bunch of Sigs and a bunch of M&Ps. The Sigs are finely machined pieces of metal suitable for my kids to inherit one day, but I carry and practice with the M&Ps.

Depends on what you want.

I own a P228 and may be picking up a new M&P soon. I've shot the M&P and it's a wonderful weapon, BUT the P28 is, IMHO one of the finest firearms ever made. It is hyperaccurte, pure bliss to shoot and just melts into you hand like no other gun I've ever owned.

Get the P228 first, and if you still want the M&P later, they will be around for years come.

If you go the other route, there may come a time when you wont be able to find them anymore, and then you will hate yourself.

Sig by far over the MP. They are not even in the same league. MP might turn out to be a great gun, but only time will tell if it will be a proven design. Right now the jury is still out. Also I am a very much a Sig fan even though I don't own one.

I had a P226R, sold it after I got an M&P. The M&P may have a little more felt recoil, I much prefer the same-every-time trigger of the M&P and I never warmed to what felt like a relatively high bore axis on the Sig. It was more comparable to an XD to me.

The Sig, IMO, doesn't offer anything that you can't get out of a CZ 75B (or SP-01 or P-01, depending on size) for less money.

I have both. I prefer the MP for concealed carry because it is more resistant to rust and corrosion. I prefer the Sig for it's excellent quality, accuracy, dependibility, single/double action, and trigger. The Sig just requires a little bit more care if you are going to carry it. If price is a factor, the S&W wins in that category.

I might be a little biased, but I actually owned both. Sold the M&P, kept the Sig. Both are fine guns. Its just not a poly vs. metal debate. The Sig is a little shorter, less of a "service" pistol (m&p). Always on target. Barely feel the recoil. But, the Sig will be more expensive. Buy Sig, you won't be disappointed.

The 228 isn't made anymore, but the 229 in 9mm is the same frame with a one piece slide (the SIG 220, 225, 226 and 228 slides are stampings pinned together).

I have looked over the M&P and I don't think its a quality gun. Go for a 228 or 229.

If the 228 is in great shape don't pass it up. I like my 228 more than my M&P9, but the M&P is still growing on me and it does have good ergos. I think the 228 feels a little handier than the 229 as well (although mine is a 357SIG).

sig's overrated and overpriced. Quality is not that good, I bought a few, I wasn't impressed compared to my HK.

I'd get the S&W instead. Better CS too.

While I'm definitely a fan of Sig handguns, the P229 (which is dimensionally pretty much identical) was a little thick for my small hands so I sold it and picked up an M&P9c last week. The M&P line is a very soft shooting platform and has me questioning whether or not I should sell my P239.

If it were me, I'd go w/ the P228

New vs used wins me over. I love my m&p 40c. buy it. you wont go back.

Justin

At the surface I also agree Sig over M&P, the Sig and M&P are two different classes of firearms, in my opinion the XD or Glock to M&P and Sig / H&K are better comparisons. That said try both, if you like the M&P more get it, it isn't nearly as proven but there are lots of good things to say about them.

Sigs with the exception of the Mosquito are very proven, accurate, and reliable.

I've yet to find a carry gun I like more than my Sig P229 though I do have my eye on a H&K USP.

Hmmm....tough decision. The P228 is nice for sure and since they're not being imported anymore it makes them more desireable. For me, however, I ended up selling my P228 and keeping my M&P 45.