Choosing between the P226 and P229

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CNobbe

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I'm thinking about picking up a new DA/SA soon as my 15 year old CZ P-01 is starting to show its age. It's at CZ now having a trigger problem fixed. In the meantime I've started thinking about replacing it.

I was looking at new 226 and 229 Elite models, I carry the P938 "ASE" and was thinking either the matching Alloy stainless elite 226 or 229 might be kinda nice to have to match it.

Problem is, I can't decide between the two and I don't need both. My main use for it would be night stand and range duty.

The 229 would be closer in comparison to the P-01, almost identical capacity and barrel length, but the 226 isn't much bigger. I like the beaver tails on the Elite model Sigs. I thought the P-01 felt nice, but the Sigs are even better in my hand.

Let me know which you think you'd go for. I thought about another CZ, but I like how the Sigs point more naturally for me.
 
CNobbe said:
My main use for it would be night stand and range duty ...
Let me know which you think you'd go for. I thought about another CZ, but I like how the Sigs point more naturally for me.
Click to expand...
For night stand or range duty ... P-226 every time. Softest-shooting 9mm duty-size pistol out there, possibly the most accurate out-of-the-box semiauto in production, reliable as hell and so ergonomic ...
DSCN1260.JPG
 
Have had them both and while the P226 was very comfortable to shoot, I preferred the slightly smaller size P228/P229 for my slightly smaller size hand. Found this one used but LNIB with 3 magazines at a price I couldn't say no to. It's my dedicated HD gun which also does occasional CCW use.

yDxwP9t.jpg
 
I have a 226 and 229. Both are fantastic, but for night stand and range duty I'd go with the 226. For me the longer barrel makes it balance better and easier for me to shoot. That's a personal preference, so you should get the one that's a better fit for you. You won't go wrong with either.
 
You should try both before you decide. If you can't shoot both, at least handle both. Some strongly prefer one and some the other. My hands are a bit bigger than average for an adult male, but I happen to prefer the balance of the P229 to that of the P226, although I don't care for the beaver tail on the Elite models much. The P226 grip, although longer in height, seems to be a bit thinner side to side in the upper third or so and the P229 grip fills my hand better. I have two P229s chambered in .40 S&W and 357 SIG.
 
It's all about personal preference between the two. I love my P226, P229, and P228. I would have a hard choice and shoot them all very well but some people have a preference shooting one over the other. Congrats as the SIGs are exceptionally good pistols. Lots of grip options too.
 
At one point I was issued the 228 (M11) which is essentially the same as a 229. I also had some experience with the 226. I like the 228/229 better because they are slightly more compact at the grip frame. The ammo sacrifice is minimal as compared to the full size, and if you decided you wanted to CCW it, it would be more user-friendly for this purpose.
 
I have a P-01, a P229 and a P226. My favorites to shoot are the P226 and the P-01.
 
I also have small hands, but oddly enough that has never bothered me with guns. I have a P226 and find it nice to shoot. In fact, I also have a Beretta 92FS and have never had issue with the size as it relates to holding and shooting it.

I think it all comes down to personal preference; about the only brand I own with both full- and mid-sized is Star. I have both a B Super and a BM; both are single stack 9mms with a bit over an inch difference in barrel. With the weight being similar, I don't find a lot of difference between the two. You probably would find things similar between the P226 and the P229.

One issue I've noticed... the Stars have steel frames, and the Sig has alloy. I've noticed more flip with the P226 than the Star B Super (or the 30MI, which has even less flip); as a size comparison I also note the S$W 915 (alloy frame, about the same size as the P229) has considerably more flip than the Star BM, despite being a double-stack. Just considering weight distribution and higher bore axis, the P229 might flip around more than the P226.
 
I have a 228 and a 226. Both are great guns but if I only could have one it would be the 228.

That said, if you are only going to use it for HD and range use, the 226 is probably for you. However if you think you might one day carry it, go with the 229. You don't loose much in accuracy or shooting and the size makes it easier to conceal.
 
I prefer the balance of the P226. Mine is a .40 and I use a 357 barrel often. It has great balance and is very controllable during faster shooting. I like the P229, and tried one in .40 before buying. Both are great guns.
 
1KPerDay said:
:scrutiny:
Click to expand...
Yeah, I worded that wrong.

My thought is that the higher bore axis of the Sig (as compared to the CZ he owns/likes), might lead to greater muzzle flip than the OP might expect. Thus, go for the larger Sig, the P226, to lessen that.

Better?

Now, I don't know that for sure, as my comparisons personally are a P226 vs a steel frame CZ 75. The CZ has a lower bore axis, and the slide has less mass. To me, the CZ has less flip.
The gun I have the most flip with, is the 915. Smaller (like a P229 or the P-01, in my estimation), aluminum frame, the gun likes to bounce. Comes back quick, but it's lively.
 
IMHO it’s a matter of which one to get first, I’d go P228 / P229 then P226.
 
CNoble,

Given your range and nightstand duty requirements, I'd go with the P226. In both instances, bigger is better. If you slip a Streamlight WML onto that P226, you have a top tier HD sidearm. In either model, those Elites are pretty slick. I think the 226 is your answer.
 
I have a P229 Classic and larger than average hands. It fits my hand perfectly. It isn't a gen 2 however. All it can ever be is just a 9mm. :( For carry the 229 would be my choice. For a range gun 226. I may have to get a 226 to go with my 239 and 229. I never was much of a 9mm fan until I got a Sig.:D

I think the 228 has been discontinued. Also I think the new 229 has a different frame to accomodate 3 different cartridges. Could be wrong.
 
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CNobbe:

With the shorter 229, which succeeded the (now) somewhat rare 228, you might find it easier to conceal/carry in case you decide that this is a good third use for the gun.
Comparing my 229 and M11 A1 next to my CZ PO1 (compact), side by side, the bore axis height above my hand looks about identical on each of them.
 
I would want the longer barrel of the 226 for a HD gun since weight and conceal ability aren't concerns. I've wanted, but don't need a 226 Legion for some time.
 
Old Dog said:
For night stand or range duty ... P-226 every time. Softest-shooting 9mm duty-size pistol out there, possibly the most accurate out-of-the-box semiauto in production, reliable as hell and so ergonomic ...
View attachment 777282
Click to expand...

All those are in your night stand?;) Love it...whatever grabbed will be a Sig. :D

I like my 229-E2.
 
Another vote for the P226. I had a P228 several years ago, but did not like it as much. While the P226 is very slightly taller (5.5" vs 5.4"), it isn't significant enough to matter in terms of concealment. I prefer the longer barrel and sight radius as well.
 
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