Could someone explain the differences between the Sig 229 with regular grips and this E2 thing? First off, I'm looking for a .40. I handled a new Sig 229 .40 and had grips that I'd never seen before on a Sig, kind of a rougher texture and darker black color. Is this the E2? This gun was priced about $100 lower than any other new Sig I've seen around town. Is the E2 version supposed to be cheaper? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
Sig 229 E2?
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Winkman822
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From the couple that I've handled, the E2 has a slightly less bulky rail, slightly smaller grip circumference with one piece grips that do not use screws to mount, they have a slightly more aggressive carry melt type treatment to the edges of the gun, and they have the SRT DA/SA trigger system. I believe the E2s also have night sights standard (at least the ones I have handled have night sights). As for price, I have no idea whether they come in higher or lower.
Schuarta
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The P229 has a reduced circumference one piece size grip, improved grip texture, and a reduced reach trigger, Enhanced Ergonomics, which I assume is for comfort of a wider variety of hands,
http://www.sigsauer.com/products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=8&productid=286
http://www.sigsauer.com/products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=8&productid=286
Chuck Perry
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E2's are marked as such on the slide. The 2011 DA/SA SIG's all appear to have the new E2 one piece grip, but do not come with the SRT trigger group as the E2's did. The E2's were a limited run and have been discontinued. If you find one and like it, grab it.
SwampWolf
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Where did you hear this? I'm more than a little surprised, if it's true, because my understanding is that the E2 was a resounding success for SIG; that consumers were even inquiring about retrofitting E2 assemblies to existing pistols, etc. Please advise as to your source of this bit of information. Thanks.
I have heard this also, but not officially. The E2 model is a success, but the main feature of the E2 is the grips, and the subsequent change in mainspring assembly to accommodate the new grips, so making the E2 grips an available option, or maybe even the standard grip, negates the requirement to have an official E2 model.
Chuck Perry
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This was direct from SIG. I had been trying to make a deal on a LEO purchase of an E2 P229 in 357SIG. SIG only had a limited number in stock when I called, and due to a bungle by the SIG LE partner FFL I had to use, I missed out on one. The SIG rep I was dealing with advised that the E2's were no more. The E2's featured the new grip, the SRT trigger, SIG 'short' trigger, night sites and came standard with three magazines. That E2 package is gone. The features are available in one form or another thru the 2011 product line, but the complete package known as E2 is done.
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Thanks for the responses. I went back to the store today to look at the Sig again. It's not the E2, but they did have an E2 there for $75 more.
I'm wondering about the standard 229 with those newer grips. Can you change them out to the older grips?
I'm wondering about the standard 229 with those newer grips. Can you change them out to the older grips?
Yes you can actually. You just need some grip screws and the older style grips. I've read that the either the P226 or P229 with the E2 grips require a special tool for removal of the grips though, but I believe it will come with the gun if that's the case.
It is my understanding that the E2 package is indeed dead. It was very popular, but not everyone wanted everything included in the package...so they broke it down into smaller packages. So now you can mix-n-match your choice of the 1) grip/mainspring assembly, 2) SRT, 3) short trigger, 4) additional mags, 5) choice of caliber...what you lose is the E2 marking on the slide.
Be aware, before you jump on the E2 bandwagon, that the grip will place you hand lower on the gun and there have been reports (on Sigforum) that the grips loosen with use
Be aware, before you jump on the E2 bandwagon, that the grip will place you hand lower on the gun and there have been reports (on Sigforum) that the grips loosen with use
If you really want the E2 grips, you can buy a cheaper "old" P229 and just buy the grips here:
https://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=SIG-GRIPKIT-229-E2
You still need an actual mainspring though as the kit doesn't come with one. I believe they stock the grip kit for the P226 as well.
https://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=SIG-GRIPKIT-229-E2
You still need an actual mainspring though as the kit doesn't come with one. I believe they stock the grip kit for the P226 as well.
Chuck Perry
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Good point. One more thing to consider, I believe that not all SIG's are convertible. I think only guns made in the past three years can accept the new main spring kit; older guns cannot.
Chuck, I'm not sure where you heard that only guns made in the last three years will work with the new mainspring kit. I think that was false information as my own P220 made in '90 has the new main spring kit. Sig themselves had a program where you could send out your classic P Series P226/P229 and get the E2 kit installed for about $100. Also, here's a pic of a P228 with the E2 grip kit on:
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Chuck Perry
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I don't know where I heard it either, but it was floating around in my brain for some reason 
I just looked at SIG's website and they list the E2 grip conversion for $100 with no mention of pistol age restrictions.
I just looked at SIG's website and they list the E2 grip conversion for $100 with no mention of pistol age restrictions.Yeah I think the E2 grips are standard on all models now. What I don't like is that Sig also seems to be installing short triggers as standard now too. I'm glad they tried to accomodate our small handed bretheren, but once again like making the rail standard on all the p-series pistols, they seem to be missing the point and seem to be catering to one person who likes rails and has small hands
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