Sig P228 vs P229: What Sets These Two Firearms Apart?

The Sig Sauer P228 and P229 are two of the most popular handguns in the world, both manufactured by Sig Sauer, a Swiss-German company. Both are semi-automatic handguns that are part of the Sig Sauer P-series, renowned for their durability, reliability, and accuracy.

Despite sharing many similarities, the P228 and P229 have some key differences that set them apart.  This essay will compare the sig p228 vs p229 in detail.

Sig P228 vs P229

Sig P228 vs P229: Quick Comparison Table

Here are some quick comparisons between these two handguns-

FeaturesSig Sauer P228Sig Sauer P229
Cartridge9x19mm Parabellum9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG
SightsFixed front and rear sightsFixed front and rear sights, optional night sights
Magazine13 rounds in a standard magazine13 rounds in 9mm magazine, 12 rounds in .40 S&W, and .357 SIG magazines
Weight29.1 oz.31.9 oz.
Length7.1 in7.1 in
Barrel Length3.9 in3.9 in
Width1.5 in1.5 in
ActionDouble Action/Single Action (DA/SA)Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
Gun typeSemi-automaticSemi-automatic
FinishBlack NitronBlack Nitron or Stainless Steel
Image

What are the differences between Sig P228 vs P229 Sig Sauer? (Explained)

The Sig Sauer P228 is a semi-automatic handgun that was originally introduced in 1988 as a compact version of the P226, another popular handgun in the Sig Sauer P-series. The P228 was designed for the United States military as a replacement for the aging M1911A1.

The Sig Sauer P229 is also a semi-automatic handgun that was introduced in 1994 as a response to law enforcement agencies’ needs for a smaller, more compact handgun. The P229 was designed to be a more versatile handgun that could be used by both law enforcement and civilians for self-defense.

Here are a few brief observations of these two handguns:

1. Weight:

The Sig Sauer P228 is a compact handgun with a weight of approximately 29.1 oz ounces when unloaded. Whereas the Sig Sauer P229 is a slightly larger handgun compared to the P228 and weighs approximately 31.19 oz ounces when unloaded.

Therefore, the weight difference between the Sig Sauer P228 and P229 is almost 3 ounces. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it can be noticeable in terms of recoil and handling. The extra weight of the P229 may make it slightly easier to control and shoot accurately, but the P228 may be more comfortable to carry and conceal due to its lighter weight.

2. Magazine:

The P228 typically uses a 13-round magazine, while the P229 can use either a 12-round or 15-round magazine, depending on the specific model. This difference in magazine capacity is due to the slightly larger size of the P229.

The magazines themselves are also slightly different in size. The P228 magazine measures approximately 4.25 inches in length, while the P229 magazine measures approximately 4.5 inches in length. This difference in length allows the P229 magazine to hold more rounds.

3. Trigger:

The trigger on the P228 is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) design, meaning that the first shot fired will be in double-action mode, requiring a longer and heavier trigger pull, while subsequent shots will be in single-action mode, which features a shorter and lighter trigger pull. The trigger pull weight in double-action mode is approximately 12 lbs., while in the single-action mode, it is approximately 6 lbs.

The trigger on the P229, on the other hand, is a double-action-only (DAO) design, meaning that every shot fired will be in double-action mode, requiring a longer and heavier trigger pull. The trigger pulls weight on the P229 is approximately 10 lbs.

The DA/SA trigger of the P228 for its ability to provide a lighter and shorter trigger pull for subsequent shots after the initial double-action shot which makes it better than the P229.

4. Grip

The Sig Sauer P229 is slightly bigger than the P228, having a longer slide and a wider grip. The P228 utilizes a single-stack magazine, but the P229 is built for a double-stack magazine. The Sig Sauer P229’s grip texture is more aggressive than the P228’s, giving the shooter a greater hold. The P228’s grip surface has a softer and less abrasive texture.

The P229’s trigger guard is broader and flatter than the P228’s, allowing for a more stable grip. In contrast to the P228 grip, the P229 has finger grooves on the front strap. This enables a more natural grip on the P229.

The Sig Sauer P229 has a slightly larger grip than the P228, with a more aggressive texture, wider trigger guard, finger grooves, and interchangeable grip panels.

5. Durability

The two P228 and 229 handgun models’ structure is one of their main distinctions. The P228 has a stamped steel slide as opposed to the P229’s machined stainless-steel slide, which makes the P228 a little bit lighter.

Compared to the stamped steel slide in the P228 which might degrade over time with heavy usage, the stainless-steel slide in the P229 is more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

6. Recoil

The guide rod of the Sig Sauer P228 is full-length, meaning it extends the whole length of the slide, and is composed of steel. The guide rod of the P229 is plastic and shorter than the one in the P228. Recoil springs constructed of top-notch steel wire are used in both the Sig Sauer P228 and P229 handguns. The recoil spring of the P228 is a little bit heavier and longer than the recoil spring of the P229.

The P228’s slide profile differs significantly from the P229’s. The recoil spring has less space to compress when shooting since the P228’s slide is a tiny bit smaller than the P229’s slide.

7. Range

The sight radius, which is the distance between the front and rear sights, is also different between the two models. The P229 generally has a longer sight radius, which can help with accuracy at longer ranges. The P228 was originally designed for the 9mm cartridge, while the P229 was designed to accommodate a wider range of cartridges, including the 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG.

The handguns also have fixed sights, which may deliver high accuracy and dependability under many situations.

Trigger Reset Issues of Sig Sauer P228 And P229

The moment the trigger resets after a shot has been fired is when it moves back to the forward position. The trigger of the P228 and P229 may occasionally fail to reset correctly, delaying the subsequent shot or halting it entirely.

Several things, such as old or dirty trigger parts, insufficient lubrication, or a broken or worn recoil spring, might contribute to this problem. It could also happen if the trigger of these two handguns’ pin or trigger bar is not placed or positioned correctly.

It’s worth noting that cleaning, lubing, and replacing any worn-out or broken components on their handguns can be required for the P228 and P229 handguns. Moreover, they provide a trigger reset spring kit that helps enhance trigger reset.

Cost Detail of Sig Sauer P228 and P229

The Sig Sauer P228 and P229 are both remarkable handguns with comparable features and capabilities. Depending on the customer’s choice of models, locales, and other qualities, the cost of these handguns may vary.

Depending on the customer’s choice of models, locales, and other qualities, the cost of these weapons may vary. The Sig Sauer P229 frequently costs a bit more than the P228 due to its superior materials and additional functionality.

The retail cost of a brand-new Sig Sauer P220 is normally between $850 and $950 USD as of 2023. But costs might differ greatly based on the particular model and options. A new Sig Sauer P226 normally costs between $1350 and $1450 USD at retail. But, depending on the specific variation and choices, pricing might vary greatly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was the SIG P228 discontinued?

For those who possess one, the P228 pistol was and continues to be an excellent firearm. It was made in Germany and sold successfully both domestically and abroad, but the Germans withdrew it because SIG intended to use milled slides and chamber the new P229 in 9mm.

Will a Sig P228 fit in a P229 holster?

Yes, a holster designed or advertised for the P229 will work perfectly with a P228.

Does the sig p229 have manual safety?

No, the pistol itself does not have a safety switch.

Is the SIG P229 accurate?

Yes, with each caliber, the P229 demonstrated its accuracy, dependability, and utility.

Verdict

To conclude, both the P228 and P229 are excellent handguns that are popular for good reason. They are both reliable, accurate, and well-made, and they offer a range of features that make them suitable for a variety of different applications.

Whether you choose the P228 or the P229, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality handgun that will serve you well for many years to come.

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1 comment
  1. I don’t think the P229 has a DAO trigger. I wouldn’t be surprised if SIG makes a DAO-only model, but the standard P229 ain’t DAO-only as I have one sitting in my drawer that says otherwise. Its DA/SA trigger is the same as the P226 I used to have.

    Interesting the P228 has a single stack mag with a 4.25″ height that holds 13 rounds, while a P229 has a double stack mag that is only a quarter inch longer at 4.5″ but only holds 12-15 sounds. Seems odd to me.

    Love the P-series though. I sold my P226 cause my womanly sized man hands just weren’t that good for it but I really love the P229. I’ll have that thing until the day I die; it’s just fantastic.

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