Have you ever shot one of the older-model P220s, P226s, or P228s? If you've never shot a stamped-slide SIG, you probably won't appreciate the difference, but if you've shot both types, you'll probably find that you prefer the older models. That's why used P228s are currently in such high demand right now - and why SIG decided to put out the P228R.

Only shot new models here.

Out of all of SIG's pistols, I like the P229 and the P230. All in all, most SIGs just aren't my style. Also the slide release on the P226 (and I can imagine they are the same on most of the P22X series) aren't easily to operate because A). I'm lefthanded, and B). There is no way in hell I can work it with the knuckle of my thumb. If SIG were to make left handed models of their pistols, I'd probably go out and snatch up a P220

I dont even use the p229 release, just pull and release slide.

I think I'm going to get a P229 after I buy the FAL

The p229 Elite Dark is sexy.

Yeah I rarely use the slide release either, I just started slingshotting (that's what I call yanking the slide to release it) and never stopped. On occasion I will use the release just so I know how it feels on the gun, but 99 percent of the time I slingshot.

I have sort of a classic taste and so I don't like the SIGs with the rails on them as much as I do the ones without, but I am warming up to them and rails in general. I like the idea of having a light on my handgun. Anyway, as far as the P229 goes, I don't see much reason for getting one over a full size P226, aside from the fact that it's a government acency's gun and the gun is rated for .357 SIG unlike the older counterparts. It's considered a "compact" gun but it's not much smaller than a full sized P226, i:e it's not much better for concealed carry. It's for guys who will carry a full sized gun anyway but would like whatever edge they can get, and the P229 gives them a small one. The .357 SIG conversion is also quite expensive (factroing in the barrel change and the cost of ammo) compared to a 9mm or .40 counterpart, but if money's no object and you like the extra power, I can't argue with that.

I'd rather have a 9mm P226 like Matts but the P229 does have a certain charm. I wouldn't mind getting a deal on one like FirearmFan has.

Me three. In fact, I've always thought that engaging the slide release was going out of style. I've read posts on the 1911 message boards by older shooters (60s, 70s) who blame slide releases for causing arthritis in their thumbs after 50+ years of reloading their 1911s that way.

So I don't think the slide release is a big disadvantage for lefties. It shouldn't be a disadvantage for lefties on ANY semi-auto pistol, frankly.

I can give you a good one: Magazine capacity. My biggest beef with the .40 and .357 P226s is that they have the same mag capacity as the P229. Given that, I would much rather have the 229.

In 9mm (which is the caliber I shoot most often), it's 226 all the way. But if I ever wanted to upgrade to .40 or .357, I would definitely get the 229.

SKS!

Beautiful! Much nicer than the one I saw there. There was a nice Mini 14 too... got one of those to show us?

I was at the range shooting and afterwards I started looking around the gun shop and aside from that I wanted a Sig, I didn't really know for sure what I would end up with. I've already got 1911, Glock, HK, and XD covered so I knew Sig was next. The P229 was the best deal and the best gun they had available at the time. They had a P220 SAO but it had massive amounts of holster wear. I don't mind a little holster wear but this was too much, plus I'd prefer to give it the wear myself. They had a used P226 but the price was too high to justify buying used, I could have spent a little more and picked up a new one. A few weeks ago I spotted a used but excellent shape P220 with night sights at my favorite gun shop for $599.00 and I would have grabbed that but I didnt have the cash at the time.

All in all I'm happy with my Sig. Also I'm thinking about trying to become a Federal Agent and 2 of my 3 main choices use P229 so it's probably good to have some background with it. (US Marshals = Glock 22/23, Secret Service = Sig P229, ICE = Sig P229)