I'm thinking of the Sig P229 Elite in stainless with the wood grips. I've never shot the gun, but I think it sure looks sexy. Anyone here own a 226 Elite that can add their experiences before I go through the PP process?

I have often said that you can't go wrong with a Sig 226, Beretta 92FS or Glock 19.

 

It's a solid gun. I've fired it, but prefer my Beretta 92 and 1911. That's just me and my personal preference.

 

The best feature of the 226 is its conversion kit so you can fire .22 LR. This gives you two guns in one.

 

Like I've said before, buy the gun you love and you'll never be disappointed.

Thanks mcbethr, good intel on the .22 kit

I have a P226 SS Elite. The wood grips are pretty thick so unless you have large hands you'll most likely want to chuck it out and replace with something thinner.

 

On the SS the frame is also steel rather than alloy so the 229 will be heavier than the already pretty heavy alloy version.

 

If these are not issues for you the 229 SS elite is a great gun. You'll love it.

I have often said that you can't go wrong with a Sig 226, Beretta 92FS or Glock 19.

 

It's a solid gun. I've fired it, but prefer my Beretta 92 and 1911. That's just me and my personal preference.

 

The best feature of the 226 is its conversion kit so you can fire .22 LR. This gives you two guns in one.

 

Like I've said before, buy the gun you love and you'll never be disappointed.

 

 

As long as you understand that conversion cost anywhere between $250 and $350. Not an inexpensive option as far as I'm concerned. That being said, at least it's physically capable of being done. Many others don't have that option.

Thanks autoxnyc. Thats interesting the frame is SS also, I didn't anticipate that, good to know. Bummer on the wood grips, I'm not a fan of fat handled guns.

 

Have you shot a regular P226 before that you could compare the "elite" job they did on the Elite model?

I have played with a few, and owned a 226 USPSA (which is an Elite with a few extras). The gun is great and as reliable as anything else out there. It is a sig after all.

 

Buying it new? I don't know if I can justify it, as Sigs are approaching stratospheric prices. There are plenty of used Sigs out there. Another option is the Sig 228, which to some is a little more collectible. I think between Bryan and Jared, they have every sig out there, so just ask and you will get all the answers and even get to shoot it if you ask nicely.

 

The only potential downside is the grips on the guns. They are a bit chunky. Throw in some hogue thin grips and it is a masterpiece.

 

Third option, get a nice used 228/229, throw on a set of grips that you want, and can help you find someone to install the SRT trigger in the gun. (By far the best production trigger out there)

I do have a regular 226. Although it's a much older West German version.

 

The SS Elite basically have the following features:

 

• 
   
  
• Beavertail - nice to look at but functionally it doesn't really make any difference. There's no hammer bite on the 226. The beaver tail does make holding the gun slightly more comfortable.
  
• Wood grip - cosmetic feature and ergonomically it's not that great. Too thick for an already thick grip. You are better off getting an aftermarket Nill grip which looks better and is very slim.
  
• SRT firing system - super short reset compared to the regular version. Great feature to have
  
• Night Sights - Elite comes standard with night sights
  
• Front cocking serration - the serrations on the 229 are rather thin and I don't know how functional the front ones are but looks kinda cool on a 229.
  

 

I think that's about all the difference there is. The trigger is not any nicer on the Elite version, it's the same with SRT kit standard. For exclusivity I think you are probably better off with one of the 226 X5s. Shooting both the Elite with the SS frame has slightly less recoil than the alloy frame version. It will work better with the 22 conversion kit since the aluminum slide of the kit with the alloy frame will result in a super light gun which is no good in my book. Other than that there really doesn't much of a difference other than cosmetic upgrades.

 

 

Here's a pic of my 226 SS Elite. I put on Nill grips and Sig nickle controls and had action work done by Sig. The nickle controls itself made the operation a lot smoother. I didn't change the hammer but I think that'll make the trigger even smoother.

 

Dan & Dan,

 

I would say the beavertail is a very nice and much needed feature on the sigs. The bore axis is so high on the sigs, so you need all the help you can get to get as high of a grip on it as you can. =)

You can actually hold the gun slightly higher on a Sig without a beavertail. For me I can put the web of my hand all the way up on a regular 226 where on the Elite the beavertail is in the way. It really doesn't make that much of a difference though and yes the bore axis is higher on Sigs. But they are heavier than more modern pistols with lower bore axis so I never felt Sigs have a disadvantage there.

I'm listening here. Looks like I'm better off with a used good condition gun to ease the wallet. I'm down with, though I am nervous with buying online without seeing the gun's condition beyond photos.

 

Options are for a regular 229 or 226 and having the SRT installed aftermarket, or going new or used Elite (for the extra bling and options).

 

Now, the 229 versus the 226, obviously the 229 is smaller, any experience with it over the 226?

Now, the 229 versus the 226, obviously the 229 is smaller, any experience with it over the 226?

 

 

The 229 is essentially the same as the 226 but with a slightly shorter grip frame and barrel. Both the doublestacks are fat in the grip - but there are a number of grip remedies out there. The E2 option probably the smallest with old style Sig aluminum grips being second then new Sig aluminums (Hogues) or G-10's. Not sure where Nills fall in there, but all these are slimmer than Sig wood.

 

The all stainless guns have German frames. I use a P226ST for USPSA because the extra weight helps reduce recoil. I have lighter guns I can carry. So, it may depend on what you want to use it for. The German Sigs with the "folded" slides are the lightest of the Sigs, so carry comfort is increased, as is recoil.

 

I'll be at Shongum for the USPSA match on Saturday. If you want to examine my P226ST (like an Elite sans SRT & beavertail), feel free to come over.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Dan

 

Both are great, 229 is not that much smaller than a 226, so if not CCW, then just get 226. If you want, I got to hit up my brother, he has an older German Sig P226. He is neither here or there on selling it, but can probably push him if you really want it.

 

Also, I do have a lead on a nice Sig p228 with holster and 7 mags. Will fwd you the email.

There are plenty of used Sigs out there. Sigforum.com is a good source for it. You can tell how used a gun is generally from the pictures and these are sturdy guns and usually won't have any issues. The parts do not require fitting so if something is wrong you can easily replace it. Topgunsupply also sell police trade ins which are good value. Generally speaking older Sigs have higher quality than newer ones. But newer ones with milled slide are more resistant to rusting (not really an issue if you take care of your gun).

 

If you want the regular (Nitron) guns and if you are sticking to 9mm. 228 is a better choice than 229 in my opinion. It has a thinner and lighter slide which will balance better. The 229 feels the same as a 226 in hand (grip is slightly shorter but doesn't make too much of a difference) with the only practical difference being a shorter slide. It is bulky for it's intended purpose and IMHO is not as good as a 226.

 

The SRT kit can now be purchased directly from Topgunsupply. It is very easy to install yourself if you can detail strip a P series gun. I have done the conversion to 2 of my Sigs and also performed trigger jobs on them - New SRT kit will make the trigger pull gritty until you break it in.

I have a 226 elite with the alloy frame and I like it. Should you decide to wanna go the .40 s&w route, I think the stainless steel route is a little more forgiving.

 

If you don't want the stainless look, sig is now making the stainless gun in a nitron finish on both the slide and frame. That is a sweet offering.

 

The beavertail is nice for a firm positioned grip every time. I do prefer to have a gun without the beavertail though. Like Daniel said, you can get a higher grip on the gun.

 

I will also say that the compact sigs are my favorite guns. The wood grips I could do without. The look great but they make my hand sweat more and do little to help the grip I use Hogue g10 grips.

Dan I have a 226 (standard) and will be at CJ this weekend. it is a .40 and you are welcome to try it out if you want. Just not sure if I will be there on Sat or Sun yet.

Dan

 

Both are great, 229 is not that much smaller than a 226, so if not CCW, then just get 226. If you want, I got to hit up my brother, he has an older German Sig P226. He is neither here or there on selling it, but can probably push him if you really want it.

 

Also, I do have a lead on a nice Sig p228 with holster and 7 mags. Will fwd you the email.

 

 

I never got that email from you btw.

 

 

 

 

 

Dan,

 

You can get used guns at good prices. I tend to shoot the 229/228 more just because I like the guns. When I shoot the 226, I am generally a better shot as the sight increase helps. SRT's are easy to come by now that TGS has them, but you have to wait sometimes to get them in stock.

In terms of grip size from my experience..

 

smallest to largest

 

 

Sig E2 < Hogue G10/aluminum < Nill < Standard Sig < Elite Wood Grips

 

I never tried Hogue finger wrap grips but I think those are definitely chunkier than standard Sig grips. I installed an E2 on one of my 229 and I am a bit disappointed after trying it for a bit. It definitely seems like an afterthought and is a Band-aid they applied without changing the frame. While it is slimmer, the back strap curves in more but also forces you to grip it lower if you want a good firm grip. It does help reaching the trigger on the DA pull very slightly.

 

The Hogue and Nill are the best grips in my opinion.

In terms of grip size from my experience..

 

smallest to largest

 

 

Sig E2 < Hogue G10/aluminum < Nill < Standard Sig < Elite Wood Grips

 

 

I agree. And the old Sig aluminums would fall between the E2 and the Hogue G10/alum.

I have the Sig P226 USPSA which is the Sig P226 Elite with different sights. I would recommend the following:

• 
   
  
• Try a P229 with and without the beavertail to see which fits your hand better. I find the beavertail pushes my hand lower than I would like
  
• It is easy to fit the E2 grips or other grips if the overall grip is slightly too large or small
  
• If you are not used to DA/SA (assuming the model you are going for is DA/SA) then consider if that is what you are after. There are pros and cons.
   
  

I like my Sig P226, however I have also sent it to GrayGuns for some trigger work

 

I would agree with the posts on the P228 being a better options if you can find a good one at a reasonable price and you don't want the rail for a laser/light etc. My wife has a P228 and it has a much nicer trigger than my P226 which has the SRT.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

I have to say that I shy'd away from the aluminum grips because the cold weather would radiate the cold. I don't get that with the g10's. Same goes for heat. They are great and I don't wanna say they shouldn't be tried but I prefer the g10's. Lristen uses the old school sig aluminums.

 

She may be selling em as I am trying to convert her to g10's lol

What caliber you looking for? the reason i ask is because, as others have pointed out, the p228 is pretty killer for a 9mm. i have a 226 9mm and a 229 357sig. both standard offerings with the SRT installed. i like them both but sometimes wish i went 228 instead of 226

Thanks for the offer Pizzabob and Jimmy. Bob, I won't really be near Shongum this weekend but thanks. Jimmy, let me know if you decide to go to CJ this weekend with your 226, I haven't gone in awhile and would be a good excuse to shoot stuff.

 

I'm surprised to hear the p228 has such high raves, I thought it was just a p229 sold to the military. I guess there is something else going on in there?

 

I really wanted the stainless finish look for bling value, so the p228 is kinda out for me.

 

Now I'm between a 229 or 226 elite/non-elite with SRT. Sounds like it comes down to the beavertail. I have held the 229 in a shop a while back, and from what I remember I really liked how it sat in my hand.

 

Sounds like the G10 grips would be for me. I have a few knives with G10 handles and I like how the material feels. Though thats putting the horse before the cart ehe?

What caliber you looking for? the reason i ask is because, as others have pointed out, the p228 is pretty killer for a 9mm. i have a 226 9mm and a 229 357sig. both standard offerings with the SRT installed. i like them both but sometimes wish i went 228 instead of 226

 

It will be 9mm or .357 sig. 9mm if I go Elite as it seems they dont offer 357sig in Elite. Wierd

Thanks for the offer Pizzabob and Jimmy. Bob, I won't really be near Shongum this weekend but thanks. Jimmy, let me know if you decide to go to CJ this weekend with your 226, I haven't gone in awhile and would be a good excuse to shoot stuff.

 

I'm surprised to hear the p228 has such high raves, I thought it was just a p229 sold to the military. I guess there is something else going on in there?

 

I really wanted the stainless finish look for bling value, so the p228 is kinda out for me.

 

Now I'm between a 229 or 226 elite/non-elite with SRT. Sounds like it comes down to the beavertail. I have held the 229 in a shop a while back, and from what I remember I really liked how it sat in my hand.

 

Sounds like the G10 grips would be for me. I have a few knives with G10 handles and I like how the material feels. Though thats putting the horse before the cart ehe?

 

If you want the bling factor you can always get a Nickle 228 IMO Sig's factory nickle guns are the most tastefully done pimp guns Esp if you add the Nill grips. They are a little more rare but they do come up from time to time on Sigforums.com. I am still looking for one myself.

 

229 differs from the 228 mainly in the slide. The 228 was made the old way where the slide was "folded" or stamped carbon steel sheet and had the muzzle end welded to it. There's a separate breech block insert that's secured to the slide with 2 concentric roll pins. The 229 uses a slide milled from a solid block of SS. If I am correct the 229 was Sig's answer to chamber .40 and .357 on the 228 platform. It eliminates the breech block insert and also has external extractor vs internal. SS itself is more corrosion resistant than carbon steel. Older Sigs are known to rust if you don't keep them well oiled.

 

The 228 were all made in Germany if I remember correctly where as only the initial batch of 229 were. Later ones had the frame imported from Germany and the gun was assembled in Exter. From people's consensus QA took a tumble after Mr. Kimber took over Sig USA. 228 had forged internals where as later guns has MIM parts. You can tell the difference in quality immediately from the trigger pull. Old German Sigs came with an excellent trigger out of the box where as the newer ones will need a trigger job to match that. The slide to frame tolerance were also consistently better on older guns.n There were a batch of later take down levers that were known to break esp on the .40 and .357 guns and as a result the slide would fly off the frame as the slide returns to battery.

 

Like others have said. If you want .357 just get a .40 and buy an .357Sig barrel. That's the cool thing about either caliber, they are interchangeable. .357Sig is a fun round to shoot

Good info , thanks autox. I think I'll be keeping an eye out for a used 226 or 229 elite in SS, or maybe the nickel finish that you speak of.

I currently have two HG's in 357sig, and I agree it is a fun round! Little pricey but for how much I shoot pistols its fine with me.

Love my 226 in 9mm. E2 grips were by far the best for me (had the g1o's, sig aluminum and factory.

While I agree that if you want the .357 sig, you can go with .40 and change the barrel but the sights will be off. Since, sig is now standardizing the frame to the 40 frame, I wonder if you can just swap the barrel out of a 9mm, to the .357 sig barrel. The sights would be dead on since both calibers use the same sights. If you go with the .40 and swap the barrel, the POI will be off as a result. Of course, You could get the barrel swap the front sight and be g2g.

 

I like the .357 sig round a lot and I am thinking of switching to it as a defense round. If you look hard enough, you may be able to score a case for $300 every now and then. That make it almost the same price as 40 costs nowadays.

Yup, I snatched up some good deals on 357sig and usually jump on them when I see them come up. It is my HD defense round as well. For the purposes of my future Elite purchase, I'll problably stick with 9mm, as that is the other HG round I use. Nothing currently in .40, so won't be going down that path.

I have the p229 enhanced elite and love its one of my favorites to shoot.