P239 vs P229

[bullitstang1313]

So I've been debating my next handgun purchase for quite a while now. I'm wanting a 9mm just for the cheaper ammo. Also looking at an MP5 clone so the keeping with the same ammo would be nice. Not looking for a primary conceal carry gun, just something to shoot at the range. My primary carry gun right now is a Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II. I held a P239 the other weekend at Gander and really liked how it felt. Single stack only gives me 8 rounds but I liked the slenderness of the gun. Used to holding the single stack 1911. Gander didn't have any 229's so I didn't get to feel the difference. I did feel a 226 Blackwater they had sitting in the used case and it seemed like a beast. Is the 229 really that different from the 239? I guess I need to find someplace with both so I can do a side by side comparison.

 

[mrfjones]

It is really different from the 239, the 229 is much closer in the grip to the 226. I prefer the 228/229 to the 239 anytime.

You can get 20 round mags for the 229 and 226

 

[indykid]

I have a P239 and wish I had gotten the P229 instead. The 239 is a very large pistol with a very small capacity. For double the capacity of the 239, the 229 grip is wider, but well worth it in the number of rounds held department.

Don't get me wrong, the P239 is a great pistol, and amazingly accurate. It's just that for the size it just doesn't hold enough.

On the other hand, (pun intended) if you have small hands, the P239 is a very nice pistol to hold and shoot.

 

[kricket37]

Nice question, I have the 226 in a 9mm and absolutely love the gun. I have been thinking about getting a 40 in a 229 or 239. I have picked up both in stores and the 229 just feels better in my hand. I have large hands so the extra width is nice. Good luck on your decision!

 

[wwdkd]

I bought a P239 because I prefered the thinner grips to the P229's thick grips. You do lose a good deal of round with the P239 but the magazines are smaller and easier to carry spares. I've fired both and both are extremely accurate and reliable, so get the one that fits you best.

 

[McKinney19D]

I bought a SIG P239 .40S&W from Gander back in July. Very strong and accurate weapon. It is somewhat heavy compared to other option out there, but that 30oz weight keeps the recoil down a bit too.

 

[MontereyC6]

Where are you located? I have a P239 and P229, both in .40, however. If you are in the Indy area, I'd be more than happy to let you shoot both of them.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

As you've no doubt surmised, it's a personal thing. Do get your hands on 229, and do shoot both. I love 'em both for very different reasons.

 

[duffman0286]

Ive been told that only the early german sig's are any count any truth to this

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Function-wise, both are quite nice.

But if you're wanting a range-only pistol, go with a 229 (or even a 228 if you can find one). Heck, even step up to their full size model, the 226.

I've never fired a 226, but I find them to be rather large. And I'm not a small guy.

The 229 is just about the perfect size for all-day shooting. It's a little too heavy for ME to want to carry it, though.

If you think that you may want (some day) another caliber besides 9mm, buy a .40 or a .357Sig weapon. You can then buy conversion barrels / magazines to run 9mm.

But if you buy a 9mm first, you cannot "step up" to the others.

-J-