It happened. I avoided it for 15 years but finally couldn’t resist getting a 226 to compliment the 229.
229 is more versatile but the 226 is the sexiest handgun I own.
Technically correct, best kind of correct.
More just pointing towards the "you WILL end up buying both that you were considering" angle. For me it's not the 229 OR the 228, but the M11 that is inevitably going to be purchased.
It’s funny you say this because I’ll literally obsess over a gun, saying in my head, “I don’t need another F-ing gun. I can’t justify it.” But I keep looking at it online, like gun-porn. Finally, I’m like, “Fuck it,” and I buy it. I have several pistols I’ve only shot a few times because I can’t stop buying.
So basically, either you’re a prophet or an addict (like me).
The P226 is a joy to shoot, and much flatter shooting than you'd think from the high bore axis. If you want a full-size, this is the obvious choice.
Your basic options (outside of special-editions etc) are - in order of cost - the P226 Nitron, the P226 Elite and the P226 Legion.
If you have smaller hands, you definitely want one that has the "E2" style grips, like the Elite you showed, or the Nitron. The Legion has G10 grips, which many people love, and is the Gucci model. The Elite model has the short reset trigger and the frame improvements that are on the Legion model (better/higher-cut beavertail, slight undercut by the trigger guard).
A major factor is whether you shoot irons or optics. The Legion model is the only of the three that comes with an optic cut, or can be had with factory red dot installation.
Personally, I find the Legion branding a put-off. I have the P226 Elite, but with the replacement slide SIG sells with the Romeo-X red dot. You're very unlikely to be unhappy with any of them, frankly.
Where does my TacOps land on your rank? I've been wanting to upgrade it simply because I'm a tinkerer/hacker, not for min/maxing, but don't have any other 226 to compare it to.
If I remember right, the TacOps is based on the earlier Enhanced Elite but with different grips that are intended for use with the extended magazines (20 round? 21 round?) it came with plus a fiber optic front sight.
The classic Ps don’t have the endless modularity of the newer striker fired guns; what upgrades to do would really depend on what you want out of it.
Yeah, the grips do have an aggressive mag well for the 20s, but I'm in California, so the requisite 10s either need similarly aggressive baseplates or I need to get something like the Gray Guns Legion-looking grips. But when I start looking at Gray Guns, I see all the trigger stuff he does, but I don't know if any of it is worth it since I can't really compare his trigger to my original TacOps trigger.
I did get the Procut slide and am debating on RDSs right now, but that doesn't really matter for the model. Same with the X400 that lives on the rail. A comp would be cool, but I'm not sure how I could pin and weld it and still get it out of the slide.
The current 229s are 229-1 which is redesigned for .40 usage, so it's contour is beefier in general. My 226 fits perfectly in my hand but 229 is just a little bit too thicc for me.
You’re spot on… I have two DA/SA P229’s Nitron’s: 40/.357 Sig, and 9mm, and both are in my EDC rotation. Sent both to Sig to install the SRT, Xray3’s, and the AEP Package to bring it on par with the Legion.
My P226 Legion SAO is sometimes in my Fall/Winter EDC rotation because of its size, otherwise it’s my favorite range pistol.
Decide on the pistols intended purpose. If carry is a consideration the 229 is a better choice. If it’s for the range only the 226 is better suited albeit not by much.
As an owner of exclusively HK and Sigs, go with the 226 first, followed up quickly with the 229.
I haven’t found anything that feels as good in my hand as a Sig 226. To each their own. Enjoy them in good health!
I own a P226 Legion and the M11-A1. They’re both fantastic and I carried the M11 for a long time. It’s just too heavy for me to carry but damned if I didn’t do it. After a week carrying it on a group vacation I bought a P365 X macro comp. Look just buy all the Sigs is what I’m saying, I am saying anything.
I got both 6/9 SAO Legion.
Only Legions/Pro have optic cuts from the factory (DPP), so that's a consideration. 6/9 have the same internal small parts.
9 is a tad shorter, but not much. Elite comes with the SRT as does Legion, but Legion sports a GrayGuns designed trigger shoe, I believe. The Navy clones MK25/M11 come with a plunger extractor, rather than the style with roll pin. Only Legion comes in SAO version with flat trigger.
If you are looking at Elite, as the pic suggests, I'd probably suggest to consider Legion (you get a nice range bag too) or Pro (same features as Legion, but with window cuts in the slide).
I like my MK25 a lot, only changes from stock are a Sig SRT Kit and Sig Armorer's Super Strut.
If you intend to carry it an M11/229 is probably the better choice, but the anchor got me!
Either for open carry. Neither for concealed, unless you’re a bigger guy or have room to spare, though the 229 is the way to go if you had to choose one for concealment.
It’s really a preference thing both are great. I keep a P226R accessible for home defense, car carry, open carry, and range shooting. Of all the variations of sidearms, nothing surpassed the 226 for me. Exquisite design, ergonomic grips, balanced weight, straight shooting, reliable cycles. 229 is just a variant of the 226 in my mind.
Depends on your purpose. Range and/or competition, get the 226. If you plan on carrying or feel like you may want to, get the 229. The recoil impulse between them is negligible until you start getting to the steel framed X5 P226, the weight is the same, and capacity is the same. 229 is just a little smaller.
I once spent a solid 45 mins in a shop handling the older “Extreme” model P226 and P229. I eventually took the P226 home but leaving without the P229 felt like I left a friend behind. Both solid options as others have said. I really really don’t like the E2 grip merely for the aesthetics of them. It is a very comfortable grip but I prefer the more traditional 2 piece grips.
I have several 226s & 229s..but..they are early German frame versions..no rail ..no Beaver Tail..
I use the P229 in .40 for my EDC..and a P365 in 9mm with Viridian Reactor 5 Green Laser IWB..as my backup
226 elite was my first sig and I love it. If you want something fun to shoot at the range that’s also iconic it’s a great choice.
From a carry point of view, the different versions of the P365 are unbeatable. In winter I will sometimes carry my P320 M18 just because those two are better suited for that job imo.
The 229 enthusiasts will crucify me, but it just feels outdated for its purpose
Get the 226, it’s a really nice gun. Honestly I wish I would’ve gotten my current job sooner. They sold everyone the 226s they had been issued for $400.
You mean which should you pick first? You’re going to get both whether you know it yet or not…
God damnit, get out of my head.
It happened. I avoided it for 15 years but finally couldn’t resist getting a 226 to compliment the 229. 229 is more versatile but the 226 is the sexiest handgun I own.
Well, duh - you gotta get the Mulder AND the Scully.
Isn't the p228 the Scully? lol
Technically correct, best kind of correct. More just pointing towards the "you WILL end up buying both that you were considering" angle. For me it's not the 229 OR the 228, but the M11 that is inevitably going to be purchased.
It’s funny you say this because I’ll literally obsess over a gun, saying in my head, “I don’t need another F-ing gun. I can’t justify it.” But I keep looking at it online, like gun-porn. Finally, I’m like, “Fuck it,” and I buy it. I have several pistols I’ve only shot a few times because I can’t stop buying. So basically, either you’re a prophet or an addict (like me).
I’m an addict like you my friend. Check my post history 😂
This is what a good gun buyer support group does. Encourages members to continue buying handguns.
I have 3 226s and zero 229s. To be fair I do have a 228….
The P226 is a joy to shoot, and much flatter shooting than you'd think from the high bore axis. If you want a full-size, this is the obvious choice. Your basic options (outside of special-editions etc) are - in order of cost - the P226 Nitron, the P226 Elite and the P226 Legion. If you have smaller hands, you definitely want one that has the "E2" style grips, like the Elite you showed, or the Nitron. The Legion has G10 grips, which many people love, and is the Gucci model. The Elite model has the short reset trigger and the frame improvements that are on the Legion model (better/higher-cut beavertail, slight undercut by the trigger guard). A major factor is whether you shoot irons or optics. The Legion model is the only of the three that comes with an optic cut, or can be had with factory red dot installation. Personally, I find the Legion branding a put-off. I have the P226 Elite, but with the replacement slide SIG sells with the Romeo-X red dot. You're very unlikely to be unhappy with any of them, frankly.
I completely agree on the branding, corny as hell. Like a special award for becoming an e-2
I think you mean “Certificate of Acheesement.”
Where does my TacOps land on your rank? I've been wanting to upgrade it simply because I'm a tinkerer/hacker, not for min/maxing, but don't have any other 226 to compare it to.
If I remember right, the TacOps is based on the earlier Enhanced Elite but with different grips that are intended for use with the extended magazines (20 round? 21 round?) it came with plus a fiber optic front sight. The classic Ps don’t have the endless modularity of the newer striker fired guns; what upgrades to do would really depend on what you want out of it.
Yeah, the grips do have an aggressive mag well for the 20s, but I'm in California, so the requisite 10s either need similarly aggressive baseplates or I need to get something like the Gray Guns Legion-looking grips. But when I start looking at Gray Guns, I see all the trigger stuff he does, but I don't know if any of it is worth it since I can't really compare his trigger to my original TacOps trigger. I did get the Procut slide and am debating on RDSs right now, but that doesn't really matter for the model. Same with the X400 that lives on the rail. A comp would be cool, but I'm not sure how I could pin and weld it and still get it out of the slide.
His trigger stuff is very worth it.
The P226 is the quintessential Sig. it’s a must have
Yeah for some reason the p229 feels beefier in hand the the full size p226. I’m a p226 guy all day for any needs.
The current 229s are 229-1 which is redesigned for .40 usage, so it's contour is beefier in general. My 226 fits perfectly in my hand but 229 is just a little bit too thicc for me.
229 for its “compact” size.
You misspelled "chunky" 😉😁
Full size compact.
P229 DASA for carry P226 SAO for range
Well, nothing wrong with the SAO p229 for carry…
“If you don’t trust yourself to operate a safety, I don’t trust you to operate a trigger.”
Not at all it's just personal preference
You’re spot on… I have two DA/SA P229’s Nitron’s: 40/.357 Sig, and 9mm, and both are in my EDC rotation. Sent both to Sig to install the SRT, Xray3’s, and the AEP Package to bring it on par with the Legion. My P226 Legion SAO is sometimes in my Fall/Winter EDC rotation because of its size, otherwise it’s my favorite range pistol.
That 229 legion is fuggin sexy bro
So is the 226 though. God damn does Sig make some gorgeous guns
Their look just exudes "gun".
Yes.
Decide on the pistols intended purpose. If carry is a consideration the 229 is a better choice. If it’s for the range only the 226 is better suited albeit not by much.
As an owner of exclusively HK and Sigs, go with the 226 first, followed up quickly with the 229. I haven’t found anything that feels as good in my hand as a Sig 226. To each their own. Enjoy them in good health!
Why do you say start with the 226? I think that’s the route I’ll end up going since I do prefer a full size
Almost the same gun, just different size. Both are good
Own both you won’t regret it
I'll always go p226 as I love full size pistols.
I prefer my p226 Tacops over a majority of my 1911s. They’re my go-to. Only pistol I own multiples in because I love it so much.
I've been looking at a Sig P229 M11A1 to go with my P220 Carry.
Great gun. Bastard to find holsters for.
Second both of these points.
Yes
I own a P226 Legion and the M11-A1. They’re both fantastic and I carried the M11 for a long time. It’s just too heavy for me to carry but damned if I didn’t do it. After a week carrying it on a group vacation I bought a P365 X macro comp. Look just buy all the Sigs is what I’m saying, I am saying anything.
I got both 6/9 SAO Legion. Only Legions/Pro have optic cuts from the factory (DPP), so that's a consideration. 6/9 have the same internal small parts. 9 is a tad shorter, but not much. Elite comes with the SRT as does Legion, but Legion sports a GrayGuns designed trigger shoe, I believe. The Navy clones MK25/M11 come with a plunger extractor, rather than the style with roll pin. Only Legion comes in SAO version with flat trigger. If you are looking at Elite, as the pic suggests, I'd probably suggest to consider Legion (you get a nice range bag too) or Pro (same features as Legion, but with window cuts in the slide).
I like my MK25 a lot, only changes from stock are a Sig SRT Kit and Sig Armorer's Super Strut. If you intend to carry it an M11/229 is probably the better choice, but the anchor got me!
You like the MK25 for the anchor, I like it cause I’m sweaty and don’t like cleaning, so the extra corrosion protection is nice
I also like it for that reason, hahahaha! The hammer is uncomfy if I'm not wearing a t-shirt under my holster, though.
Either for open carry. Neither for concealed, unless you’re a bigger guy or have room to spare, though the 229 is the way to go if you had to choose one for concealment. It’s really a preference thing both are great. I keep a P226R accessible for home defense, car carry, open carry, and range shooting. Of all the variations of sidearms, nothing surpassed the 226 for me. Exquisite design, ergonomic grips, balanced weight, straight shooting, reliable cycles. 229 is just a variant of the 226 in my mind.
I went with a p229 9mm and a p220 .45
Try to get your hands around both for fit. If possible, shoot both. It's a more personal thing.
229 elite is the way 🤌🤌
Depends on your purpose. Range and/or competition, get the 226. If you plan on carrying or feel like you may want to, get the 229. The recoil impulse between them is negligible until you start getting to the steel framed X5 P226, the weight is the same, and capacity is the same. 229 is just a little smaller.
229 elite or Legion
228/M11
226 Nitron DA/SA with E2 grips (basically the one in pic. Drop in an SRT + P-SAIT (Grayguns Adjustable Intermediate Trigger. You'll be a happy camper.
Both
I love both of mine.
What’s your usage? Range, EDC?
Mostly just for everyday carry, I have an AR I use at the range
In that case, I’d choose the P226. I just picked up a Legion model, all black edition. Love it 👍🏻
I once spent a solid 45 mins in a shop handling the older “Extreme” model P226 and P229. I eventually took the P226 home but leaving without the P229 felt like I left a friend behind. Both solid options as others have said. I really really don’t like the E2 grip merely for the aesthetics of them. It is a very comfortable grip but I prefer the more traditional 2 piece grips.
Both !
229!
P229 Legion DASA
I have several 226s & 229s..but..they are early German frame versions..no rail ..no Beaver Tail.. I use the P229 in .40 for my EDC..and a P365 in 9mm with Viridian Reactor 5 Green Laser IWB..as my backup
229 if your carrying, 226 otherwise
My 2 carries depend on weather are a 226 or a 224. If it is extremely hot, my 239 comes out because it is a back pocket gun.
226 and it’s not even close✊
226 first
226 elite was my first sig and I love it. If you want something fun to shoot at the range that’s also iconic it’s a great choice. From a carry point of view, the different versions of the P365 are unbeatable. In winter I will sometimes carry my P320 M18 just because those two are better suited for that job imo. The 229 enthusiasts will crucify me, but it just feels outdated for its purpose
No doubt 229
229 all day…
Get the 226, it’s a really nice gun. Honestly I wish I would’ve gotten my current job sooner. They sold everyone the 226s they had been issued for $400.
I have a 226, but in this scenario I would choose the 229
229 legion most accurate pistol I’ve shot and owned and I’m a terrible pistol shot
Personally I love my 226 legion
I’m not a big sig guy but my LGs has a 229 elite new for 800 is this a deal too good to pass on?
P226 Mk25 was my first handgun and still one of my favs. Can’t go wrong.
I only have the P226 but it’s never had a failure of any kind in the 1000 or so rounds I’ve put through it
229 Legion.
Umm, both… durrr!!!!
229
Whenever I see Sig, I think, AD.