Sig p228 or p226 for carry.

[Zet70]

Simple question, weighing out the two and want to know first hand user experiences on both models. I've read pages of data on each but was wondering what you gentleman think of each. Looking for a new 9mm carry winter piece.

Thanks guys!

[TGS]

P228, hands down. The 226 is pretty big for a concealed weapon. Doable, but definitely a honkin' big piece.

Also, you can get 18 round mags for the 228 that don't extend much beyond the grip. It's less of an extension that an 8 round mag in a 1911, compared to the 7 round flush fit mag.

Also, I find the 228 and 229 much better shooting pieces. The 226 has an agonizingly long recoil cycle. Front sight tracking on the 228/229 is near ideal, whereas the 226 feels sloppy. End result is that my aimed splits are actually faster with the 228/229, with preference towards the 228. Just a personal observation....

[photoshooter]

P228 for me. I like both but the 228 is smaller and easier to conceal.

[renegadephoenix]

just posted up a Mint Condition P226 west german made. i carry the P220 and full size 1911 all year long

[goon]

On size alone the 228 wins. And less size means less metal, which means less weight.

[1blindref]

It all depends on you and your mode of carry, and how big you are.
What type of holster do you prefer, IWB or OWB?

I carry both depending on time of year and where I'm going. I'm 6'2", 220lbs. I always carry in an OWB holster, no matter which gun I'm carrying, P239, P229, or P226.

The size difference between a P228 and a P226 in mainly in the length of the slide. I wouldn't consider either gun as a small compact gun, therefore the weight difference of a few ounces (approx 31 oz P228, 34 oz P226) isn't much of a factor, especially if you are using a quality holster and even more importantly, a quality gun belt.

If you prefer using an IWB holster, the P228 would be more comfortable due to the length of the slide.

A few size comparison pics. The P229 (same size as a P228) has the wood grips





Hope this helps - good luck with your choice.

[1blindref]

just posted up a Mint Condition P226 west german made. i carry the P220 and full size 1911 all year long

Nice gun.
Anyone considering a P226 should consider this one. These early to mid 90's Sigs are what Sig built it's reputation on. They are truly the best that Sig had to offer, besides the original P210's

Disclaimer: I don't know the seller and don't have any connections to him/her or the sale of this gun.

[Zet70]

I see that the 228 is .6" smaller than the 226 and only a couple oz lighter. Yet everyone praises the 228 because it was designed for the round. I can't image it is that much better though with those two size differences. I realize the extra weight of the 226 is in the slide and therefore the spring would have to be stiffer to handle the heavier mass of the slide which translates to a stiffer recoil. I get that but it seems like the 228 is borderline worshiped.

I have a line on some 80's vintage sigs and that's why I asked. Couldn't figure out if it was worth the wait for the importer to get more 228's in stock because he currently only has the 226 in stock.

Hmmmmmmm is it worth the wait for a unseen 228 vs a 226?

[TGS]

I see that the 228 is .6" smaller than the 226 and only a couple oz lighter. Yet everyone praises the 228 because it was designed for the round. I can't image it is that much better though with those two size differences. I realize the extra weight of the 226 is in the slide and therefore the spring would have to be stiffer to handle the heavier mass of the slide which translates to a stiffer recoil. I get that but it seems like the 228 is borderline worshiped.

I have a line on some 80's vintage sigs and that's why I asked. Couldn't figure out if it was worth the wait for the importer to get more 228's in stock because he currently only has the 226 in stock.

Hmmmmmmm is it worth the wait for a unseen 228 vs a 226?

Totally go for the older West German 228.

[Valorius]

Simple question, weighing out the two and want to know first hand user experiences on both models. I've read pages of data on each but was wondering what you gentleman think of each. Looking for a new 9mm carry winter piece.

Thanks guys!

I think the US Secret Service, USN SEALs and US Army would all agree that either one is an awesome weapon.

The only difference is the size and a few rounds of capacity (though a 228 can take 226 mags no problem, of course).

Mec gar makes flush mount 15rd 228 mags and flush mount 18rd 226 mags. For my 228 i got an X grip so that 18rd mec gar mags fit flush too.