Is the P229 viable as a carry gun in 2024?

[Sensei]

The premise of this thread is that modern concealed carry needs have evolved beyond to what the legacy P229 has to offer. While this may be true, we must acknowledge that the P229 has also evolved. For example the P229 SAO Legion RXP (optics cut) is itself a significant evolution in the platform. Yes, it’s still heavy and thick. However, it is also an amazing SAO trigger (crisp 4lb break with short reset) and seamlessly interfaces with Sig’s Romeo X Pro and Romeo 2 optics. By seamless interface, I mean no plate and visible, standard height sights is a huge plus for those of us who don’t want suppressor height sights or the uncertainty of a plate on a carry gun.

[Borderland]

I had a P-229 for awhile. It's a really fat, heavy pistol. I replaced it with a P-30 because homie doesn't like fat pistols or strikers.

I have a few P-239's. Those are single stack and a little slimmer.

Looks like SIG still sells P-229 so somebody buys those.

Honestly, if you don't want the weight, a P-30 SK might suit you better.

[Hstanton1]

The premise of this thread is that modern concealed carry needs have evolved beyond to what the legacy P229 has to offer. While this may be true, we must acknowledge that the P229 has also evolved. For example the P229 SAO Legion RXP (optics cut) is itself a significant evolution in the platform. Yes, it’s still heavy and thick. However, it is also an amazing SAO trigger (crisp 4lb break with short reset) and seamlessly interfaces with Sig’s Romeo X Pro and Romeo 2 optics. By seamless interface, I mean no plate and visible, standard height sights is a huge plus for those of us who don’t want suppressor height sights or the uncertainty of a plate on a carry gun.

Size wise, it probably isn’t that different than a compact 2011 which is the current hotness.

[shane45]

Just picked up this very pistol. Looking hard at the scs320 which apparent also direct mounts?

[GJM]

Just picked up this very pistol. Looking hard at the scs320 which apparent also direct mounts?

If you have a 229/226 slide with tall BUIS, you want a 509T/RMR/SRO/507. If you have low sights, a Romeo X/EPS/SCS-320 works.

[MattyD380]

On paper... I think it's hard to make strong case for a 9mm P229 these days. For reasons many have already mentioned.

But stats on paper aren't what make us love and connect with handguns.

I've owned and shot many DA/SA guns in the P229ish size range (PX4 Compact, CZ PCR, HK P2000) and while the P229 isn't any smaller, lighter or more accurate than any of them...

It offers a uniquely solid, reassuringly stable feel that's just satisfying. The recoil on a 9mm P229 is sooo mild. There's some muzzle rise, yeah. But the thing just feels absolutely unflappable, running through mag, after mag. It feels good. It feels right. It inspires confidence. And, at the end of the day, it still feels kinda special.

Does any of that matter, from a purely practical standpoint? Probably not. Nevertheless... I still like my P229. I like it better than the HK P2000 I had. It seems less ammo sensitive than the CZ PCR and CZ RAMI I had. And, as phat as it is... it's still not as thicc as a Beretta PX4 Compact. Though the PX4 wins handily in terms of pure shootability.

[Duelist]

We had one individually issued weapon per soldier and some pool guns on deployment. If I was going somewhere a pistol made more sense than my personally assigned rifle, I would get whatever M9 or M11 (P228) was available. In that kind of situation, *a* pistol is better than *no* pistol, so I was just happy to have one to use.

You get to pick. If you like the SIG, vet it, carry it, and be happy. They are good stuff.

I own a Beretta 92, and no longer own any SIGs. Usually, I carry a revolver or a Glock, but am carrying a 4516 today because some dude from Idaho said we had to carry a .45 on 4/5.

[medmo]

Absolutely yes if that’s what is most comfy and fits your speed/accuracy expectations. I have one that went through the custom shop for an action job. It’s definitely sweet. I prefer my PX4CC with full LTT accoutrements because that is what I shoot best in regards to speed and accuracy. I still occasionally enjoy running rounds through this 229 because I damn enjoy it. I prefer and shoot best with TDA pistols.

[MK11]

The P229 is

Reliable (I'd bet on a P229 over a 2011 any day)

Accurate (no argument from anyone there)

Light and optics compatible

Portable with the right holster and belt

Personal preferences aside, what's not viable about that?

[45dotACP]

Sure it's not the most modern gun out there....but this discussion will be had about the glock 43, when Sig releases the next p365ventiXLmacchiato, Smith and Wesson releases the Shield Viagra in .28 hyper carry, and the Glock 65 hits the shelves...

If it works, is reliable, and you can shoot it well...it's a semi automatic pistol. It's more than fine.