SigArms P229 DAK opinions, availability, refurbs etc

[Xochi]

There's a good chance that I'll be buying a Sig P229 in the next few months but I'm not positive of it yet and I'd like to hear opinions on this compact. I'll likely get a .40 and haven't decided if I'll buy new or refurbed or even where I'll buy. Any info would be appreciated.

[0dBm]

Of the several dozens of pistols that I have owned and many more tested, this one has NEVER malfunctioned. I cannot give a more positive recommendation than that!

I absolutely love the frame-mounted decocker. I will, in the near future, install the famous Novak tritium bar, low profile, combat front rear site coupled with the XS tritium, Big Dot front sight on my pistol. I will also install the short trigger for more control during the first shot. It already has the Hogue rubber combat grips and I highly reccommend it.

When I lived in another state and had a CWP, I carried it in a strong-side, thumbreak, pancake holster specifically molded to this model. I carried the spare, hi-capacity magazine in a weak side pancake pouch. Both were mounted on a double-thickness, 1.25-inch cowhide belt. In the future, I will have this rig in sharkskin.

The pancake design is very conducive for concealed carry since it greatly breaks the outline of the pistol and magazine. The thick belt will not give to the weight of the pistol, magazine, holster, and pouch; but does not look like a gunbelt.

I prefer the lighter, faster moving ammunition in the 135 to 155-grain range in the Summer and the no more that 180-grain bullets in the winter.

My pistol was purchased in the early 90s and is one of the earliest models. The current SAS model is quite appealing to me because the factory has taken great care in reducing the sharp angles on the pistol's profile. This will add to the cost due to the labor involved in the process, but the benefit is a much more carryable pistol.

If you are purchasing a used unit, have a reputable gunsmith examine and test fire it for reliability. Change the recoil spring at the recommended intervals. Wolff springs are my suggestion.

[loveit]

I love my Sig P228 9mm. I have shot many Sigs in the past and have never had a malfunction. I liked shooting the P229-- very smooth action. Sig is a great manufacturer. I usually buy and then eventually trade my guns. I can't let the P228 go-- it's that good. I've had it for years and can't find a handgun I like more. I hope it is okay to respond with my primary experience with the P228, but I am passionate about my Sig!

[Dandrop]

I don't have a P229, but i do have a P225 which i bought in the early nineties as well, on the day i turned 21. This was my first pistol and fell in love with it the moment i saw it. It has never malfunctioned on me. Fit and finish is top notch. It currently resides in my BOB and i take it with me when i travel long distances. Sig makes fine handguns!

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/9785/dscn4020smallest2fs.jpg

[gearloose]

If you can can find the factory refurbed red box grab it. The refurbs I've seen and sold (15-20) have all lookes and felt like new guns for several hundred dollars less. The last refurbs we had in our shop was a 226 and we sold it for $535.00 USD.
The supply of refurbs has been erratic because it is dependant on Police agencies swapping out their inventory and in some jurisdictions the officers get first crack atthe guns and ...well you know how that works.

[jamesko]

I have a 229 and absolutly love it. If you are looking for the .40 S&W or .357 SIG it is the way I would go. Even the 9mm is good in this weapon. I have even handled one of the SAS 229's and loved it. I have considered sending my 229 back to have the DAK trigger installed. It gives you a sight double action trigger pull and you doon't have to worry about throwing your first shot with the long heavy double action allthought it is really smooth. Having traded my first 229 in when I had the second come up I sold the gun that I had, a Glock 23, to get the SIG. Some days I wish I could have kept both guns they ar egoth great.
Factory refurbished are a great way to go if you can get your hads on them. the cost less and have a one year warranty. I have yet to see a refurb that has had any problems.
The 229 is pretty hard to come by used here. I was helping a friend look for a used one and was having a hard time finding one.

Good luck

KJ