I made an earlier post were I mentioned I was going to acquire a P229 Elite, but it was going to be a private buy and logistically it was going to be a pain. So, I'm somewhat back to square one trying to decide between the M11-A1 and what looks to be a newer model called a Special.

Any opinions on one vs the other?

M11-A1 doesn't have a rail if that's an issue. Not sure what a Special is. There is a Select model with a rail and G10 grips on the Sig website.

Not sure if the deal is still active, but recently, you could get a P229 Elite NIB shipped for under $700.

Read this thread:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/2700010174

I am the one who started the thread and the new 229 Elites are now all gone on CDNN. The only Sigs they have now are preowned. They are all gone. I have looked and cannot find any new Sigs as I looked for my son. Gun Broker has options but they are not cheap. Same deal with ammo as I can't find hardly anything out there. Best of luck and hope you can find a deal. I paid 629.00 for my new P229 Elite a month ago but the well is now dry.

Do the grip front strap have serrations like the m11 or checkering like the legion?

^same horizontal serrations like the m11a1

I personally prefer the classic carry talo edition due to the legacy slide and short extractor. Also love the g-10 grips and like the mecgar mags it comes with.

Frocha;
I have no idea what "Special" is supposed to mean.
Is that a SIG description or is that something from a vendor/seller???

But . . . M11A1? Absolutely LOVE mine.
Got it at the local Gander Mountain as they were going out of business.
It is my EDC and goes every where.
Don't care that it does not have a rail!