In external appearance, the P229 seems to be a P226 with a shorter upper and lower. Even many of the parts are the same internally.

However, I've held both... and the both feel different. For the P226, I feel like I am sliding my hand into it. The P229, I feel like I barely able to wrap my hand around it, felt top heavy. Both have the E2 grip. Are the grips shaped different??? Am I losing my mind???

The slide of the 229 is constructed differently than the 226 and is heavier.

I like the P229 and have owned several, but I only like them with Hogue G10 grips as they're slimmer feeling.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bean:
Both have the E2 grip. Are the grips shaped different??? Am I losing my mind???

Yes to the first question. No to the second.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
The slide of the 229 is constructed differently than the 226 and is heavier.

The P229 Legacy, yes. But, the current production P226 (except the MK25) and P229 slides are constructed the same.

The P229 is slightly top-heavy in handling, especially to someone used to using a perfectly balanced P228. Some people feel this, some don't.

Since I turned out to be a feeler, I had lightening cuts machined into the front of the slide, and now it balances like my old 228.

That top-heaviness is not a completely bad thing, as it does help to reduce muzzle flip during rapid fire. (I ended up porting the barrel on mine to address this.)

I dunno.

It seems to me to be a basic difference a la a Government Model 1911 and a Commander. The 229 is smaller, but still a substantial pistol. You can load a 226 mag into a 229 but not the other way around (too short). You can get all the same calibres in each. Size and balance will affect how they feel. That becomes a personal choice, it seems to me.

Gents,

Have had both the P226(MK 25) and the P229. Liked both, but let the P229 go...

Current carry weapon is the MK 25. I REALLY like it. Especially, after GreyGuns worked their magic on it!



Wes

I almost always shoot the P229 better than the P226s (excepting SAO X-Fives). Dunno exactly why, since they're pretty much the same action trigger-wise. I think the weight balance of the smaller P229 just feels more in tune (and focused) with me. Between the P229 and P228, it's a draw. My accuracy/inaccuracy with either is basically splitting hairs.

Then again, I've always shot compact Glocks better than the full size ones. It seems that longer sight radii doesn't matter as much to me...I guess.

There is the obvious difference in the length. That gives the P226 a more curved butt and a bit of a lip for the pinky. The P229 mags simulate that lip a bit.

The more nuanced difference is the P226 has more “beavertail”. Being that it’s really not a beavertail at all, maybe just a longer tang. With that, the standard grips have a bit of a contour coming forward of the tang that the P229 doesn’t.



If you overlap the extra tang length, the grips become symmetrical, so there’s not any shape difference other than the bottom already mentioned due to length.

I would echo Dave Bean’s comment. Not sure what Gen my P226 Legion would be but it feels much more ergonomic and comfortable than my P229. The P229 just seems “clunkier”. Im 6’1”, 230# and have no problem carrying my SAO P226 in a VM2 in fall and winter. I have some 5” 1911’s which are also in that fall/winter rotation. Not sure exactly why but the the P226 just feels better, especially the grip.

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyChryst:
There is the obvious difference in the length. That gives the P226 a more curved butt and a bit of a lip for the pinky. The P229 mags simulate that lip a bit.

The more nuanced difference is the P226 has more “beavertail”. Being that it’s really not a beavertail at all, maybe just a longer tang. With that, the standard grips have a bit of a contour coming forward of the tang that the P229 doesn’t.



If you overlap the extra tang length, the grips become symmetrical, so there’s not any shape difference other than the bottom already mentioned due to length.

This helps explain a lot of why they feel different to me. Thanks for posting this.

quote:

Originally posted by Azone:
This helps explain a lot of why they feel different to me. Thanks for posting this.

You asked about the difference between the P226 and P229 with the E2 grips. They are different in contour, all the way to the top. That's why you feel the difference.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by Azone:
This helps explain a lot of why they feel different to me. Thanks for posting this.

What he showed you are the regular plastic grips. You asked about the difference between the P226 and P229 with the E2 grips. They are different in contour, all the way to the top.

Actually, I did not ask a question but thanks, i am considering a 226 as I remember I liked the feel better than the 229 legion I currently have.

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyChryst:
There is the obvious difference in the length. That gives the P226 a more curved butt and a bit of a lip for the pinky. The P229 mags simulate that lip a bit.

The more nuanced difference is the P226 has more “beavertail”. Being that it’s really not a beavertail at all, maybe just a longer tang. With that, the standard grips have a bit of a contour coming forward of the tang that the P229 doesn’t.



If you overlap the extra tang length, the grips become symmetrical, so there’s not any shape difference other than the bottom already mentioned due to length.

BuddyChryst, I think your picture does a great job of illustrating the difference in the grip between the P229/228 and P226.

If you look closely, you'll see that Sig didn't cut a quarter of an inch off the bottom of the P229/228 grip. They cut a quarter of an inch off the top and shoved the grip up. This has the effect of moving the curved portion of the backstrap higher up into the palm of the shooting hand.

As to which is better comes down to personal preference. I personally find that I get a better purchase or hold on the P229/228 versus the P226. But I can completely understand why someone might prefer the grip of the P226 to the P229/228.

quote:

Originally posted by Azone:
Actually, I did not ask a question but thanks, i am considering a 226 as I remember I liked the feel better than the 229 legion I currently have.

Man, I must be blind. Apologies to both you and OP.

I personally find the P226 better suited to my hands than the P229. I would also state that the P228 has always felt better than the P229. More specifically, the P226 and P228 seem to have a better perceived balance under recoil allowing for faster follow up shots. In all fairness, I have only fired the folded steel slide P228s and have no experience with the M11 version. The difference between the folded P226s and the milled steel P226s is minimal but noticeable in my experience. That said my favorite firearm has become my MK25.

Love both of them but the 226 is better balanced in my hand. In 357 Sig or 40 cal I'd go with a 229.

We issue the p229 and it’s a solid gun. I prefer the 226. It just feels better in my hand. Both will serve you well.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by Azone:
Actually, I did not ask a question but thanks, i am considering a 226 as I remember I liked the feel better than the 229 legion I currently have.

Man, I must be blind. Apologies to both you and OP.

Not a problem at all on my end, the more information the better, I thought you were just monkeying around.......ha see what I did there.

I like both equally, I think both weapons are excellent.

If I have to choose a winner, I would choose the P225 (original)