Just got this one last Monday.P229 .40cal. I was afraid to order and have a new production gen2 show up because I read sooo many bad things on the forums that they are junk now (with long extractors). Many people having many problems. I found this one locally and it has the short extractor, the halfway serrations, and it had the older screw type grip which I changed. But it came in a new style box and looks to be newer production?

Anyone out there know if this is a pre-sig screw-up or am I apt to have issues with this one like so many are? Anyway if someone knows year of manufacture on this one or info I'd appreciate hearing from you.

 

My estimate, it manufactured about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago. I am saying that because of the E2 grip and short trigger yet still with the smaller extractor.

 

You have the older style 229. The new version of 229 Sigs have a different slide. The new slides have full length rear cocking serrations, a one-piece extractor and resemble the 226/228 slides in profile. If it came in a factory box, there should be a date sticker on the end of the box along with the model and serial number stickers. Sig started converting to the new version of 229 late 2010.

I've read about some of the issues with the new 229s. It's unfortunate that hearing about one or two people with issues skews our perspective on a particular model or make of weapon. Honestly, I think the individuals with problems are a small percentage when compared to the number of satisfied 229 owners. I have 2 of the new 229s. Each of them has shot well over 3000 rounds without any problems what-so-ever. Also, I deal with people having issues on a regular basis and after looking at some of the problems, sometimes you have to consider the source.

 

Reliable,
You say: "My estimate, it manufactured about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago. I am saying that because of the E2 grip and short trigger yet still with the smaller extractor. "

Thanks for your comment/info. Yes I spent a whole day calling around trying to find one with short extractor and halfway serrations. Found only one store with one 229.

*Actually though, This 229 came with the older style 2 pc grips with screws also & NOT the ones pictured. They didn't feel comfortable to me so as soon as I bought it, I had them install the newer E2 grips you see on the gun before taking it home. I also had the SRT Kit installed, the feed ramp polished, and the trigger pulls reduced to just over 3.5lbs & just under 8 lbs.

So, ...old style grips on it too changes your estimate of manufacture date at all?

 

SIG MARINE,

You say: "You have the older style 229. The new version of 229 Sigs have a different slide. The new slides have full length rear cocking serrations, a one-piece extractor and resemble the 226/228 slides in profile. If it came in a factory box, there should be a date sticker on the end of the box along with the model and serial number stickers. Sig started converting to the new version of 229 late 2010.

I've read about some of the issues with the new 229s. It's unfortunate that hearing about one or two people with issues skews our perspective on a particular model or make of weapon. Honestly, I think the individuals with problems are a small percentage when compared to the number of satisfied 229 owners. I have 2 of the new 229s. Each of them has shot well over 3000 rounds without any problems what-so-ever. Also, I deal with people having issues on a regular basis and after looking at some of the problems, sometimes you have to consider the source. "

Thanks much for your time & reply as well.

Yep, I looked for that shorter extractor after all the issues I read about. I know, I know you'll always see a couple people that got a bad one, thats life. And much like you I acknowledge that and go on and take it with a grain of salt. We are all human and nothing is perfect. But when I read so many complaints I thought it best to look for one I thought would stave off any problems for me thus the short extractor and half serrations.

It came with the newer style (I think?) box. a smaller gray box as opposed to some I see that are blue.

Funny thing about the stickers on the box. I did look. I also purchased a P238 SAS at the same time. That box had three stickers. One that had the model# 238-380-SAS. The second had the s/n. And it had a third sticker that said Date: 30-JAN-2012. So all the info right there (same type gray box by the way on both).

As for my new 229 pictured, it had only two stickers on the box? One sticker had two model numbers on it?? above a bar code it says: 229R-40-BSS -and- on the same sticker below the bar code it also says: 229R40BAS. ...I'm wondering why 2 numbers on one sticker? You know why?

The second sticker on the 229 box says: serial number AHU18557. But NO sticker that states Date like the p238 I purchased? So are you still thinking I may have a mid 2010 version? I'm thinking gun store owner pulled datesticker so a buyer wouldn't know it was old stock?

On your two new production 229's. No problems at all? ..Hmm. Good for you! But Is either of them the 40 cal? I ask because I thought I read that this problem only cropped up recently, and it only affects the 40 cal models?

Any further comments or info is appreciated if my further info was of help.

PS. So you wouldn't have any hesitation about purchasing a P229 in 9mm if it had the long extractor? I ask because I'm considering it because a friend is selling one / unfired and I'm tempted but it has full rear serrations & long extractor

 

As for my new 229 pictured, it had only two stickers on the box? One sticker had two model numbers on it?? above a bar code it says: 229R-40-BSS -and- on the same sticker below the bar code it also says: 229R40BAS. ...I'm wondering why 2 numbers on one sticker? You know why?

The second sticker on the 229 box says: serial number AHU18557. But NO sticker that states Date like the p238 I purchased? So are you still thinking I may have a mid 2010 version? I'm thinking gun store owner pulled datesticker so a buyer wouldn't know it was old stock?

On your two new production 229's. No problems at all? ..Hmm. Good for you! But Is either of them the 40 cal? I ask because I thought I read that this problem only cropped up recently, and it only affects the 40 cal models?

Any further comments or info is appreciated if my further info was of help.

PS. So you wouldn't have any hesitation about purchasing a P229 in 9mm if it had the long extractor? I ask because I'm considering it because a friend is selling one / unfired and I'm tempted but it has full rear serrations & long extractor

I'm not sure why you had two stickers on the box. The 229 is model, .40 is caliber and BSS is Sig's designation for black with night sights. I'm not familiar with the BAS code.

As for dating, I found a 229 with a serial number beginning with AGU that was made in 07/10. Yours was made sometime after that.

With regards to the newer 229s I have: one is 9mm and one is .40. Again, neither has had and issue. I also bought a 9mm caliber conversion kit (slide, barrel, guide rod, recoil spring and magazine) for the .40 and use it when helping mentor Women On Target and Wounded Warriors. Never a problem and it gets shot a lot. Most of the ammunition we use is Blazer, 124 gr FMJ. We've shot the aluminum and brass cased with equal success. Also, as I recall, some of the feeding issues I read about pertaining to new versions of the 229 were in the SAS Gen2 models. Others have asked if the problems extended to other models and calibers, but I've not heard any definitive answers from any knowledgeable sources.

Fuzzybottoms: I sent you a PM.

Hope this helps...Sig Marine (Certified Sig Armorer)

 

PS. My P238 purchased same day. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it. I immediately added the 7 rd mag to get a better grip on it. Also had the trigger pulls lightened on this one a little and the feed ramp polished too. Now this ones box had a date code sticker as mentioned above. but not my 229?

 

Have you tried contacting Sig Customer Service? Here is their contact info:

SIG SAUER Customer Service Department:

At SIG SAUER Customer Service is always a priority and we are constantly working on delivering a world-class customer service experience. However, there are times when call volumes into our Customer Service Center are very high - thus increasing hold times. Below is a guide on how to reach us in the most expedient manner:

Phone: (603) 772-2302 (press #3 for Customer Service)
Please be advised that our customer service phones have peak call times and you may wait several minutes for a representative if calling at these times.

Please note: If you are call about information or service on an existing firearm, please be sure to have the serial number ready for the customer service representative.
Peak Call Volumes
Mondays All Day and Weekdays 1pm - 5pm EST

Lightest Call Volumes
Weds-Fri 9am - 12pm EST

Thank you for your cooperation and loyalty to the SIG SAUER brand.

For your convenience, please refer to our FAQ page prior to submitting your inquiry.
Fax: (603) 772-1481

Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm EST.

US Mail:
SIG SAUER Inc.
Customer Service Dept.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833-4557

 

AGU07XXX was made July of 2010, so your AHU18XXX was made after that. More than likely yours was made late 2010 or very early 2011.

 

Called siggy this AM, found out my 229 left the factory on 2/94 It was sold to N Miami Beach PD!
I always one knew the history but not the age....

 

Hi Sigp229r,

Thanks for sending along that very informative contact info. I very much appreciate your time. No, I have not tried to contact them directly. I did look at their website and spotted their FAQ page. There I read that they would send a person the date and history but it would take 2-3 weeks and they charge you 50 bucks! So I didn't go any further as I had no intentions of giving them $50 to find out a simple date when I was positive someone here would probably be able to tell me, or darn close.

I did copy the info you were kind enough to post in case its needed, and for future reference. Thanks again.

 

Hi Sig Marine,

Thanks for your posts and personal replies. You say here though, And maybe its a little conflicting vs e-mail with regards to date?

I'm not sure why you had two stickers on the box. The 229 is model, .40 is caliber and BSS is Sig's designation for black with night sights. I'm not familiar with the BAS code.

Reply: I DO NOT have two stickers on the box. There are two stickers, but one is the serial number only. The second sticker is the one in question. The one sticker has both model/code nummbers on the one sticker / Not two stickers with two different codes. Hope I am explaining myself right this time. And as said previously the 3rd sticker with date is missing.

There is but one single sticker. It has BOTH numbers on it. Above the bar code is: 229-40-BSS, -and- same sticker but below bar code is: 229R40BAS. ...Same sticker/two codes ??

As for dating, I found a 229 with a serial number beginning with AGU that was made in 07/10. Yours was made sometime after that.

Reply: So you would think if a s/n that is AGU is 07/10, then my AHU couldn't be that far behind. So it would make sense to me? - that this post by you is correct and mine is possibly late 2010 ? (I hope) - and not as late as early 2012? Bottom line is I'm hoping it doesn't matter anyway.

With regards to the newer 229s I have: one is 9mm and one is .40. Again, neither has had an issue. I also bought a 9mm caliber conversion kit (slide, barrel, guide rod, recoil spring and magazine) for the .40 and use it when helping mentor Women On Target and Wounded Warriors. Never a problem and it gets shot a lot. Most of the ammunition we use is Blazer, 124 gr FMJ. We've shot the aluminum and brass cased with equal success. Also, as I recall, some of the feeding issues I read about pertaining to new versions of the 229 were in the SAS Gen2 models. Others have asked if the problems extended to other models and calibers, but I've not heard any definitive answers from any knowledgeable sources.

Reply: So maybe if you have both a 9mm and a .40 WITH the New style slide/extractor and have had absolutley no issues what-so-ever with either, ...Then perhaps I read too much into it and it won't matter if you get a long extractor or not? Good to know there's hope.

Also I knew you could buy a .357 barrel and nothing else was needed to go to shooting the .357, but Expensive I read. I did not know you could get a 9mm caliber conversion kit (slide, barrel, guide rod, recoil spring and magazine) for the .40 and have a 9mm as opposed to the need to buy a second 229 in 9mm to accomplish that. - Good to know.

You say in both cal's you primarily shoot Blazer, 124 gr FMJ. Have you tried to any extent shooting any High quality JHP's thru either? and if so - results/issues? Any heavier grain like 155 / 165. It is my understanding thsat FMJ feed and fire with much better results then any JHP's?

Yes, I too have read and it seems that most if not all were the Gen2 SAS ones. Or at least I'm hoping so the regular / non-SAS have not been tampered with by sig (yet) so no chance you get a bad one.

Fuzzybottoms: I sent you a PM.

Reply: Yes. Spotted it and have replied. Hope you can find time to e-mail back with a follow-up.

Hope this helps...Sig Marine (Certified Sig Armorer)

Reply: You have been most kind and helpful and I very much appreciate it!!

 

Greetings yogiboobooranger,

You say: "AGU07XXX was made July of 2010, so your AHU18XXX was made after that. More than likely yours was made late 2010 or very early 2011."

Reply: Thanks for the info. From what most have been kind enough to reply with regards to my s/n, It would appear that mine is definitely "old stye" and manufactured very late 2010 to earlier +/- 2011. I really hope so.

PS. I really like the look of those wood grips pictured on your AV. Are those still available for the P229 40 cal?

 

Thanks to All of you.

This is such a Wonderful forum full of helpful folks. I am so Glad to have found it and have become a member. Please keep those cards and letters coming.

 

Yes the grips are available..you can go here:SS0558
I also PMed you with an alternate site as well.

 

yogiboobooranger.

Thanks. I PM'd you back. That said. You say this link and the PM'd one are two different places? I went to both and they appear to take me to the same web site?

So a P229 with s/n AHU 18XXX would be the "Standard Frame" option, correct?

 

Standard Frame option


Yes, I believe so.

 

thanks for reply my friend

 

Fuzzy, I'm curious to know where you bought your 229.

I bought my first one, an E29R-40-BSS, at the Sig-Sauer Academy's Pro Shop in November 2011. It has an AGU xxxxx serial number and was boxed 30 November 2010.

My slide has full-height serrations (unlike yours) and a long extractor (unlike yours). Your slide looks exactly like the one on my second 1994-built 229/40, except that it lacks a serial number and Made in Germany stamp.

Like you, I've been listening to complaints about the new version (not sure if Generation 2 applies to the basic 229's evolution). My 2010-built 229/40 has been fault-free with 300 rounds out the pipe (some of them shot in the Academy's defensive pistol-shooting class I took as a refresher to combat skills I applied in Vietnam).

I doubt the long extractor will be the cause of any problems, so long as it (like the short one) is kept clean. My Smith and Wesson M&P40c and my Ruger SR40c each have longish extractors and also have over 50 fault-free rounds out the pipe, FWIW.

I got the second 229 to learn something about build-quality in the old and new versions. I think it's fair to say that the old one is better made (and is more pleasing to my eye), but that is not to say that my new one is poorly made, as some claim. Both shoot equally well, which is to say, they shoot really well, even if I say so myself.

If my new one fails, I fully expect Sig to honor the lifetime warranty I have as the gun's original owner.

Are you the original owner of yours? If so, I'd ask Sig about your gun's configuration. Based on my two 229s, I wonder if you have an older-made slide on a newer-made frame, and if so, should it be so...

 

Hello wrdwrght,

I purchased this Brand New P229 / 40 at a local gun store that I have dealt with many times. Has a Jan 2012 manufacture date.

I will say I looked long and hard to find this one with this configuration. It wasn't easy. I was about to give up and then I came across this one. I just didn't want to chance having a possible problem that others were writing so much about here. And probably more important to me was I really dislike the look of the new longer external extractor as well. - Just plain ugly in my book.

I did contact sig since and their explanation to me was that this particular gun was probably by "chance". That is to say, during assembly they had an older style slide, or two? still on the shelf and just happened to grab and use it. And by chance it got sent out with others already using the newer slide with long extractor.

Thats all I know. Just glad I found it

 

with the long extractor.....
from sigforum:
Sig Sauer Classic P-Series - Serial Number List and associated manufacture/import years/information - Topic

 

Good to have SIG tell you your configuration is correct. After that, it's between you and your particular gun, no matter the complaints that others have imprecisely voiced about theirs. Glad you're happy with yours. I am with each of mine.

 

Fuzzybottoms- Reading your posts here I sense you had some apprehension investing in your P229. Now that you have it in hand, I hope you're feeling more at ease and I look forward to your first range report. I predict nothing but praise and admiration for your new sig. Shoot safe and enjoy! Don't keep us waiting too long though.

 

serial number manufacture date

I have a Sig 229c-357-T, beautiful 229 in two tone 357 caliber, and im trying to get the manufacture date. The serial number starts in AL, anyone have any thoughts?

 

I have a Sig P229 like yours except its 9mm and if its an E2 model it was made in 2006-2007. They are limited editions (makes them special).

 

@thinblueline: I also have a 229 with the serial starting with AL. But it's not an E2. Do you have any info about that set up? And does the AL still make it "special"?

 

nothing special

 

Pull the grips off and look at the date code inside.