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P229 SAS Opinions

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8.5K views 25 replies 15 participants last post by  Sig Cazzo  
#1 ·
Good day all! I am relatively new to the small arms world. My first was a P938 BLG, which I absolutely love and have no issues with. I intend for this to be my primary carry piece.

2nd was a Ruger SR22 pistol. I was shooting the 938 so much that I recognized the need to share the load (and expense) so I picked up the 22. As for ergonomics, comfort, and plain old enjoyment, I actually like the SR22 more than the 938. Now when I just sit around and admire my small collection, of course I like the 938!

Now I'm in the market for a 9mm with more capacity than the 938. I liked the feel and the way the safety and decocker worked on the SR22 that I decided that's what I wanted in a larger 9mm, including the flip up for fire safety - I actually really like that. I researched and narrowed it down to the few I could find that fit that description (and I wanted hammer fired): Beretta, and Baby Eagle was really about all I could find. Managed to get my hands on both and found that I didn't like either of them enough to buy them.

I did have a salesman show me a H&K P30S, which was close to what I was asking for except safety flips down for fire and the trigger didn't disengage like it does on the SR-22. But very close and my God does that gun feel good in my hands. I came very close to buying it on the spot, but came home and hit the Internet for further research. While I couldn't find anything bad really about it, I got the sense that they are not as common as Sigs, etc and customer support is very difficult at best. I have no doubt it's a good gun but I just can't get the warm fuzzies on support, aftermarket, etc.

Which all brought me to the Sig P229 SAS 9mm. It does not quite meet the safety criteria I set forth, but if I cannot find the EXACT safety ' trigger configuration like the SR22, I'm starting to lean towards no safety at all would be better, just a decocker. I am not going to be able to get me hands on one to try it out. If I purchase one (and I'm very close to doing just that), it will be ordered, sight unseen.

My wants:
- 9mm
- Hammer Fired
- DA/SA/Decocker/ Safety (not avail this gun)
- Rep for reliability ' customer support
- Greater than 10 round capacity
- Larger than 938/SR22 for accuracy and better shooting experience
- At least somewhat concealable as a secondary carry (p938 first carry).
- Very high quality, I'm ok with spending a few $

The 229 SAS on paper and in the reviews I've found fits everything except the safety of the SR22.

I'm asking you guys... Is there anything I'm not thinking of, am I on the right track?
 
#2 ·
The P229 is one of the best made, and one of the most popular, firearms on the market. It has been widely used by law enforcement as their duty weapon. The P229 SAS Gen 2 is a fine example. It has all the bells and whistles you would want in a SIG firearm, just with a little melt job on the slide and no accessory rail. And the Short Reset Trigger makes for nice, fast follow-up-shots.

Any P229 will be a fine choice. You may also want to look at the M11-A1. Although it says "P228" on the grips, that is a nostalgia sales gimmick. The M11-A1 is a 100% through-and-through P229 9mm. In fact, it has everything that the P229 SAS Gen 2 has except for the slight melt job on the slide; which you honestly do not need.

I have all DA/SA SIGs. They are the largest share of the market. Their redundant internal safeties make a manual safety lever unnecessary. I, like many others, have no concern at all carrying a live round in the chamber. The firing pin cannot strike the primer even if you drop it on the hammer onto concrete. You have to pull the trigger to allow it to fire. I would not be concerned with trying to get a manual safety. Once you learn more about how they work internally, you will see that it isn't necessary.

I wish you luck on your selection.

You really cannot go wrong with any P229.
 
#3 ·
You are on the right track. There are many options out there that meet the majority of your needs. The 229 being one of those, it is a fantastic pistol in any configuration. The SAS is popular because of the rounded edges, but that's window dressing- it is still a 229- rock solid, reliable, accurate, and a joy to own.
 
#4 ·
I have a P229 SAS and love it. It is accurate, reliable, and concealable with a little effort.

I think HK P30s, CZ 75, and FNX 9 are possible guns that fit all your criteria. I don't own any of them so I can't speak to them other than reviews of read and trying the HK.

As far as your safety desires concerns, I started out a similar way. I started with P938 for cc because I wanted a small 9mm with an external safety. Then when I wanted something with a little more capacity, I also wanted external safety and hammer, but ended up with an MP9c with an external safety. Of the guns I tried it felt the best and had an external safety. As I learned more about guns and gun safety, I became more comfortable with DA/SA for cc. The most dangerous part of cc is holstering and the long/heavy DA trigger pull with the ability to put your finger on the hammer to sense any movement while putting into a quality holster give me enough confidence that the trigger isn't getting snagged to carry it.
 
#5 ·
229 is an excellent pistol and I think is one of the best if not the best out of the box da/sa firearms you can get. ( ok I'm biased). Another you might take a look at is the beretta px4 Storm compact. The size and weight of the storm makes it a pretty compelling option. Plus you can switch out the controls and remove the safety part of the decocker.
 
#9 ·
I found the same thing. I went to several shops today, all of them said their distributors had no stock of the SAS and no indication of lead time. Basically, you have to buy it then they tell you how many weeks / months / years it will take to get it...

So I went with what was in stock, I bought the P229 Enhanced Elite. I am happy with my decision and can't wait to pick it up!
 
#8 ·
the 2 SIG's that fit my hand and which I have highest faith in are also 2 of the oldest.
the 229 and 239 are (in my opinion) the easiest, safest and most reliable pistols out there. They are Hammer fired, Well balanced, Single/Double action, Accurate, concealable (on my overweight body) and fire the most effective 0 to 25 yard self defense cartridge available (357 SIG). I don't need anything else.

If you are comfortable with those guns in hand, I would advise getting one of each. Summer (239) and Fall, Winter, Spring (229).
 
#12 ·
It is easily among my favorite P229 variants (and I have quite a few). I have three in 9mm. Well, two now; I sold one here last week. I was surprised it didn't get snagged up right away, since they're pretty difficult to find in 9mm.
Regardless, it is a beautiful pistol, dead-on accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. I absolutely wouldn't hesitate to buy a P229 SAS Gen 2. Once anyone handles one, they would immediately understand what I mean. Plus, for me, a decocker is the way to go. I think you'd agree once you familiarize yourself with it.
 

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#22 ·
As Hodge mentioned, you're on the right track. IMO, SIG P229 SAS and HK P30 are 2 of the finest 9mm carry weapons on earth. My 229 is a 40. Thought some pics may help ya. Obviously, I couldn't decide as both have great features. Choosing one could be based on your personal priorities.

The SIG offers a world class OEM trigger system, along with the heft to print nice targets at the range.

HK P30 has without question the best grip system available. It's 9 side & back grip panels create a custom grip that really does 'fit like a glove'!! P30 is much lighter too. So, she'll ride you hip - almost unnoticed - all day.

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I like HK's LEM trigger system, and run our HKs with clean left side - No safety...

Cheers
 

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