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The 15-round magazine from the
full-size P226 extends slightly below
the P229’s grip frame. 20-round
magazines are also available from
Sig Sauer.
The business end
of the Sig P229
is an impressive
sight! (No safety
rules were violated
when taking this
photo.)
is unloaded, lock the slide back, rotate
the takedown lever, release the slide
lock, and remove the slide. The barrel
and recoil guide rod and spring are then
easily removed. No further disassembly
is required, and anyone can learn this
simple process. If you choose to remove
the grip panels, only a flat blade screwdriver
is required.
Carry impressions
The P229 is a little thick and heavy
for a compact pistol, so most very deep
concealment methods will be difficult.
This Sig is well-suited for traditional
belt carry, or possibly in a shoulder holster.
I carried the gun on my strong-side
hip. For outside the waistband carry, I
used a Galco Concealable Belt Holster,
and for inside the waistband I used a
Galco SC2 Inside Pant Holster. Both
holsters exhibited the highest levels of
functionality and quality that are hallmarks
of the entire Galco line. The carry
melt treatment unique to the SAS model
definitely helps with comfort and
concealment by eliminating sharp corners
and edges when the gun is pressed
firmly into your side for carry. The SAS
is also less likely to snag on cover garments
when drawn from concealment.
Shooting impressions
The P229 is a pleasure to shoot.
Certainly, some shooters don’t care for
the transition that has to be made in a
traditional DA/SA pistol from the 10
pound first double-action trigger pull to
subsequent 5 pound single-action trigger
pulls. However, for anyone who is
used to this type of setup or who has the
patience to practice, it shouldn’t present
a problem. The heavy initial trigger
pull is an important safety feature
and eliminates the need for any type
of manual safety. The P229 is always
ready to shoot with a pull of the trigger.
Over the course of 200 rounds of various
ammunition types, this gun was
flawless. Frankly, I didn’t expect any
MAY/JUNE 2011 n CONCEALED CARRY MAGAZINE n USCONCEALEDCARRY.COM
The P229 is quickly and easily
disassembled into its basic parts for
cleaning and maintenance.
less—given Sig’s well-deserved reputation
for reliability. Accuracy was also
very impressive, with groups averaging
less than two inches when fired
without support at 10 yards. To say this
gun is “combat accurate” would be an
understatement. “Impressively accurate”
would be far more descriptive!
Recoil on this compact 9mm is very
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