The SIG P229
Precision, Reliability, and Versatility
The SIG Sauer P229 stands out as a compact, yet highly versatile pistol, designed to meet the needs of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for its exceptional build quality, the P229 delivers a blend of innovation, reliability, and performance that shooters trust.
Variants and Caliber Options
This pistol is available in multiple configurations to suit various preferences and requirements:
- P229 SL: Available in .40 S&W, 9mm Para, or .357 SIG.
- Slide Construction: Stainless steel slides in either a sleek polished finish or durable black coating.
- Frame Material: Lightweight metal alloy frame with a black anodized finish.
- Magazine Capacity: Holds up to 12 cartridges, ensuring ample firepower for any scenario.
Sight System
The P229 offers a customizable sight system for pinpoint accuracy:
- Adjustable Sights: Rear and front sights can be adjusted laterally (by shifting) and vertically (by replacing with various sizes).
- Sight Sizes: Choose from six rear sight sizes and five front sight sizes to fine-tune your aiming preferences.
- SIGLITE Night Sight Compatibility: Optional night sights for low-light environments enhance operational flexibility.
Sight System
Safety is paramount in the P229’s design, featuring:
- Decocking Lever: Safely lower the hammer into the safety notch with smooth, controlled operation.
- Automatic Firing Pin Safety: Developed by renowned SIG designer Walter Ludwig, this patented system ensures safe handling of a loaded, decocked pistol.
Ergonomic Controls
Designed with shooter comfort and versatility in mind:
- Ambidextrous Magazine Release: Positioned for easy access at thumb height and configurable for left- or right-handed operation, enabling quick and seamless magazine changes.
The SIG Sauer P229 is a testament to German engineering excellence and a trusted choice for those who demand the best in a compact, versatile pistol. Whether for professional duty or personal defense, the P229 delivers unmatched performance and reliability.
The Specs and information on the different gun models listed below are based on Das Grosse Buch der SIG-Pistolen, “The Big Book of SIG Pistols,” by Lorenz Vetter.
SIG-Sauer P 229
Experimental Version
- Weapon Number: 85976
- Designer: SI
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Slide: Stainless steel, matte blackened
- Grip Frame: Aluminum
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Direction: Right, 380 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 12 cartridges
- Front Sight: Blade with a white dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a white line
- Grip Panels: Textured plastic
Special Features:
Experimental version, developed and manufactured at SIG Neuhausen. Recently, SIGARMS has also begun offering it in .357 SIG caliber. Pistols in .40 S&W can be converted to the new caliber by replacing the barrel and recoil spring.
SIG-Sauer P 229
Experimental Version
- Weapon Number: 85977
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Slide: Stainless steel, blackened
- Grip Frame: Aluminum
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Direction: Right, 380 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 12 cartridges
- Front Sight: Blade with a white dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a white line
- Grip Panels: Textured plastic
Special Features:
The experimental version was developed and manufactured at SIG Neuhausen.
SIG-Sauer P 229
USA Series, 1993/94
- Weapon Number: AA 10197
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: Sauer
- Caliber: .40 S&W (or 9mm Para possible)
- Slide: Stainless steel, blackened
- Grip Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel, right side marked .40 S&W
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Direction: Right, 380 mm
- Magazine: Two pieces
- Magazine Capacity: 12 cartridges (.40 S&W), 13 cartridges (9mm Para)
- Front Sight: Blade sight, looped
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight, looped
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, right side marked “SIG/SAUER,” left side marked “P 229”
Special Features:
Slide, right side marked “AA 10197,” grip frame, right side marked “AA 10197,” slide, left side marked “SIG SAUER P 229 STAINLESS,” grip frame, left side marked “SIGARMS INC. EXETER-NH-USA.”
SIG-Sauer P 229 SL
Pre-Series, 1993
- Weapon Number: AA 10348
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Slide: Stainless steel
- Grip Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel with slanted surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Direction: Right, 380 mm
- Magazine: 2 pieces, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 12 cartridges
- Front Sight: Blade sight with a white dot, looped
- Rear Sight: Block sight, blued with a white dot, looped
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, textured; right side marked “SIG-SAUER,” left side marked “P 229”
Special Features:
On the front of the trigger guard, right side, there is “D-Proof Marking” at the top; the slide is polished.