P229 or P239 for CCW

[Ed Blown Vert]

I have searched and searched and can't decide on which one to get.
My first thought was the 239 in .40. It was slim, a bit lighter, but only 7+1.

Most said just get the 229 since it isn't much larger and will hold 10+1
I thought that was a good idea, I could get a 9mm barrel and from what I understand, I could also run my 15 and 20 round P226 9mm mags in the 229.

Then I thought, then why get the 229? If already have a P226, I should just get the 239.

Then the vicious circle starts.

[Norsemen308]

P229 better to have and not need, than need and not have

[ausala]

I own a P239 and a P229 (both in .40) and would say that you really need to shoot and handle both to get an appreciation for the size difference. For me, the P239 is just enough smaller all around to make it a lot more comfortable and concealable than the P229. Depending on body type and carry style, you may feel differently than I do.

I shoot slightly better groups with the P229 and having three more rounds has been great in the tactical classes I have taken, but if I could only keep one of them it would be the P239.

[SILENT GUNMAN]

I find my p229 to be very comfortable iwb. If I want something smaller than that I would go with a poly gun. The Ruger lc9 is my choice. If I'm only going to have a 7 round mag I want the gun to be small and light enough for pocket carry. The lc9, shield, and xds would all do the job better than a 239 IMHO. They all hold about the same amount of ammo but are smaller, lighter and easier to carry.

[Ed Blown Vert]

I would love to shoot them. But my LGS doesn't have those models for rent.
I have handled both, I like them both. If I didn't have my 226, I would probably get two.

I won't look at any other brand. I prefer the DA/SA of the Sig. I carried my 226 for many years doing Armed Security and Armored Trucks, so using a Sig will be very familiar.

I plan on carrying IWB, which is why the 239 was my first choice. But it's such a large change from carrying 20+1 to 7+1. Even though I will never need that much.

Is the recoil in .40 different between the two models??

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

I have the 239 DAO in 9mm and the 229 in 40. The 239 is my primary carry. I carry it in a Crossbreed IWB. It's very comfortable to carry, if a little on the heavy side. I have Hogue rubber grips on the 239 and it's just a good fit for my medium sized hands. Like AUSALA, if I could have only one, the 239 would be it.

[Gutz]

2 + 2 + 9 = 13
2 + 3 + 9 = 14

I say go with the P239.

[Mr310]

The 229 is going to get heavy on your hip.

[Elysium]

P239

[DuckHunter]

I really like my P239/9, accurate, easy to carry, etc. My P245 is what is most often on my 4 o'clock. Yes, only 6+1 but always another 6 in my off side front pocket.

Sorry, not exactly on topic. Just wanted to add my 2 cents, and give a vote for the P245 - if you can find one.

[kicker72]

My P239 super accurate out to 25 yards...can't go wrong with it.

[Treb5]

The 229 is going to get heavy on your hip.

I agree. I have both but only carried the 239. Between the two, 239 all the way.

Round count is important. I always carried a spare mag in a horizontal mount.

[james758]

I have a 239 SAS in 40 cal, the wife has a 229 in 9mm. First thing I did was get the 1 round extension for the magazines and replace the factory mag springs with the 10 rd mag springs. 8+1 is not too shabby. I installed the short reset trigger and main spring and the DA trigger pull is a little long but very smooth. BUT... it really shoots like a full sized gun. I was amazed at how accurate it is for being so small. I know there are smaller guns, but none that shoot as good as the 239.
The ONLY problem I have with the 239 that I don't have with my 220, 226, 229 or p6 is that sometimes my shooting thumb touches the slide release just a little too much on the last round so the slide does not hold open. When I shoot one handed, no problem. When I make a VERY conscience effort to keep my thumb away from it, no problem. Other than that, it is almost the perfect gun.
The 229 is nice and not that much bigger than a 239, and not that much smaller than a 226, but it is supposed to be a 13 rd gun (well, 15 with the new grips) and its just a waste to have one here in this state.
Here's a little porn for everyone...

[DriftinG Z32]

The 229 is going to get heavy on your hip.

I concur. I carried a 229 for awhile in a IWB rig. Very heavy on my hip and felt like a tank. I'd opt for a smaller/lighter Sig for carry.

[Dr.Lou]

The 229 is a great duty weapon, but for me a little heavy for CCW - I carry usually mine in a fanny pack or shoulder rig. I sold my 239 - not sure why...