[jdavionic]

A question for those that own both - a sig P229 and XD tactical. I've got a buddy who is trying to decide between the two. I own an XD sub and have fired the sig several times. I think the sigs have a much better (smoother) trigger design. But there is quite a price difference between the two. What's your opinion for someone contemplating between a tactical XD and the P229? Is it worth the money to go with a Sig? I've got an opinion; but I wanted to check with those that have both guns.

 

[mcone]

I don't own a Sig, but got to handle a new one the other day. It is a nice gun, but was double-action-only. The trigger pull was smooth but VERY VERY long on every shot. If your friend gets a Sig, please advise him to at least handle DA/SA models before choosing a DAO.

 

[astral]

I spent a long time deciding between a p228 or an XD9 service... I finally went with the XD... At the time I planned on eventually getting a p228, but now I think my next gun will be the XD9SC. Have your friend look at the Sig PRO line too.

 

[XD BACKUP GUN]

I own the P220 and the XD 9MM SC
I carry both......love them both........either way you are making a good choice.

 

[Tactical_XD]

You can't go wrong with either gun. I can only tell you about the sig p226. I work as a correctional officer at a local sheriff Dept, and was issued a p226 3 years ago. The sig they issued me had alot of wear and tear, and you could obviously tell it has been used by many different deputies over the years. Anyways my point is that I have had the same sig for 3 years now and I've had NO problems with it at all. Just a week ago I put over 3000 rounds through it in 3 days with out problems. Sig's are great guns, you can't go wrong with them. I can't give you any feedback on the Springfields because I've only had my XD40 for 2 weeks, but so far I love the gun and I have heard nothing but good things about them. In my opinion, the only difference between Sigs and Springfields is the price...

 

[SteveW1958]

I have both a Sig 229 & 220ST as well as a few XD's. They are all great guns and function with no problems. The Sig's are built better. You also are not comparing apples to apples the sigs have no plastic (not that plastic is bad). I would have no problem recomending either firearm. It comes down to how it fits the shooters hand and how much $ he wants to part with.

 

[ichy_trigger]

I sent you a PM in response to your reply in another thread relating to this...
Both guns are great, both have advantages and disadvantages.
A DA/SA is my preferance over a DAK or DAO. I have my .40 229 single action mode down to 3.5 lbs. its pretty smooth, I reduced the DA down to around 7-8 lbs, its smooth as glass but still not like the SA of an XD with a nice trigger job.

All I can say is that im glad I own sigs AND XD's. I own a sub, bought the wife a service model.

You do know Sigs slogan right? "To Hell And Back Reliability".

 

[Gary G23]

I have a 229 I bought new eleven years ago. I probably won't ever part with it but I doubt I'll buy another since they are so pricey. Right now I only buy XD's and CZ's.

 

[WARHEAD'Z]

I own a SIG P228 and two versions of the XD Service 9mm. Both brands of handguns are of excellent design and quality. IMO the XD service models, with their safety features and shootability, are priced ''right'' for value. Is your friend going to carry? If so the P228/229 or an XD service model would probally be a better choice for concealment over an XD TACTICAL.

 

[ranburr]

I have never found a SIG with a descent trigger. For that reason alone I would get the XD.

ranburr

 

[fliptopwillie]

What does your friend want the pistol for? Is it just for punching holes in paper, carry, home defense? The tactical is pretty big to conceal I would think. The 229 has about the same size at a XD service, but with a shorter grip. I have a 228 (almost exactly the same as the 229) and it conceals a little better than my XD service.

 

[jdavionic]

He wants one for all of the above - concealment, target shooting, and home defense.

 

[HighVelocity]

How can you compare a 229 to an XD Tactical? They are COMPLETELY different animals. :?

 

[fliptopwillie]

I agree with HighVelocity... If he's using it for all of those things then I guess it will just come down to personal preference. I'm sure that others might disagree, but I would advise agains the tactical if he'll be using it for concealed carry. That might be too much of a pain to try concealing.

 

[jdavionic]

Actually, several folks have pointed out that the Service Model (barrel 4.05") is a better comparison to the P229 (barrel 3.9" - I think). With that said, I believe the price difference is significant - close to a $300 difference between the two. I consider SigArms to be well made and highly reliable. Are they that much better that it justifies such difference in price? I don't own a Sig and have only fired several rentals years ago. I thought they were a sweet gun. However, I'm soliciting the opinion of folks that have owned both for an unbiased opinion as to which is a better buy.

If you've got extensive experience with both, I'd appreciate your insight as to which is a better deal and why.

 

[Reynolds-Wrap]

As far as the Tactical go, in my experience, I don't really think it's much harder to conceal than the Service, since the barrel/slide isn't really the problem, its the grip that causes most (all in my case) printing... The only potential problem I could see is the longer slide requiring a slightly longer draw, but unless you have a short upper body, I don't see an inch being a real problem, especially if you practice (which you absolutely should anyway, no matter if the barrel is 1 inch or 7).

I think the Tactical has more of an "oh crap" factor. ;D

 

[fliptopwillie]

If price is a big issue you should have your friend look into a pre-owned SIG at his local dealer or one of the trade ins at CDNN. I love my XD to death, but if I had to give up one for whatever reason the XD would be going and my 228 would stay. Just one man's opinion though.

 

[BigBob68]

2 different guns IMO. I would say a sig if price is not a concern but then again the XD is one of the best polymer pistols on the market.

 

[HighVelocity]

I don't have an XD 40 Service but if somebody that does have one wants to meet me at Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth this weekend we can do a side by side shootout between my 229 and your XD40.

 

[Fly-Sig]

I own both a Sig 229 in 9mm and and XD40 Service. They are both fine guns and both would do the job.

I would say that both are excellent range guns. Very accurate. I personally don't mind the DA/SA on the Sig at all. I've done a bit of trigger work on the Sig and it has a very smooth and light trigger. The XD trigger is also fine, although I hear people complain about the long reset on the XD. IMHO it comes down to personal preferences on which trigger is "better".

One benefit to the XD is the rail. I strongly prefer weapons mounted lights for home defense. Sigs are available with a rail but I don't know much about the configurations.

My carry gun is the Sig because I trust it completely, whereas my XD has had a few malfunctions (most likely related to the aftermarket recoil rod and spring), and there have been enough stories about XD40 reliability issues.

However, the XD9 doesn't have the same kind of reliability issues AFAIK. So I would suggest either gun in 9mm. The XD will be lighter for all day carry. I think the Sig will be a more reliable and longer lasting gun but I can't offer any real data to prove it. The XD offers the ability to attach a light, but the Sig might not.

The bottom line is that either will be a great gun for the job. I'd suggest your friend shoot both and find out which feels better. Honestly I'd buy the Sig, but the difference in price is a valid reason to pick the XD.