Sig Sauer P226 Pistol

[Oleozz]

Bird----Why the 229 over the 226?
I'm thinking about giving up my 38 for the clunker program but can't decide between the two models. I want something very light, one that can be carried in a fanny or backpack.

 

[Dargo]

I want something very light, one that can be carried in a fanny or backpack.

Ruger LCP? I've been very impressed with it for the two characteristics you specifically mentioned. Besides, it has a reasonable price to boot.

 

[Bird]

Bird----Why the 229 over the 226?
I'm thinking about giving up my 38 for the clunker program but can't decide between the two models. I want something very light, one that can be carried in a fanny or backpack.

I must have changed my mind back and forth between the two at least a half dozen times. But in the end, it was just size. It's really not that much lighter, but slightly smaller, slightly lighter weight if I should ever decide to carry it. Actually, if I'm going to carry a concealed weapon, it'll probably still be my S&W Chief (model 36). I was in a pawn shop this morning where they had two Chiefs for sale; $399 each. And in my Internet searching this past week, I happened to notice one discussion where a guy thought he got a real bargain when he found one for $350, so you can see why I wouldn't take $200 for mine.

For what you're looking for, you might want to consider the P232 in the .380 caliber. Dallas officers are allowed to qualify with them for a backup or off duty weapon. It's considerably smaller and lighter.

 

[gsganzer]

I'll second Bird's recommendation on the Sig 232. I have a Sig 230 (older model of the 232) and it really is comfortable to carry with a variety of options (inside a pocket, IWB holster, paddle holster etc.) Unlike some of the smaller .380's (Keltec or Ruger LCP) that are intended as "belly guns", the Sig 232 is pretty accurate and is truly a shooter fcapable of ranges out to 25 yds. The only problem with a .380 is that the ammo is as difficult to find as hens teeth (at least for now) and cost twice as much as 9mm.

In my experience, when it comes to concealed carry I don't think there's a "one size fits all" for all carry options. I pretty much have three options, a full size 226 for carry with heavy clothes, the 230 for midweight clothing and a Keltec for when I wear lightweight clothing and need something that fits in a pocket. The one thing you realize when you conceal carry is that no matter how small the gun is, you still feel like you're lugging around a car battery.

 

[Oleozz]

Unfortunately the 232 is not included in their cash for clunker deals.
Dargo--I will have to take a look at the Rugers.

 

[foggy1111]

I second the LCP as a good concealed carry pistol.....but I would find the ammo before buying the gun. Pretty scarce for 380 ammo right now.

I have "a connection" that got me some of the new Hornady 380 ammo (which is very highly rated). After getting a hidden burr out of the magazine well.....mine it now feeds very reliably and shoots quite well (for what it's purpose is).

The LCP or Kel Tec's are definitely easy to carry....mostly due to the width of these little pistols.....and the new Hornady 380 acp ammo packs more punch than a 38 special (but not the +p). Not too shabby. And "only" $300. with two magazines.

Oh....and talk about light. Wow. (grin)

 

[Bird]

Since I've never had a reason to look for .380 ammo myself, I didn't know it was hard to find. The 9mm ammo apparently isn't just real pentiful or cheap. The last time I was in Cabela's, they were down to their last two boxes. I found on some discussion boards that Walmart is supposedly the best prices for pistol ammo, but usually out of stock. Sure enough, I checked with the closest 2 Walmarts, both were out of 9mm, .38, and .45 ammo, and I was told in both places that when they get any in, it's gone in 15 minutes. But then day before yesterday, I had to go across town to an area I hadn't been to in at least a couple of years and happened to see a Walmart like none I'd ever seen before; different architecture and appearance, and huge in size. So I went in to see what it was like, and they had sixteen 50 round boxes of 9mm with a limit of 6 to a customer per day; no other pistol ammo. So I got the 6. Then yesterday, I took my wife to see that store; knew they had something she wanted. And they had one box of 9mm ammo left, so I bought it. Incidentally, their price was $9.47 a box plus 8.25% sales tax.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Bird,
nice choice - I prefer the 229 to the 226 as well, but you're right, it's a close thing. I'm still trying to save up for one - as I missed the killer deal of a lifetime on them last spring when a small consignment of police trade-ins hit the market at about $320 apiece. (by the time the ad posted in shotgun news, they were all gone)
enjoy and post a range report once you've had time to break it in/familiarize yourself with the new piece.

 

[Dargo]

Man, all this talk about ammo being hard to get. I'm not gonna comment on how much I have in my ammo safe. And, yes, I do have all of my ammo in a safe. With five kids of my own and always having other kids over, all of my firearms as well as ammo are locked in safes.

Is 9mm and .380 really in short supply??

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

9mm is not.
.380 was not in huge demand before all the new "ultracompacts" came out, so production lagged behind a lot.
Scary thing is, a lot of places .380 ammo costs more than the other common calibers and there's not really a good reason for it.