SIG Sauer P229
SIG Sauer · Pistol · In Production · 1992
Also known as: M11-A1, P229 DAK, P229 Enhanced Elite
Overview
The SIG Sauer P229 is a compact, double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol derived from the full-size P226 platform. Introduced in 1992 as a direct evolution of the P228, the P229 was the first SIG Sauer pistol manufactured entirely at the company's Exeter, New Hampshire facility and the first production handgun chambered in .357 SIG. Distinguished by its CNC-milled stainless steel slide (versus the P228's stamped carbon steel slide), the P229 features a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, locked-breech short-recoil operating system, and is available in 9x19mm Parabellum (15 rounds), .40 S&W (12 rounds), and .357 SIG (12 rounds). The pistol is perhaps most famous as the standard-issue sidearm of the United States Secret Service, which adopted it in .357 SIG in 1999. It has since become one of the most widely issued duty pistols among U.S. federal law enforcement agencies, seeing service with the Federal Air Marshal Service, ICE, Coast Guard, ATF, and numerous state police agencies.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 907 g (32.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1089 g (38.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 99 mm (3.90") |
| Height | 137 mm (5.39") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Sight Radius | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 351 m/s (1152 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 496 J (366 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- .40 S&W — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, .40 cal
- .357 SIG — also known as .357 SIG Sauer
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Decocking Lever, Firing Pin Safety, Trigger Bar Disconnect
- Features: Da Sa Trigger, Alloy Frame, Accessory Rail, Siglite Night Sights, Short Reset Trigger, Interchangeable Grips, Milled Stainless Slide
Variants
- SIG Sauer P229 Legion — Premium
- SIG Sauer P229 Elite — Enhanced
- SIG Sauer P229 Enhanced Elite — Enhanced
- SIG Sauer P229 Equinox Elite — Premium
- SIG Sauer P229 Nitron — Standard
- SIG Sauer P229 SAS Gen 2 — Concealed Carry
- SIG Sauer P229 DAK — Law Enforcement
- SIG Sauer M11-A1 — Military
Service history
Operators
- United States Secret Service · adopted 1999 · as P229 (.357 SIG)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) · adopted 2003 · as P229 DAK (.40 S&W)
- United States Coast Guard · adopted 2003 · as P229 DAK (.40 S&W)
- Federal Air Marshal Service · adopted 2002 · as P229 (.357 SIG)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- Texas Highway Patrol · as P229 (.357 SIG)
- Delaware State Police · as P229 (.357 SIG)
- Virginia State Police
- Rhode Island State Police
- Montana Highway Patrol
- Orlando Police Department
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1992-present
Widely issued across U.S. federal law enforcement; exact production numbers not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The P229 evolved from the P228 (military designation M11) with the primary improvement being a heavier, milled stainless steel slide capable of handling the higher pressures of .40 S&W and .357 SIG cartridges. The .357 SIG cartridge was co-developed by SIG Sauer and Federal Cartridge in 1994 specifically to replicate .357 Magnum revolver ballistics in an auto-loading pistol format. The Secret Service replaced their P228 9mm pistols with P229 .357 SIG models after extensive stress testing in which the P229 reportedly outlasted six competing firearms. The Coast Guard transitioned from Beretta 92F pistols to P229 DAK models in .40 S&W when it moved from the Department of Transportation to the newly created Department of Homeland Security. Current production models (E2 and later) feature a slimmer grip profile and accept 15-round 9mm magazines, up from the original 13-round capacity. Also known by its military designation M11-A1 in its 9mm configuration.
Background
The P229 was the first SIG Sauer pistol manufactured entirely in the United States and the first production handgun chambered in .357 SIG. The U.S. Secret Service adopted it in 1999 after it reportedly outlasted six competing firearms in endurance testing, and it has protected every U.S. president since.