First off I would like to say that I love Sig pistols.  I think they are one of the most reliable handguns made.

The Sig website lists the 228 as 9mm and the 229 is also offered in 9mm.  What is the difference between the two models?  Their specs show the barrel length and overall length to be almost the same.

read about the difference here


http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg60-e.htm

So the P228 has a stamped slide and the P229 is machined.  I know their both good but which is the better gun?  I'm looking for a compact nine and am torn between the two.

The 229 is "beefy-er" and would...maybe...stand up to more shooting, but either will last so long with decent care and ammo that it is moot. I personally prefer the 228 since it is a bit thinner and lighter and, to me, handles better...but that is MY opinion...yours may be different.

The 229 is "beefed up" for the .40 and .357SIG, hence the machined slide.
On the 229 .40 and .357SIG, the barrels can be swapped out between each other. They can fire 9mm with Barsto conversion barrel.
The 229 9mm is 9mm only.
The 228 is 9mm only.

Dimensionally, they are nearly identical.  The P228 is a bit lighter, and has a better looking slide (totally objective).  The P228 is issued to US Military personnel as the M-11.  P228 magazines are easy to find and cheap.  P229-9mm mags aren't so easy to find, as most P229s sold are .40/.357, which have interchangeable mags.  I don't believe that P228 mags work in a P229-9.  I do know that P226 mags work in a P228, they stick out the bottom a little bit.  My P228 is stupidly, boringly accurate and reliable, as have been all the Sigs I have owned.......

Quoted: So the P228 has a stamped slide and the P229 is machined.  I know their both good but which is the better gun?  I'm looking for a compact nine and am torn between the two.

I wouldn't say one is better than the other. But for a compact 9mm, as you are looking for, I'd go with the more slim and lighter 228.
The 228 will take 13 rounds flush for carry, or 15 round 226 mags with a wrap around piece to adapt the gap available. The 229 doesn't accept other mags IIRC.

Quoted: I wouldn't say one is better than the other. But for a compact 9mm, as you are looking for, I'd go with the more slim and lighter 228. The 228 will take 13 rounds flush for carry, or 15 round 226 mags with a wrap around piece to adapt the gap available. The 229 doesn't accept other mags IIRC.

+1

If you are looking for a compact, high capacity, 9mm Sig, look no further than the P228. This gun is absolutely fabulous!!! The lighter (stamped steel) slide makes the gun balance perfectly. It is truly a dream to shoot! If you want a 9mm, get the P228, don't bother with a P229. Get a P229 if you want a .40 or .357Sig. I own both guns and would not get the heavier P229 in 9mm. The P229's slide is heavy and the gun has a completely different feel than the P228. Again, for 9mm, its the P228 ALL THE WAY!

I choose to carry a P229 in .40 S&W for CCW use, however, when I want to go 9mm, the P228 is the best, hands down.