Hey guys,

Can someone explain to me what the difference is, other than size, between the P226 and P228?  The P228 doesn't seem to be listed on SIG's web site at the moment - I read recently that it was dropped from the line for a while - so I haven't been able to read the specs.

Are their slides machined/milled/forged differently or something?  It must be something significant for the P228 to be $200 cheaper.  I'm considering buying a P228, because I've heard good things about it, and I don't want to shell out the money for a P226 right now, but I'd like to know what I'm buying.

Thanks!

Dave

The P228 was available at one point then was dropped to only LE/Military sales, then it came back to the public, presently though Sig has stopped the sales of the P228 to complete quota's to the military.  The P228 is designated the M11 and is a limited issue handgun.

The 228 has the older stamped slide assembly as used for years with the 226. You will have no problems with this combination. I know of several 226's and a couple of 228's with in excess of 30,000 to 50,000 rounds through them with no trouble. The newer 226's are now being made with a machined slide assembly...same process as used on the 229...because they are bveing offered in .40 and .357Sig calibers and Sig needed the extra weight to slow down the action when these calibers were used. For the 9mm's it does nothing except add extra weigh. Personally, I prefer tha 228 to the 226 slightly, but both are excellent handguns.

With the Sig 228 being smaller, it is easier to carry, but it will still take the 15 round mags from the 226.

I have both. A P226 and P228 (also P220 and P239). I love them both. I would give the P228 the edge though. It's a bit shorter. I have CCW'd my P226 and P220 (same size) for 12 years. I wish that I'd gotten, the P228 first.

The 228 is listed under the leo part of there website. I have both on loan from my friend who is in Kuwait right now. The 226 has a longer slide and a slightly taller grip. Other then that they are almost identical. The 228 can us the 15 round 226 mags but it sticks out about a half an inch. Standard (leo) mags for the 228 are the 13 inchers and cost about $80.

Oh by the way. If I were considering a 9mm, I would get the 229 which is identical to the 228 but with the stainless steel nitron slide.

I bought a 228 last year and have NO regrets. I paid $550. It fits my hand like it was custom designed. And in 9mm, i prefer a smaller package than the 226. The DA/SA transition takes some getting used to. I recommend a lot of dry fire if you want to practice. Only downside is that preban 13,15 round factory mags are real expensive.