Some guns catch the eye more than others. We may first see them sparkling in a gun store display case or an online article, only to never get them out of our minds. For me, it\u2019s the SIG<\/a> Stainless Elite series. I first saw these when I was but a poor college student with little money to spare. Needless to say, an instant purchase was out of the question. However, I did not go undetermined. I worked and saved to gather the funds and searched to find my Holy Grail.\u00a0<\/p>\n My first Stainless Elite was a 9mm P226. I found it \u2018used\u2019 in a local shop just after graduation. A couple years later I was able to find a Stainless Elite P220 Carry, which I happily added to the stable. Which brings me to recently when I was able to acquire my favorite model so far, a SIG P229 Stainless Elite.\u00a0<\/p>\n The main feature of the Stainless Elite series is the solid steel construction. Standard P-Series models feature an alloy frame, which is great for weight savings. However, if you\u2019re looking for the ultimate long-term durability, you can\u2019t beat the steel frame.\u00a0<\/p>\n Like other Elite models, the pistols feature forward and rear slide serrations, an extended beavertail, and tritium night sights. They also come with an attractive set of Rosewood grips.\u00a0<\/p>\n Early versions were manufactured with German-produced frames. These tend to have slightly better fit and finish. Later, SIG moved all the manufacturing to the U.S. facility.\u00a0<\/p>\n I should also note that SIG has released a similar variation of several of its models called the ASE, or \u201cAlloy Stainless Elite.\u201d They look similar to the Stainless Steel Elite (SSE) series. However, they have the standard alloy frame that has been coated to appear stainless. They are fine pistols<\/a>, but not quite up to the level of the full stainless.\u00a0<\/p>\n On to the subject of the review, the Stainless P229. The P229 is my favorite SIG Sauer pistol, so I was excited when I finally found this elusive version. They are no longer in production. However, secondary prices have stayed reasonable \u2014 at least at this time\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n The handgun features a 3.9-inch barrel and accepts 15-round magazines<\/a>. It is roughly the size of a Glock 19 or M&P Compact. My version incorporates what is now referred to as SIG\u2019s Legacy slide, but there\u2019s a version with the standard slide found on modern P229 pistols. The Legacy slide is really just the older P229 slide design, which many find more desirable. I\u2019m neutral on the matter and find both designs to be attractive and effective.\u00a0<\/p>\n Notably, being an older P229, the grip features a thinner grip frame and magwell from when the pistols used P228 13-round magazines. These are thinner, like a P226 magazine. Newer P229-1 magazines will not fit, however, SIG still produces the standard P229 thinner magazines (with an updated 15-round capacity). Additionally, because of the thinner magwell, you can also use P226 magazines with less rattle than the newer P229 design.\u00a0<\/p>\n An additional refinement of the Stainless Elite is the checkering on the frontstrap and front of trigger guard. This adds a bit more traction and control, and is a much-appreciated detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n The only area in which the Stainless Elite takes a step back from the standard models is concealed carry. The steel-frame model is certainly harder to carry, due to the added weight. At just over 40 ounces, this dense beast is a touch heavier than most full-size, all-steel 1911s. This makes consistent everyday carry tough; you will need a good holster<\/a> and gun belt<\/a> setup. I\u2019d recommend taking a look at Blackpoint Tactical<\/a> and Kore Essentials.\u00a0<\/p>\n The extra weight of the steel frame really shines at the range. The added mass helps soak up recoil<\/a>, making for an easy shooter and fast follow-up shots. The compact P229 design handles well. It is large enough for accurate fire and good control, but small enough for effective carry and concealment.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Rosewood grips are stunning, but don\u2019t provide much in the way of traction. With wet or sweaty hands, they are not optimal. I replaced mine with a set of G10 grips from Hogue<\/a>. They come in different traction levels and groove patterns depending on your needs. I have several sets of these that have provided excellent results across a range of pistols.\u00a0<\/p>\n The night sights feature large dots that are fast and easy to pick up. They provide solid combat accuracy, but can obscure smaller targets at extended distances. At 12 yards I was getting consistent groups around 2 inches firing from off-hand.\u00a0<\/p>\n The double-action trigger is a standard long, 10-pound pull with very smooth travel. The single-action trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5 pounds for subsequent follow-up shots. If you\u2019re not used to a DA\/SA, it may take some getting used to, but if you\u2019re familiar with the type, you\u2019ll likely find it one of the best in the business. A familiar decocking lever is located on the left side of the pistol just above the magazine release.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"SIG](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/SIG-P229-Stainless-2.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1\")
Stainless Elite Series<\/h2>\n
P229 SSE Features<\/h2>\n
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Specifications<\/h3>\n
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Range Time<\/h2>\n
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