Sig 229 or HK usp compact .40 which one?

TMUS · Dec 31, 2001

Next toy will be a Sig 229 or compact 40 from HK. HELP, need to know good and bad of each, have small hands (no jokes please) have held a HK but only held a Sig 226, they say 229 smaller.

Tim

Jake Salyards · Dec 31, 2001

I haven't owned either of these, but I've shot them both. I, too, have less than large hands. Either gun will feel good in your hands I suspect, they do in mine.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one, what is it for? If you can legally carry a gun as I can here in Virginia I think I would go for the USP compact. If I still lived in California or one of "those" states then I would go for the P229, which will require a bit more care but is also a really good gun. I think your question here is a ford/chevy type of thing. If you stated that you couldn't decide whether to get a Charles Daly or a Sig P229 I would be able to help you a bit more, but these are both good guns, really good guns, so I don't think you can miss here either way. In your shoes though, I would take the USP compact .40 as it offers more corrosion protection and lighter weight and more durability in my opinion. Plus, you can strap a light on it if you want to. Good luck, let us know.
Jake Salyards

Cawdor · Jan 1, 2002

Both are excellent guns. I'd focus on the action. Sig has traditional DA/SA. HK has traditional DA/SA and cocked and locked.

You also may want to look at a Sig 239. I believe that it uses a single stack magazine, so its grip may be a little smaller.

Frank237 · Jan 2, 2002

I have a 229 in forty and an older 226 in nine. Both have performed flawlessly over the years with both lead practice loads and factory ammo. The 9mm has probably had 5K of factory 124's through it without a problem.

I am in somewhat the same dilemna but I KNOW I want a USP. I just fired four USP's,two full size and two compacts extensively. I was very impressed with the HK's. Quality pstol, great manufacturer, built to last, well designed, etc. They ARE a bit expensive, mags are expen$ive as well. Specialty parts from HK are also expensive and can be hard to find. Then again if you buy one,and keep it stock..... who cares what the specialty parts cost?
If you have the opportunity, try both pistols side by side. That should make your choice a bit easier.

FN

jdrobins · Jan 2, 2002

I just went thru the same decision, I ended up with the USP 40 Compact, the deciding factor was how it felt in my hand, I like Sig's also and had a 9mm 226, swore bythat gun, but 8 years ago had to sell it due to finances, still miss that gun, As others have said, Try to shoot both and then either choice will give you a very well made handgun.

Jim

shankmcduff · Jan 4, 2002

TMUS

I have a P229-40/357 and HK UPS9C which I use to carry. The USP9C and USP40C have the same measurements so the look and feel are the same.

You really need to decide how you’re going to use the weapon. If you intend to carry, the HK is lighter and smaller so concealment should be easier. If you’ll be shooting in the range more then carry, go with the SIG. Don’t get me wrong, concealing the P229 is no problem, the HK is a little easier and comfortable because of its weight. They are both fantastic guns and you will not go wrong.

Out of the box they are both very accurate & reliable guns and you will probably like the SIG trigger pull better than the HK. Because you have chosen the HK compact model, match triggers are not available. Match triggers are very nice. The SIG de-cocking lever is much nicer than the HK variants that have the de-cocking function. HK has ambidextrous mag release. HK can be converted from one variant to another. If you like cocked & locked, HK supports that. I don’t think hi-caps are available for the HK USP40C. Hi-caps are available for the P229. HK finish holds up a little better than the SIG nitron. SIG parts are easier to find than HK. Word is customer server can be a challenge with both SIG and HK but I have never had any problems.

I like my SIG(s) much better than my HK(s) but tend to shoot the USP9C most because it’s my primary CCW and ammo cost. However, I will probably start carrying the SIG (.40 cal) with the colder weather. Better penetration with the additional winter clothing.

Not knowing your intended usage… if I wanted to buy another gun just because I can… and was undecided between the SIG P229 & HK USP40C… I would get the SIG.

ShankMcDuff

Frank237 · Jan 5, 2002

TMUS,

Went out and did some more shooting; both of my SIG's and a full sized .40 USP. It IS a tough decision. They are both very high quality, but sort of like comparing a BMW to A Mercedes Benz. Similar, but different.

My problem is finding one locally for less than the high $700 range. Thats with low cap mags too. Even the LE prices I have been quoted aren't that much better. I guess when your bitten by the HK bug you just have to bite the bullet and pay the price. A lot like taking your first safari, they are very addictive, despite the price.

Let us know what you end up doing

Frank N.

glh · Jan 6, 2002

I have been lucky enought to have owned twenty different handguns this past year.....
I carry the Sig P229.my son (FBI) carries the Sig P229. In over a thousand rounds I have had no problems....I also have the HK 40C SS a good gun..too much stuff on the outside of the gun for me.when I need my gun I want to know that all I have to do is pull the trigger....that is only MHO..the HK is a fine gun ..but for me..when its life /death I only want to pull the trigger.without wondering is the safety still on?... is this gun cocked and locked?... or double action?... there is not time for this durning a gunfight I only want to think of the front sight..and trigger pull.. simple.

Gary

Guest · Jan 7, 2002

“…too much stuff on the outside of the gun for me.” The SIG has three levers, takedown (disassembly), decocker, and slide release. The H&K has two levers, slide release/takedown (disassembly) and decocker/safety. If you never engage the safety, then there should be no more confusion when shooting an H&K than if you were shooting a SIG.
I carry the H&K USP, and for personal carry I used to carry the SIG P239. However, to be consistent, I have jumped from the 239 to an H&K USPC. The 239 was easier to conceal than the Compact; however, since the USP and USPC have identical levers, and almost the same feel in the grip, it takes away any possible confusion.

TMUS · Jan 11, 2002

HK and Sig still in the running, have been reading alot on CZ100's most likely whatever will be in 9mm, cost of ammo a big plus here. Also looking at CZ75 compact.

Still have to see if the old small hands like the best then go from there. Going to gun show this week end. Thanks to all for the help, I will post the toy of choice.

Tim

_________________
Judged by twelve or carried by six, your choice.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TMUS on 2002-01-10 21:07 ]</font>

charlesfmason · Jan 15, 2002

I have both and can say that both are excellent guns. I carry the HK 40C much more often because it feels a bit better in my hand and also because it has an LEM trigger, which I prefer over the SIG arrangement.
You cannot go wrong with either gun from the standpoint of reliability.

Wolf1 · Feb 8, 2002

I trying to decide the exact same thing! My main question being the slide of the 229. Can it be had in stainless, and is it still coated? I know the USP comes in stainless, but it does not have a black finish. I know...I can always send it away, but I really like the idea of the aluminum frame on the Sig. Is the width of the slides the same? The HK, even though compact looks really wide and bulky.

Hman · Feb 8, 2002

Here is my personal input ... I have a 229/40, a 225 and a usp 45c. I am aquiring a 40c any day now. As a 1911 user as well I have decided to use/carry the HK's hammer down/safety off. This gives me the same manual of arms as SIG and I only have to adjust for the 1911. I feel for you and the decision. For me the 229 fully loaded is a tad heavy. The 45c a little chunky but lighter. I have about 7K throgh the 229 and about 2K through the 45c. Both are dead on accuate with a wide variety of loads. Simply superb choices. I could not decide either, so I own 2 of the finest. Harold H

m14nut · Feb 9, 2002

I shoot a 229 in .40, love everything 'bout it. Very easy gun to shoot & manipulate. Sig is offering for 2002 a 2-tone 229 that "appears" to be polished stainless.
I have a buddy in the I.N.S., his original issue was a Beretta 96 brig., they took it back and issued the USP compact in .40 DAO.
He hates it, I shot it, and due to it's light weight,I prefer the Sig. The HK for me was very hard to control POA on the target. the DAO trigger stinks, very LONG pull & spongy.

N-Frame Guy · May 8, 2002

I don't care for either. The 229 can be finicky and jam even with duty ammo. The HK full size is a great gun. I would feel very comfortable w/it. Every HK compact that I have handled (about 15) has a lousy trigger. I don't like Glock's but I would feel better w/a G-23 w/NY trigger.

Sig 229 or HK usp compact .40 which one?

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