.40 S&W: Sig P226 (SS) or Beretta 96G Elite II?

Eli777

I'm looking to get myself .40 S&W semi-auto hand gun, full version for better target shooting and self-defense. Not sure , which gun is better overall, Sig P226 or Beretta 96G Elite II. Price wise Sig P226 (blackened stainless) and Beretta 96G Elite II are about the same. I would appreciate a feedback and an advice. Thanks so much!

Christian B.

I've got a Sig P-229 and a Beretta Brig. Both are .40. The Beretta felt better when I was just holding it, however, when I was putting rounds through them both... one after the other, the Sig lept ahead. I currently have multiple types of concealment holsters for the Sig, but none for the Beretta. The way the Sig feels when it fires makes it my first choice for personal protection and for target.My suggestion is that you go to a range, rent and shoot both, and draw your own conclusion. Both are extremely good weapons, it's just a personal feel that separates them. While you're testing those two, try out a Glock and an H&K, so that you know, for sure, which one is for you.Let us know what you choose... This board has been extremely helpful to me when I'm looking for answers. I'm far from an expert, so I can't wait to see what others might say.christian

Eli777

Christian, thanks so much for your advice! Interesting...Sig P-229 and Beretta Brig .40 calib: Sig-229 has shortet barrel? so it's accuracy should be lesser, never the less it was better than Beretta Brig, which is a full size ans havier slide to reduce recoil impact.Beretta, although claims that Elite II is a competiotion category hand gun.Anyone any insides? Also, i've heard maintenance on Sig must be easier, because it has close slide unlike Beretta, not much dirt or sand gets inside?[This message has been edited by Eli777 (edited 11-27-2001).][This message has been edited by Eli777 (edited 11-27-2001).]

Boomerang

The Sig 229 is not a compact Sig 226. Although both are considered Classic design pistols, they represent two generations of Sig pistol design. The Sig 220, 225, & 226 represent the earlier design and are similar to one another. IMO, the Sig 228 & 229 are of the later more ergonomic design, with the 229 having a blackened/blued stainless slide.I have had both and I prefer the 229 over the 226. To me, the 229 is a much more ergonomic than the 226. BTW, barrel length does not equate to accuracy. Boomer

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Protect our Constitutional Rights.

Eli777

Boomerang,It boomerangs back to you Thanks for your reply. I'm afraid you're wrong on P229.It has compact frame and it has shorter barrel at 3.9" vs.4.4" for P226. I've just checked on it.BTW, I do think longer the barrel, more accuracy gun gets, specially if you shoot far targets 50' or so.Best regards!

Boomerang

True, the 229 has a shorter barrel and smaller frame than does the 226, "BUT" that does not mean it is a compact version of the 226. (FYI, I have owned all P-3 digit Classic Sigs.) I will say it again, the 229 "IS NOT" a compact 226. The P-225 is the only true compact version of the P-226.BTW, you really need to do more research on Sig pistols before you make statements of fact.A bit of advice, do not waste your money on the P-4 digit series Sigs. IMO, they are not worth the money. The breakdown of the gun, for cleaning purposes, is a pain in the *. Furthermore, they are not as ergonomic as the p-3 digit Sigs. Also, the P-232 the trigger is just too dang stiff. I do not care for this model either.Lastly, get the P-229 in either .357 Sig or .40 S&W, you will never regret it. Boomer

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Protect our Constitutional Rights.[This message has been edited by Boomerang (edited 11-28-2001).]

Walt Nunley

THE SIG 226 IS AN AWESOME GUN.IF THE 229 IS NOT JUST SHORTER I WISH I KNEW WHAT THE DIFFERENCE WAS!SHORTER BARRELL = SHORTER SIGHT RADIUS AND SHORTER SIGHT RADIUS- LESS ACCURACY,STANDARD FIREARMS EDUCATION STUFF HERE

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Submarine Sailor,Truck Driver,and very bad typist.GO RUSTY #2

JB

Dont overlook the H&K USP Compact. I have one in .40 cal with a Tasco Optima scope on it and it is a real tack driver. I love the feel of the gun better than my Sig P228. I think now I need to buy a Berreta just to test. Yea thats a plan.

hattrick

you should really check on the H&K USP .40one of the best shooting guns i own, the most dependable and accurate.

spclark

I agree with Hattrick: I have a SigPRO 2340 and an HK USP, both in .40 (and a .357SIG factory barrel for the 2340 and a BarSto for the HK). I PREFER the HK, but only because of the grip & mag release.Before you spend $$, try to borrow or rent & shoot ALL the possible weapons you can so you're making an informed choice.

leeblackman

Just my opinion, I'd go with either a Sig P229 or a Sig Pro 2340. They are very comfortable in the hand, and a good size for practical defense or concealed carry and accurate enough to shoot ISPC Production Class and ideal for IDPA.In my opinion the 226 just doesn't feel as good as the 229 or 2340, and the Beretta though very nice is more of a Limited Class competition gun, though perfectly sutable as a duty weapon.