Sig 229 or Para Companion? Help?

NOTPARS

Okay, here's the problem. I have a Ruger K94 (stainless .40 caliber) and, since Ruger fixed the feeding/extractor problem it shoots fine. I would prefer better accuracy and a smaller frame. Soooooooooooo, the hunt was on for a replacement. I was directed by you kind folks to the Sig 299. It is perfect in size (the 226 is too big for concealment as compared to the 229). Well, I ordered one over two weeks ago. Still no Sig. I was told the wait would be a while because of military, police, and other organizations have been snapping up Sigs and Glocks.

While at the Blue Ridge Mall gun show this past weekend (Kansas City) I encountered a Para Ordnance Companion. This is a stainless .45 auto with a 3.5 inch barrel and yes, I love the double action on this pistol. My broker can get either one for almost the same price (around $690). Now I don't know which one to get!!!

I am looking for a stout self defense pistol, not a mini, that is concealable, and does not give up too much in the accuracy department shooting at targets since I love to shoot. My broker has ordered both and said I could have whichever came in first. Now, which one to take? Any input, and I am only considering these two choices, would be greatly appreciated.


"7.62 mm 168 grn BTHP
When it positively
absolutely has to get
there in 2650 fps..."

bigdog1

I don't know about all of that stuff from your dealer because I still see the 229's in nearly all of the shops around here and on GB and AA auction sites. I can assure you that the wait will be worth it it. The Sig is a fine handgun. My experience from the mini 45's is that they tend to recoil fairly sharply and are not terribly "fun" to shoot. Just my humble opinion, but I am partial to Sigs. I own 4 of them....

NOTPARS

For Birddog1,

Hey, thanks for the input. I heard that about the mini-45's too. How would you rate the accuracy of the Sig 229 as opposed to the Ruger and Beretta in .40? The last time I went shooting I shot both my Ruger .40 and a Sig 28 (9mm) at about 15 meters. Both displayed almost equal accuracy. However, at 25 meters, the Ruger's groups opened up quite a bit but the Sig I shot maintained its tight groups. I was the one doing the shooting, I have been firing the Ruger for 2 years, and I had never even held a Sig before. Can I expect this from the Sig?

CS8161

Get the Sig 229...you can't go wrong!

Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!

bigdog1

Had a Ruger KP90 in 45acp and it shot pretty well, but a friend had the 9mm version and I really couldn't make it shoot to my liking. The Berettas are pretty good in 9mm, but the 40's are not as good as far as accuracy is concerned. The Sigs are the best of the breed with the possible excepttion of the HK's and maybe the Walthers. In my experience with most of these handguns, all are more accurate in 9mm than in 40 cal. Just my Humble .02... Hope it helps...

NOTPARS

For Bigdog1,

Your opinion isn't humble, its good, and I REALLY appreciate it!!! In fact, because of what you and and Chris 8161 stated, I am switching my order to the SIG. So, I appreciate it, this forum is great, and I have never received better advice than from you guys on these forums!!!
Now I will owe you. If you are ever in the Kansas City area, I'll pay for your time at the range in Independence and we'll go shooting!

Thanks guys

niklasal

I have both the Sig229 and the Glock22 fullsize.

I have the Sig for looks and the Glock for function. The G22 has a smoother recoil and was extremely accurate by comparison. The recoil on my 229 was just like on my Ruger P89 9mm. It COULD just be that I'm not used to my new Sig, but I still love my Glock.

If you never fired a GLock, try one. The Glock 23 is the 40 compact, equal in size to the 229



NIKLASAL@hotmail.com

Prescott Pete

I ordered a Sig 229 in 357 Sig last Monday thru my dealer here in Arizona.I picked it up on Wednesday.He got it thru a wholesaler in Illinois but don't have the name.Have had both the Para Ordnance and Sigs. I no longer have any P.O.'s but have 4 Sigs now.For me the Sigs are definitely more accurate and reliable, but you would probably hear the same from a Para Ordnance person.Good luck.

bigdog1

NOTPARS,

Thanks. No problem with the advice, it seems like that is one of the few things that you can get these days for free. Same offer goes to you, if you are ever in sunnny South Florida, look me up and we'll burn up some gunpowder. Got plenty of 40 and it is boxed and ready to go...

bigdog1

NOTPARS

For Prescott Pete,

Thanks for the info. I don't know why my broker is having so much trouble. I did not go through a standard gun store in the K.C. area. They want $830 not including taxes. I go through a man about an hour and a half south of K.C. (Lowry City, Missouri on the Truman Lakes). He does not stock much and so must order it. He can get it to me, price of the new gun, shipping, taxes, credit card fee and all for around $690. He is a real nice guy, a Vietnam Vet, and one I consider a friend.

Your information is good. Yes, a Para guy (although I have not encountered one on this forum yet) might say the same thing concerning accuracy. But, I compared what the gun magazines said, what actual owners say, the fact that the Sig holds ten round, recoil control of the Sig versus the .45 in 3.5 inch barrel, and I would have to give the edge to the Sig. Also, I understand a slight loss of accuracy occurs do to the shorter barrel. For now, I have ordered the Sig. Later on, maybe I'll get the Companion as well. I'll have to see if I can hunt down some Para folks to discuss this with.

Thanks!