HK Compact Vs SIG 229

[Doughboy]

Hello All,
I'm looking into purchasing an off duty weapon. I'm considering the SIG 229 (40 CAL) or the HK USP Compact (40 CAL). I've heard alot of good things about both guns but can't decide which is the better choice? CAn anyone tell me which is the better choice for off duty?

Doughboy

[kennethm3]

For off-duty carry, both guns are huge. I have a P229 in .40, I love it. It is smaller than the duty weapon (Beretta 96D) that I used to carry but still hard to conceal. I have also owned a full-size USP and have fired the compact many times. Size wise it is about identical to the SIG but a bit lighter due to the plastic frame. What do you carry for duty? Have you considered the Glocks? We have two in the house, a 27 mini and a 19 midsized, both are much easier to conceal the the two pistols you are looking at, especially the 27. I'd be carrying the 27 off-duty or as a back-up if I was allowed by my agency. Good luck with whatever you decide. Stay safe.

[Doughboy]

My department issues the Berretta 96 GT. I heard that the RangeMAster for our department will not approve any Glocks to be used as secondary or backup weapons. Thanks Kennethm3 for your input but I think I'm just gunna have to go out and buy both to end the debate.

dough

[kennethm3]

I am not a fan of Berettas or the Burrito or Italian Tomahawk as we used to call it. If you have to carry one for duty and can't carry a Glock off duty look at the Beretta Cougar in what ever calibre that you carry. I believe carrying a weapon that functions and feels like your duty weapon is an important consideration. Muscle memory, especially in a high pulse rate situation, is difficult to overcome. Having a back-up that accepts your duty magazines is also an important consideration. Good luck, stay safe.

[Kahuna5150]

I own a Sig 229 in .40. I carried it as a duty weapon on my belt when I was on patrol. As soon as I went into investigations I found it was a bit heavy. Also tried to carry it off-duty a few times, but it is a heavy gun. To me it seems like it is a small form gun, however the weight was a turn off for me.

I carry a glock on and off duty now myself. Love Glock. If you can't carry a glock I would go with the Cougar suggestion. Should carry something close to what you carry on duty. Surprising you can't carry a Glock, but an HK would be OK.

Kahuna

[scootsmo]

I have a sig 229 and I love it. I will only use it as an on duty gun though because of its weight, like the others have said. If you are looking for something a little smaller for off duty, check out the 228. I know a lot of Chicago cops that carry that off duty and they like it.

[kennethm3]

The only difference between the 228 and the 229 is that the 229 has a slightly wider re-inforced slide made out of stainless steel.