Responding to the growing competition from polymer-framed pistols, SIG-Sauer today announced the much anticipated Enhanced Ergonomics versions of its P226 and P229 handguns. Responding to demands from both competitive shooters and the law enforcement community, SIG has made a number of changes to the grip and controls of the pistol while maintaining the same mechanical design and function that has made the P220-series popular for almost 40 years.
As someone who shot SIG pistols for a number of years in competition and teaching law enforcement/military students, these are welcome improvements. In particular, I always set my SIGs up with a short trigger and I was using the SRT short reset mechanism since the first prototypes. It’s not surprising to see these modifications becoming standard on a pistol designed for better ergonomics.
Dubbed the E² models, changes include:
- 1-piece modular grip that snaps into place, eliminating the need for grip screws and grip bushings.
- Improved grip texture.
- Reduced grip area on the backstrap for smaller sized hands.
- Reduced length trigger for better reach.
- SIG’s Short Reset Trigger (SRT) mechanism standard on all models.
- Redesigned decocking lever.
- Optional redesigned slide release lever more compatible with modern grip technique.
The P229 E² also has a slimmer profile slide and new flush-fitting magazines that provide 15rd capacity identical to the larger P226.
Both guns will come with three magazines per pistol and SIGLITE (Meprolight) night sights.
I’m genuinely excited to see this new evolution of the P226 and P229. Now I have to add SIG-Sauer to my list of booths to visit “first” at SHOT Show…
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG
I really like the look of these. Like the profile of the BHP’s grip.
I hope it will eventually come out with DAK.
*SCHWING*
I definitely like the sound of this. I was actually complaining the other day that the primary problem I have with my P226 is that there’s a slight creep at the grip seam on the backstrap. Doesn’t really affect anything, it’s just annoying.
I am curious about the new slide release as I do have to shift my grip around that when shooting a Sig; the pictures I can find look the same so far.
My P226 actually had a short length trigger on it when I bought it that I ended up having to swap for a standard trigger because of my large hands. The SRT action is something I’ve always kind of wanted though, and there shouldn’t be anything stopping me from swapping in a full size trigger on one of these two.
I think Sig has more or less fixed my problems with what was already one of my favorite guns, assuming I can find some more info on the slide release.
I think that the reduced size grip and reduced length grip may be a step backwards for many shooters. Too often people think they want a smaller grip when the reality is that they want to put way too much finger on the trigger. More options is always a good thing, but someone needs to get the message out there that too small grips (stock 642 grips, or for me even a SS 1911) can be as big of an issue as too large grips (226 with Hogues and standard trigger).
I don’t think most shooters understand that what feels good isn’t necessarily what is good. Targets and shot timers tell the real story as well as what the front sight does when dry firing.
It’s a definite plus, especially with the aluminum frames and doing away with the grip screws. Now you don’t have to fuss with stripped out grips screws! Now, I am curious to learn how long it will take them to release the “Rainbow Titanium” version or the “Platinum Elite.” JK
Todd,
will there be different snap-on grip panels to fit different sized hands? Or is it one size fits all design???
Ariel — It’s true, some people choose too-small a grip. But it’s easier to make bigger grips for a gun that uses small ones than to make smaller grips for a gun that started out big.
I’m tracking down more specifics about optional grips.
Are they going to fix the accessory rail profile to be true 1913, like they did with the P250?
Todd-Do you know yet if these grips are interchangable with the older (i.e. grip screw) frames, or if they’re frame-specific?
Also-what about a DAK-specific version (i.e., without the decocker slot)?
Best, Jon
As a HUGE Sigfan myself I am very happy to see these improvements. I will have to give them a closer, more intimate look 😉
I really like the idea of a more “modern grip” friendly sig. As a 229/220 shooter one of the biggest problems is not holding down the slide stop. However I have found for me personally that the thinner grips make it worse. I dont have the problem with the slightly larger 229 using standard grips but I simply cannot shoot the 220 to slidelock with the factory slim grips that came with it. I have been on the hunt for “factory” standard width 220 grips for some time and have had absolutly no luck.
As a reluctant sig owner and shooter(I am simply a suppressor lover who bought a sig because it was available at the time with factory threaded barrel) this could go either way for me. I hope for only success with this new model for sig.
I prefer the older 2 piece slides due to their lighter weight. Hopefully the slimmer P229 slide will shave off a few ounces and make the pistol feel more like a 228
Ratgrips is a thermo polymer that was released at shot show this year, installing it will allow from simple grip enhancement all the way to 100% customization of your grip or other position ergonomics.
all firearm manufactures struggle with ergonomic issues, RatGrips answers 90% of these issues.
TO Jon Stein: I imagine you’re aware of this but if not be aware that some of the older models have a different (I think it’s called) trigger release spring) that will have to be replaced before modern grips can be used. It’s not difficult to do – it just needs to be done. See this for reference: http://www.topgunsupply.com/parts-sig-sauer_parts-trigger-bars-springs/
(I’m not advertising for Top Gun Supply but that’s the only place I could quickly find pics of both styles.)