The Great Debate
G19 vs. 228.
This may be one of the closest contests out there between two great pistols.
I don't have a G19, I have its .40 cal. brother the G23. I have a 228, but it is yet unfired. I purchased it a few days after a woman, reasons unknown, decided she didn't want it in the house with her kids, and sold it to a local gunshop. I guessing she may have gotten it in a divorce or separation. (The guy behind the counter deserves an Oscar for acting like paying $350 for an unfired German Sig 228, still in case with all factory paperwork and 2 hi-caps -prior to the sunset of the '94 ASB- was a stretch, but that whole deal is another interesting story).
That being said, I have multiple 220's (as I have posted before, $ for $, the best .45 out there) and I have fired 228's. I think the SIG is outstanding, and if you are looking for a pistol in 9mm, the 228 is a great choice. I have yet to hear of one that is taken care of failing or cracking. Seems springs are the only thing requiring any normal replacement. Sig's Velocity magazine showed a test of some Sig 226's that included dropping from a helicopter from 170+ feet, dropping from helo while frozen in a block of ice, running over then with various multi-ton vehicles, and dragging them beind a truck for about 1/2 mile. Reportedly, the 226's still functioned at the end. That would be a fairly good testiment to Sig durability. Their reliability and accuracy are unquestioned. I never intend deliberately to subject my Sigs to such abuse.
The G19 is a also a great gun, and looking back on it, I think it would have been a better purchase than my G23. Regardless, a G19 will be added to the stable somewhere down the line. I think the G19/23 are also one of the best all-around concealable firearms out there. They are extremely quick into action, and probably a little easier as there is no DA/SA transition. The firepower-to weight ratio, as well as the overall dimentions of the G19/23 are excellent, it is lightweight, pretty much corrosion proof, and durable in the extreme, and as reliable as they come. For me, inside 15 yds, it may well be the best CCW pistol on the market.
All that being said, I don't think you can go wrong with either one and will be well-armed with the G or Sig. If I could have only one for everything (CCW, recreational plinking, target, competiton), I would probably go with the SIG. If I could have only one and it was to be used exclusively for concealed carry (not much recreational shooting), I would probably go with the G19. The reason is, for me anyway, the SIG is a more confortable all-around shooter and I shoot it more accurately at extended distances (25ys+) than Glocks. More confortable + more accurate = more fun = more practice.
My suggestion is to avoid the dilemma: if you can afford it, buy both.
Actually, right now I am actually trying to find a way to finance a 229 in 9mm that has been at a local shop for about 8+ months now. I am going to see how bad they want to sell it as there is a .40 with Siglites at another local shop for only $9 more than what they're asking for theirs w/ standard sights. There's a reason why it's been on the shelf that long. I figure another month or two and they might be a little more reasonable.
Now if we were to throw the Glock 34/35 in the question, that might change things a bit.
Just my $.02 worth.
Regards,
BOSS