Sig P226 and P229 "E2" versions - magazine compatibility

[SomeOtherGuy]

I did a search and didn't find this answered here, and have somewhat inconclusive information from other sites after a web search.

I have read elsewhere that the P229 in 9mm has two different types of magazine, a slimmer one before "E2" changes, and a wider one (with stamped-in channels) after the E2 mod, because they apparently went to the .40/357 SIG frame for the 9mm at that point and it apparently has a wider magwell. I further read that the pre-E2 magazines will fit in the newer frame but are excessively loose to the point of being a reliability issue.

I would like to know:

1) If all P226 models, old, middle-aged and the latest ones with "E2" changes, use the same magazines, or if there are two different widths for the P226 now. I can't find any pre- and post-E2 differentiated magazines for the 226, so far.

2) If all of the .40 S&W P229s (both early and E2) use the same magazine, which is implied by what I read elsewhere and repeated above.

3) Are P226 magazines compatible with the P229 in the equivalent caliber? Most companies do this, but the apparent change in magazine width makes me wonder. If not, does the .40 S&W P226 have a narrower magwell than the .40 P229, or do the 9mm and .40 P226s use different magwell sizes?

Thanks in advance!

[Rogue556]

I can't speak on the P229 as I do not own one, but I have a P226 E2 that was made in 2010. I've used factory mags as well as the Mec-Gar 18 round and 20 round mags without issue. As far as I know the P226 E2 should run fine with any P226 magazine.

Hopefully that helps with at least one of your questions.

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[L-2]

I apologize in advance if I'm wrong and not much help. I mainly want to comment on the reliability-related-assertion and the E2 grip reference.

I've got a P226R and a P229R (a P229R with the older "P228" mags, not the P229-1 wider mags) both in 9mm.

The E2 grip is only a milestone in SIG's production history. It's only a one-piece polymer grip. For this grip to work, certain trigger-system components needed to be changed, which may consist of the hammer strut; main/hammer spring; and perhaps the decocking lever and other springs found under the grip. The E2 really only pertains to this one-piece polymer grip. It has nothing to do with the mag sizes.

I'm not aware of any wider mags for the P226 9mm models, only the P229-1 9mm mags for the P229 models. I suspect the P226 mags in .40 and .357SIG can plug into a P229 in the same caliber without problem but really don't know. I don't have info on the SIGs in .40 or .357SIG. I also don't know to what extent a regular P228/old P229 9mm mag is unreliable or not, or if it just rattles a bit more with one of these mags.

[Arik]

I'm not following you're questions but 226 are all same. 229 are different
The 226 mags will fit old 229 and 228. Will be loose in 229-1

Just buy the correct mags for your 229.

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[Allen]

I have a 9mm 229 Combat, that uses the 229-1 magazines (.40 cal frame). It feeds just fine from the pile of 10 round 228 marked mec gar mags I have for it.
Al

[LMT Shooter]

I'm not an expert, but I've owned several SIG's. I might be wrong on this.

#1- I believe all P226's have the same mag well dimensions. I own a German SIG P226 that takes the same mags as my Mk25. I also have .40 P226's, and I experimented with .40 mags in my Mk25, and they fit fine, but 1 FTF occurred with newer (American made, factory SIG) P226 .40 mags. Mec-Gar .40 P226 mags are 100% reliable in my Mk25 so far, but I've only fired 200-300rds in this trial so far. 9mm mags fit in my .40's, but I've not fired rounds with them.

#2- I've only owned 1 P229 in .40, and it used mags which were wider than P226 mags. I believe all .40 P229's take the same mags regardless of year of production.

#3- I don't know for sure, but I sold my P229 because I didn't trust that I could rely on .40 P226 mags to function properly in my .40 P229 because of the mag width difference.

[SomeOtherGuy]

Thank you for all the replies, this is very helpful and pretty much answers my questions.

[Pappabear]

I gotta sidetrack here but I have two Legions and both are 9mm, one 229 and one 226. Both carry 15 rounds but take different mags, that is such bullshit on Sigs part. They suck on mags, I have grown to like a lot of what they do, but mags THEY SUCK. The P320 Im fine with since they have different capacities.

PB

[MountainRaven]

I gotta sidetrack here but I have two Legions and both are 9mm, one 229 and one 226. Both carry 15 rounds but take different mags, that is such bullshit on Sigs part. They suck on mags, I have grown to like a lot of what they do, but mags THEY SUCK. The P320 Im fine with since they have different capacities.

PB

Just buy the 18- and 20-round Mec-Gars. More ammo on board and markedly less expensive than the OEM SiG magazines.