Preface
Sig Sauer pistols have been in the media a lot lately, and having been a Sigophant for decades I have been watching closely. As a giant in the firearms community Sig has an incredible diversity of products as well as the issues that might accompany such an extravagant position. But today we won’t be discussing problems, instead our focus is on something Sig Sauer got right. The P-Series of pistols have been around as long as me, originally coming from Swiss and West German craftsmen. For decades they were the gold standard used by law enforcement and those who’s lives depended on their tools. Today we are taking a look at a lesser known pistol from the P-Series, but one that certainly deserves your consideration. Join me as we dive into the Sig Sauer P239 compact, a single stack hammer-fired pistol trusted by professionals.
The P239
Sig’s P239 incorporates all the same features as its popular and larger siblings. The P220 and P226 are popular with both professionals and enthusiasts alike. There are likely hundreds of law enforcement agencies using them in dozens of countries. And the US Navy SEAL teams adopted the P226 as their handgun (designated the Mk 24 and Mk25). The P239 was later developed to be a compact comparable handgun to be used either as a backup or as covert concealed weapon.
Much like its popular full-size equivalents, the P239 is made for action. Using the very same functions and features as the P226. It can be fired in both in single and double actions, allowing it to be carried with the hammer down. There is no safety but the one you pick your nose with, but it does have a de-cocking lever designed to safely lower the hammer.
Single stack magazines are released using a traditional button on the left side of the grip. And there is a disassembly cam lever in the traditional location above the trigger area.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9×19, .40S&W, .357 Sig |
| Barrel Length | 3.5-inches |
| Length | 6.5-inches |
| Height | 5.2-inches |
| Weight | 27-ounces |
| Action | Single action/Double action |
| Capacity | 8 & 10 round mags (9×19) 7 & 8 round mags (.40 and .357) |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Slide material | Stainless steel |
| Finish | Black Nitron slide (PVD), black anodized aluminum |
I purchased this pistol back in the 1990’s when they were more of a new item. It was my first compact pistol, and I was a brand new concealed carry permit holder. For nearly two decades this pistol was my go-to carry gun, and I learned many of the do’s and don’ts of CCW with it. But it also came out for other activities as well, and even pulled off some pretty impressive shots over the many years in my possession.
Shooting the Sig P239
Shootability
One of the first things I did with this pistol was to swap out the hard polymer grip panels for a softer set. I found a rubberized grip set from Hogue, that was much easier to hold onto in my opinion. I have average sized hands, and I feel the P239 fit just perfectly for a compact pistol grip.
The trigger is pretty predictable for a service grade handgun. The double-action is obvious longer, but I have always found it to be fine for the first shot out of the magazine. Shooting the single-action is better, with a clean predictable break.
Looking down the semi-low profile sights gives a fine sight picture without making big snag points. The slide itself has gripping texture cuts along the back for drawing the slide. As a product of its time, there is no accessory rail on the frame which is a bit of a downer. All the controls are easily reached and actuated making it a smooth operation.
Reliability
In my near thirty years with this pistol, I’d imagine I must’ve had some kind of jam or malfunction. But to be completely honest, not a single memory of it comes to mind. Much like the proverbial Swiss watch, my P239 has long functioned as flawlessly as I could have asked it to. Unlike many of the guns I get to review, I have literally shot thousands of rounds over decades with this one. Giving about as good a perspective as you can get.
I’ve accumulated around half a dozen magazines over the years, both the 8-round and 10-round models. The 239 feeds perfectly from them, with a clean up and right ejection pattern. I’ve shot countless different ammunition types, everything from posh defensive loads to gun show bulk stuff and even my own handloads. The Sig P239 has always been a lead pump with no notable issues of any kind.
Accuracy
With its three and a half inch barrel, the P239 does pretty good. I’ve never had any issues hitting what I was aiming at. A typical shot group from the pistol at seven yards is between one and three inches depending on ammunition quality. Here is an example of a typical 5-shot group with some inexpensive bulk packed ammunition provided by Ammotogo.com.
Ergonomics
Like most P-Series pistols, the 239 fits my hand perfectly. I don’t usually care for the polymer grips, as they seem a little slippery. The textured ones on the other hand are quite nice, but I’ll stick with the sticky rubber ones.
The controls are all very intuitive and easy to reach and operate. I like that you can feel every movement of the controls, it gives a sensation of connection with every operation of the pistol.
Value
I honestly can’t remember what I paid for mine, and since their discontinuation in 2018 new ones are not available. But there are plenty of them on the used market available from anywhere between $400 and $1000 for some of the more rare configurations. For those prices I think the P239 is a great pistol, and a bit of a collectible for Sig Sauer enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
I’ve gone over most of the pros already; its a very reliable pistol, with distinguished service. It’s built like a tank, and ready for action at any moment. Its controls are very functional and it shoots well.
If I had to come up with some negative things to say about this old friend, it would be these; The Sig P239 is from an era long gone now, so you wont find many of our modern pistol features that we’ve taken for granted. Things like optics cuts, accessory rails and double stack mags are not options with this pistol. With the 10-round magazines it is a pretty decent defense, but most of the guns I carry now a days carry at least 15.
Verdict
The Sig Sauer P239 Compact is a classic pistol, in many ways. Mine will never go anywhere but in my safe or on my hip. But I can see that times have also brought some changes, and sometimes that’s a good thing. I would love to see Sig bring it back, and maybe even modernize it with like a 12-round magazine, an optics cut, and a weapon light suitable pic rail. But I doubt that will ever happen. But if you are looking for one of these handsome old Sig pistols, I can strongly endorse the P239. It is a reliable, straight shooting tool. And built like it came from a time where they knew what they were doing.