The Best Choices for Sig Sauer 229 & 228 Holsters

Sig Sauer has created some of the most reliable and popular compact handguns among law enforcement and competitive shooters on the market today with the P228 and the P229.

Both the P228 and the P229 are compact versions of the P226, which has been a stalwart in the military arms world for quite some time.sig-229-legion

The P228 is primarily used by law enforcement and the military (known as the M11), and is only available in 9mm. The P229 is the civilian version, much in the same way that the AR15 is the civilian version of the military M16, and is offered in .40S&W, 9mm, and .357.

With a handgun this reliable, there are a host of modifications on the market, as well as a number of holsters for the varying needs that any shooter might need for each. A firearm that is as rugged and reliable as the Sig P229 deserves a quality holster to match.

Every holster is a tradeoff in design and location that affects concealed carry, accessibility, and comfort. We review and discuss a variety of holsters to help inform of some of the best and most popular options available for your Sig P229 & P228 on the market today.

 

Sig 229 & 228 Hip or Belt Holsters

These are the iconic holsters that we regularly see, and are most familiar with. They generally hold the weapon between the middle of the hip and the navel depending on the design. These types of holsters offer the fastest and easiest access to the weapon. They can be somewhat cumbersome depending on the other gear being carried.

 

1. Galco Combat Master

This is a leather holster that attaches to the belt, and the trigger guard sits slightly above the waistline in the pants. It is available in both right and left handed additions. Think of this as the holster you see the FBI agents wearing in the movies, it has a very classic aesthetic and would match well with anyone professionally dressed.

Galco leather holsters are top of the line but do require a bit of a break in period before use. Your P228 / P229 will fit very tight at first. While the Combat Master doesn’t have an active retention system, it also doesn’t have any snap, straps, or other retention system parts to break. This is just a sharp, clean, and simple holster.

This holster will hold your pistol slightly high, but makes it easier to conceal with a jacket. Because it is easy to conceal with a sport jacket and still provides adequate access, this is an excellent choice for someone looking for a concealed carry holster.

There are two prominent drawbacks with this type of holster: it holds the weapon high, making drawing slightly more cumbersome, and with no specific form or latch, weapon retention could be an issue.

The high draw height makes this holster unsuitable for competitive shooting, where every second counts. The lack of an active retention system is an issue for law enforcement officers and any back-country packers who will be climbing over streams and rocks.

 

2. BlackHawk Serpa CQC Sport Holster

BLACKHAWK Serpa CQC Gun Metal Grey Sportster Holster, Right Hand, (Sig P220/P225/P226/P228/P229 w/ or w/o std rail)
  • Fits Sig P220, P225, P226, P228 and P229 with or without rails (Not E2 or MK25)
  • Passive retention detent adjustment screw
  • Immediate retention and audible click upon re-holster for security
  • Includes Paddle platform only
  • Built to withstand the toughest Terrain and environments

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Galco Combat Master is the BlackHawk Serpa CQC Sport Holster.

This inexpensive kydex holster can fit into anyone’s budget. It offers a paddle style mold to the hip as well as an option to secure with a belt as well.

This holster will also offer the ubiquitous “click” that indicates that the weapon has been placed properly into the holster and that the retention protection is activated. One other nice thing of note is that this holster offers set screws which allow the carrier to adjust the height and angle of the weapon to what they find most comfortable.

This holster is a bit bulkier and not the greatest option for civilian concealed carry. However, if you need your gun to stay put when you holster it no matter the circumstances, this is a great holster choice for you.

Not sure if a leather holster or kydex holster is right for you? Check out our articles detailing information on both kydex holsters and leather holsters.

 

3. Gould & Goodrich B803 Belt Holster

Sale
Gould & Goodrich B803-29K Gold Line Three Slot Pancake Holster (Black) Fits SIG P229 DAK w/equipment rail
  • Fits SIG P229 DAK w/equipment rail
  • Made in USA
  • Top Grain Vegetable Tanned Genuine Leather from the World's Best Tanners

This is kind of the middle ground between the Galco Combat Master and the BlackHawk CQC. It is a formed leather holster that is specifically molded to the Sig P228 and the 1st Generation P229 (those without rails).

The pistol will slip easily into the formed pocket but it does not offer the “snap” of it locking into place. The B803 belt holster does provide a thumb snap safety (basically a small leather strap) which secures the pistol into the holster. The snap does not impede quick access, but it does provide a barrier to losing your weapon.

This is a good all-around holster that is suitable in most situations.

 

 

Sig 229 & 228 IWB Holsters

The next couple holster choices are of the style known as IWB, for “inside the waistband.” That means that the bulk of the holster goes inside the pants with only the mouth the holster protruding above the hip. Putting most of the holster inside the pants greatly aids concealment by hiding more of the holster and gun. The exposed pistol grip can still be quickly accessed and more easily concealed with lightweight clothing.

 

1. Galco Summer Comfort

Galco Summer Comfort Inside Pant Holster for Sig-Sauer P229, P228 (Black, Right-Hand)
  • Made using the finest materials
  • Used by law enforcement, military, and citizens alike
  • Tested for durability and quality
  • SIG-SAUER P229,P228

The Galco Summer Comfort is a minimalist design, great for concealed carry. This leather holster is everything you would expect in a Galco leather holster, being beautifully constructed, high quality and durable. This holster will last for years.

This holster is very lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday use. The holster features a snap on design so it can be put on or removed while wearing your belt. This feature is great for times you need to remove your gun in places that don’t allow concealed carry.

The mouth on the Summer Comfort is reinforced and rigid. This allows for one handed reholstering if you need to draw your Sig. This is a great feature compared to IWB holsters that have a mouth that requires removing the holster to put your gun in or the use of both hands.

The holster holds your gun tilted slightly butt forward. This design (mostly) requires the holster to be worn on the strong side behind the hip.
Like the Combat Master holster above, this holster uses a passive retention system.

If you want an easy to use, minimalist design and compact holster that will last for years, this is the holster for you.

 

2. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0

Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster (S&W M&P Shield 9mm, Right)
  • Built with high-performance speakers for extended frequency range, lower distortion, hi performance and noise isolating ear tips eliminate ambient.
  • Hands-free microphone and remote control allow you to easily answer calls, end calls, volume control and play music.
  • Quality : are Professionally Designed For Music Listening Requirement In Running Jogging Weight Lifting Walking And Gym Training. They Will not Fail Or Break Even During Intense Outworks.
  • Extremely lightweight and special ergonomic design you won¡¯t be painful to your ears after a long-time wearing. They are lightweight and won¡¯t add any burden to your ears when wearing them.
  • It is not a usual lightning earbuds, but a wired Bluet00th function earbuds, please open the Bluet00th on your phone to connect first when you using it, and the lightning connector is only for charging. When next time you are using again, if your phone's Bluet00th are open, it will connect automatically when you plug in the cable in 2-8 seconds.

Alien Gear has only been around since 2013, but has been an innovator in the holster world since the get go. Being one of the first manufacturers to use hybrid materials in holster construction. The Cloak Tuck 3.0 continues the tradition of innovation.

If you have ever been concerned about getting a hybrid model, this is the holster to convince you otherwise. This is one of the most comfortable models available for concealed carry of your Sig 229.

The Cloak Tuck 3.0 uses a waterproof neoprene backpad with a proprietary polymer shell, similar to Kydex. It features a spring steel core which prevents the holster from warping, an issue with some hybrid material models.

This holster has many potential adjustments. Not only can you set the draw how you like it with the adjustable retention system, but the Cloak Tuck 3.0 has adjustable clips. This flexibility means the holster can be adjusted to position the gun exactly how you like it. Once you have the position just right it is recommended to use Loctite on the screws or they will constantly work loose.

This holster is extremely stable, it uses two attachment points which are widely spaced. This stability comes with a trade-off. The holster is a little on the bulky side because of the wide spacing, but this helps to distribute the weight which is one of the key features to its comfort.

The dual attachment points also mean that this is not a quick on-off holster. A consideration if you will find yourself in situations that don’t allow concealed carry on a regular basis.

Alien Gear holsters continue to get better and better, and the Cloak Tuck 3.0 is no disappointment!

 

Top Shoulder Holster for the Sig P228 & P229

Shoulder Holsters are often the comfortable option. They distribute the weight of the weapon and ammunition more evenly and are much easier to conceal than hip holsters. However, for what they provide in comfort and concealment, they give up in ease of access. These are some of the most difficult holsters to get a weapon out of quickly.

Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System

Galco Miami Classic II RH Shoulder Holster Compatible with Sig Sauer P229 P228
  • Premium steerhide holster and magazine carrier
  • Silhouetted design accommodates multiple barrel/slide lengths (some will protrude beyond the leather)
  • Horizontal double magazine carrier with open front
  • Horizontal double speedloader carrier for revolvers
  • Comfortable medium-width harness straps

Just as the Galco hip holster is the iconic holster in the movies, this would be the iconic shoulder holster you see all the detectives wearing in the movies. This holster uses formed leather and has a thumb strap retention strap, making it one of the most secure options for holding your Sig.

This holster is one of the most sought after shoulder holster systems in the world, for its quality and comfort. The major element of this system is its spider harness. All four points of the harness are essentially independent and yet attached by a unique swivel back plate. This results in a perfect fit and lasting comfort for all shapes and sizes.
The only real drawback (besides access) is the requirement to wear a jacket or long shirt to cover it.

These are easily concealed by someone dressed in a business professional manner with a suit or sport coat.

 

Closing Thoughts

 

There are a number of options available to carry your Sig, these are some of our favorites and most recommended. How you use your Sig and your personal preferences will come into play with your decision. Use this guide to point you in the right direction. Happy Shooting!