The SIG Sauer P290RS is a sub-compact, hammer-fired, double-action-only 9mm pistol designed for deep concealment and backup carry.
This micro-compact features a polymer frame with a stainless steel Nitron-finished slide, measuring 5.5 inches in overall length with a 2.9-inch barrel. Standing approximately 3.9 to 4.1 inches tall and just 0.9 inches wide, the P290RS weighs around 20 ounces with magazine installed. The "RS" designation indicates Restrike capability, allowing a second trigger pull on a misfired round.
Magazine capacity runs 6+1 with flush-fit magazines or 8+1 with extended baseplates. SIG SAUER produced the P290RS from 2012 until discontinuation around 2017, when the revolutionary P365 rendered it obsolete.
What Makes the SIG P290RS Notable Among Pocket Pistols?
The SIG P290RS pistol represents SIG SAUER's early entry into the polymer micro-9mm market before the game-changing P365 redefined the category. While now discontinued, the P290RS maintains a loyal following among shooters who appreciate its DAO trigger consistency and restrike capability.
SIG SAUER developed the original P290 in 2011 as their answer to the growing demand for compact 9mm carry pistols. The P290RS redesign arrived in 2012, incorporating the restrike trigger system and refined controls that addressed early complaints. The "RS" in the name specifically indicates this second-generation improvement, giving shooters true second-strike capability on primers that fail to ignite.
The P290RS drew design philosophy from SIG's experience with hammer-fired pistols while embracing modern polymer construction techniques. This created a pocket pistol that felt distinctly different from the striker-fired competition, offering a consistent, revolver-like trigger pull that some carriers prefer for defensive applications.
SIG designed the P290RS primarily for deep concealment and backup gun roles. Its slim profile and manageable dimensions enable pocket carry, ankle carry, and inside-the-waistband concealment where larger pistols prove impractical.
The platform served law enforcement backup needs and civilian concealed carry until the P365's superior capacity-to-size ratio effectively ended its production run.
What Are the Complete Specifications of the SIG Sauer P290RS?
The SIG P290RS is chambered in 9mm (with .380 ACP variants also produced), offering 6+1 capacity with flush magazines or 8+1 with extended baseplates. It measures 5.5 inches in length, 3.9 to 4.1 inches in height, and 0.9 inches in width, with a 2.9-inch barrel and approximately 20 ounces loaded weight.
Caliber Options
The P290RS shipped primarily in 9×19mm Parabellum, providing adequate defensive performance in a genuinely pocket-sized package. SIG also offered .380 ACP variants for shooters preferring reduced recoil, with similar 6-round and 8-round magazine options in that chambering.
Dimensions and Measurements
This micro-compact pistol measures 5.5 inches in overall length with a 2.9-inch barrel, creating a genuinely pocketable package. Height runs approximately 3.9 to 4.1 inches depending on magazine selection and measurement methodology.
At just 0.9 to 1.1 inches wide (0.91 inches often cited for the slide), the P290RS maintains an exceptionally slim profile that aids concealment in various carry positions.
Weight Specifications
Base specifications list the P290RS at approximately 16.4 ounces unloaded, though test guns with magazines installed typically weigh 19 to 20.6 ounces.
This weight exceeds many modern micro-compacts but contributes to manageable recoil characteristics. Some owners consider the weight beneficial for shooting comfort while others find it excessive for extended pocket or ankle carry.
Magazine Capacity
The standard flush-fit magazine holds 6 rounds for 6+1 total capacity. Extended magazines with longer baseplates increase capacity to 8+1 while providing additional grip surface for improved control. The .380 ACP variants offer similar magazine options with 6-round and 8-round configurations.
Construction Materials
The P290RS features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps for fit customization. The stainless steel slide receives SIG's Nitron finish or two-tone treatment depending on variant. A steel barrel ensures durability and accuracy potential across the platform's service life.
How Does the SIG P290RS Design Compare to Other Pocket Pistols?
The SIG P290RS features a polymer frame with molded texture and interchangeable backstraps, paired with a stainless steel Nitron-finished slide. Its DAO hammer-fired action with restrike capability distinguishes it from striker-fired competitors, while full-sized SIGLITE night sights provide target acquisition advantages.
Frame and Slide Construction
The polymer frame keeps weight manageable while providing the durability expected from SIG SAUER products. Interchangeable backstraps allow modest grip customization for different hand sizes.
The stainless steel slide adds necessary mass for reliable cycling while accepting various finish treatments including the standard Nitron coating and two-tone options.
Ergonomics and Grip Design
The P290RS grip proves very short with flush 6-round magazines, causing pinky overhang for most shooters.
Extended 8-round magazines significantly improve control and shooting comfort, making them a popular upgrade among owners. Some shooters report the grip angle causes the pistol to point low for them, while others find it natural.
Dry handling before purchase helps determine individual fit.
Controls and Safety Systems
The P290RS operates without a manual thumb safety, relying instead on the long DAO trigger pull combined with internal safeties for drop and discharge protection.
This design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and snag-free carry. The controls remain minimal and straightforward, appreciated by shooters who want an uncomplicated deep-carry pistol.
Trigger System
The DAO trigger defines the P290RS experience. Trigger pull weight measures approximately 7 to 9 pounds with a long, smooth stroke. The restrike capability allows immediate re-engagement of a failed primer without cycling the slide.
Reset travel runs approximately 90% back to the full forward position, which many users find slows rapid fire compared to striker-fired alternatives. Supporters appreciate the consistent, revolver-like pull as a safety feature, while critics consider it the platform's primary weakness.
Sight Configuration
Many P290RS pistols ship with SIGLITE night sights, providing exceptional low-light capability for a pocket pistol.
The sights are notably large and high-visibility compared to typical micro-compact offerings, earning consistent praise from reviewers. This sight quality represents a significant advantage over competitors with smaller, less refined sight systems.
Accessory Options
Many P290RS packages include a removable trigger-guard laser unit for enhanced low-light targeting. This factory option adds some bulk but provides genuine utility for defensive scenarios.
The pistol's compact size limits rail accessory options, though the integrated laser addresses the most common accessory need.
What Variants of the P290RS Were Produced?
SIG produced the P290RS in 9mm and .380 ACP configurations, with various finish options including Nitron and two-tone treatments. The platform evolved from the original P290 (without restrike) to the P290RS redesign featuring the improved trigger system and refined controls.
Original P290 vs P290RS
The first-generation P290 launched around 2011 without restrike capability. Early examples drew complaints about light primer strikes and misfeeds. The P290RS redesign in 2012 addressed these issues with the restrike trigger system and modified controls, substantially improving reliability and user confidence.
Caliber and Finish Variants
The P290RS shipped primarily in 9mm, with .380 ACP versions available for shooters preferring reduced recoil. Finish options included standard Nitron black coating and two-tone configurations with contrasting slide and frame colors. Night sight and laser package options expanded the lineup.
Factory Accessory Packages
SIG offered P290RS pistols with factory trigger-guard laser units, providing an integrated aiming solution without aftermarket modification. These packages typically included both flush and extended magazines, giving buyers immediate access to capacity and grip options.
What Similar Pistols Compare to the P290RS?
The P290RS faced competition from numerous pocket 9mm pistols during its production. The SIG P938 offered single-action operation with a manual safety, appealing to shooters who prefer lighter triggers while accepting cocked-and-locked carry.
Some owners specifically chose the P290RS's DAO trigger and restrike over the P938's operating requirements.
The Smith & Wesson Shield, Glock 43, and similar micro-9mm pistols provided striker-fired alternatives. The P290RS typically ran heavier with longer trigger pulls but earned praise for sights and perceived build quality compared to some competitors.
The SIG P365, introduced in 2018, directly replaced the P290RS lineup. The P365 delivers similar or smaller dimensions with dramatically higher capacity (10 to 12+ rounds), improved ergonomics, and a lighter striker-fired trigger.
Many P290RS owners upgraded to the P365 while some retain their original pistols as backups or due to trust in established reliability.
How Does the SIG P290RS Perform at the Range?
The SIG P290RS delivers accuracy that exceeds expectations for its size class, with reviewers reporting 4-inch groups at 25 yards using defensive ammunition.
Recoil proves snappy but manageable for a 9mm this compact, with the pistol's weight helping tame muzzle rise compared to ultra-light alternatives.
Accuracy Testing
For a pocket pistol, the P290RS earns consistent accuracy praise. Gun Digest testing documented 4-inch groups at 25 yards with defensive loads, impressive performance from a 2.9-inch barrel.
Multiple reviewers describe the platform as very accurate once shooters adapt to the trigger characteristics. The quality sights contribute directly to practical accuracy potential.
Recoil Characteristics
Recoil is described as snappy but milder than expected for a 9mm this compact. Several reviewers explicitly note the recoil proves not uncomfortable even with hotter defensive loads. The P290RS's weight helps tame recoil compared to ultra-light competitors, though that same weight creates downsides for pocket and ankle carry applications.
Reliability Assessment
Early P290 models (pre-RS) generated complaints about light primer strikes and misfeeds. The RS redesign with restrike capability largely resolved these issues.
Testing of P290RS pistols reports very good reliability, with Gun Digest's evaluation recording only two malfunctions (one early misfeed and one misfire that fired on restrike) in the first 50 rounds, followed by no further mechanical problems.
Owners commonly describe the platform as dead reliable and extremely reliable over hundreds of rounds.
Trigger Evaluation
The DAO trigger generates divided opinions. Pull weight runs approximately 7 to 9 pounds with consistent, smooth travel.
The long reset that returns nearly to the full forward position slows rapid fire and requires practice to master. Some shooters embrace the consistent, revolver-like pull as a safety feature well-suited to defensive carry.
Others consider the trigger the pistol's primary weakness, hampering speed and precision compared to shorter-reset striker alternatives.
What Ammunition Works Best in the SIG P290RS?
The SIG P290RS reliably feeds most quality 9mm ammunition, with standard 115, 124, and 147 grain defensive loads performing well. The restrike capability provides backup against primer failures, though properly functioning ammunition rarely requires this feature.
Defensive Load Selection
Modern hollow-point ammunition from established manufacturers performs reliably in the P290RS.
The 124-grain weight often balances expansion and penetration effectively from the short barrel. Premium defensive loads from Federal, Speer, Hornady, and similar manufacturers feed and function without issues in properly maintained examples.
Practice Ammunition
Standard ball ammunition works well for range sessions and training. The platform shows no particular sensitivity to ammunition brands or bullet profiles. Budget practice ammunition functions reliably, enabling economical training volume.
+P Ammunition Performance
The P290RS handles +P ammunition without issues, with reviewers noting the recoil remains manageable even with hotter loads. The platform's weight helps absorb the additional impulse. Standard-pressure defensive loads provide adequate performance for most applications.
What Are the Best Use Cases for the SIG Sauer P290RS?
The SIG P290RS excels in deep concealment scenarios where maximum capacity matters less than absolute concealability. Its slim profile and manageable dimensions enable pocket carry, ankle carry, and backup gun roles where larger pistols prove impractical.
Is the P290RS Good for Concealed Carry?
The P290RS was purpose-designed for concealed carry, and it performs this role effectively despite being outclassed by modern alternatives. The 0.9-inch width and compact dimensions enable true pocket carry with appropriate holsters.
The DAO trigger provides defensive carry advantages for shooters who prefer consistent, long pulls that resist negligent discharge. The trade-off comes in capacity, with 6+1 or 8+1 rounds trailing modern micro-compacts significantly.
Does the P290RS Work for Home Defense?
The P290RS can serve home defense roles but represents a compromise choice. Its limited capacity and short sight radius place it behind purpose-built home defense pistols.
Those who carry a P290RS daily can certainly rely on it at home, but dedicated home defense selection typically favors higher-capacity alternatives.
Can the P290RS Compete in Action Shooting Sports?
The P290RS's DAO trigger and limited capacity create competitive disadvantages in speed-oriented shooting sports.
The long trigger pull and lengthy reset extend split times compared to striker-fired competition favorites. The platform suits informal practice but not serious competitive use.
Is This a Backup Gun or Primary Carry?
The P290RS genuinely functions as either backup or primary carry depending on user requirements.
Many owners carry it as a backup to larger duty or off-duty pistols. Others select it as primary carry when deep concealment requirements preclude larger options. The platform delivers adequate defensive capability when concealment demands maximum compactness.
What Holster Options Work Best for the SIG P290RS?
Finding the right SIG P290RS holster depends on your intended carry position and concealment requirements. The platform's pocket pistol dimensions open numerous carry options from traditional belt carry to deep concealment methods.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 delivers exceptional comfort for all-day inside-the-waistband carry of your P290RS. The breathable backing and adjustable retention make this SIG Sauer P290RS holster ideal for concealed carry applications.
Belt Holster
A dedicated belt holster keeps your P290RS pistol secure and accessible for range use or open carry. This straightforward holster design positions your SIG P290RS consistently while distributing weight along the belt line.
OWB Paddle Holster
Paddle holsters allow quick attachment and removal of your SIG P290RS without threading a belt. The paddle design works excellently for range sessions or temporary carry situations with your P290RS pistol.
Swivel Drop Leg Holster
The drop leg configuration positions your P290RS holster on the thigh for tactical applications. This setup benefits shooters wearing gear that interferes with belt-mounted carry of your SIG Sauer P290RS.
Chest Holster
Chest carry places your P290RS accessibly while hiking, hunting, or wearing heavy outerwear. The chest holster configuration proves useful when waistband access becomes impractical.
Hook & Loop Holster
Hook and loop mounting systems provide versatile positioning options for your SIG P290RS pistol. These holsters attach to compatible surfaces in vehicles, gear bags, or home storage areas.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the SIG P290RS?
Strengths:
- Excellent reliability in RS-generation production
- Restrike capability provides backup on failed primers
- Consistent DAO trigger suits defensive carry philosophy
- Quality SIGLITE night sights exceed typical pocket pistol offerings
- Slim 0.9-inch width enables true pocket carry
- Manageable recoil despite compact size
- Impressive accuracy for barrel length
- Solid SIG SAUER build quality
- Factory laser option adds defensive utility
- Good value on used market for DAO enthusiasts
Limitations:
- Discontinued with declining parts and magazine support
- Long DAO trigger and reset slow rapid fire
- 6+1 or 8+1 capacity trails modern micro-compacts significantly
- Heavier than current alternatives at similar capacity
- Completely outclassed by P365 on capacity and ergonomics
- Early P290 (pre-RS) reliability issues affected reputation
- Short grip with flush magazine causes pinky overhang
- Limited aftermarket accessory support
- Some shooters find grip angle causes low pointing
- Obsolete compared to current market offerings
Should You Buy the SIG P290RS?
The SIG P290RS earns a conditional recommendation for shooters who specifically prefer DAO triggers, seek a solid used-market value, or want a backup to their primary carry pistol. New buyers generally find better options in currently-produced alternatives.
Who Should Consider the P290RS?
The P290RS suits shooters who embrace consistent DAO trigger pulls for defensive carry. Those transitioning from revolvers find the trigger logic familiar and confidence-inspiring.
Budget-conscious buyers seeking SIG quality at reduced used-market prices discover genuine value. Collectors interested in SIG's micro-compact evolution may appreciate the platform's historical significance. Owners seeking a dedicated backup gun find the P290RS serves this role capably.
Value Assessment
Used P290RS prices typically fall well below current micro-compact offerings, providing substantial savings for those who accept the platform's limitations. The quality construction and proven reliability (in RS variants) deliver genuine defensive capability.
However, the P365's superior capacity and ergonomics at reasonable prices challenge the P290RS's value proposition for most buyers.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
The discontinued status presents genuine challenges for long-term ownership. SIG no longer catalogs the P290RS, and parts availability may become problematic over time.
Magazine availability varies, with some configurations harder to locate than others. Prospective buyers should acquire spare magazines and anticipate eventual parts scarcity. Despite these challenges, the platform's robust construction should provide reliable service for many years with proper maintenance.
The SIG P290RS represents an important chapter in SIG SAUER's compact pistol development, bridging their hammer-fired heritage with modern polymer construction before the P365 transformed the market. For shooters who value its specific characteristics, the P290RS remains a capable defensive tool worthy of consideration at current used-market prices.