When most think of SIG , one gun comes to mind – the P226. My opinion – in a nutshell – QUALITY.
The SIG P226 series evolved from the original Swiss SIG P220 and still maintains the basic P220 design. There are many P226 variants that spawned from the standard P226 design including the P226 Elite Tactical Operations that is discussed and shot in the RGR video below. There are many popular P226 variants but none more so than the compact guns like the forged carbon milled 9 mm p228 (called the M11 with law enforcement and the military) and the compact version of the P226 – the P229.
The P226 was designed by SIG for entry in the XM9 Service Pistol Trials which were held in 1984 on behalf of the US armed forces to find a replacement for the M1911A1. Only the Beretta 92F and the SIG p226 satisfactorily completed the trials but Beretta was awarded the M9 contract for the Model 92F due to a lower total package cost. The p226 cost less per pistol but the SIGs magazines and spare parts higher costs lost it the contract. The P226 was however adopted by the Navy Seals.
The P226 is produced in 9mm, 40 cal, 357 SIG and .22 LR models. It weighs 34 oz, has a barrel length of 4.4” and is a DA/SA gun.
For more details on the SIG P226, join us in the videos below out at the shooting range.
RGR video “SIG Sauer P226 Elite / Review
RGR 