The SIG P 220 is originally made in 9mm for the Swiss Army and is still in service today. It is a construction of the Swiss SIG Factory in Neuhausen, where the original SIG P 210 (issued in the Swiss Army in 1949) were made. Around 1958 the SIG factory tried to simplify the P210 to cut the costs. First with sheet metal slides, aluminium frames, simplified small parts and such steps. But luckily the expensive SIG (without sauer) P210 stayed in service until 1975 almost without changes. The development of the P220 started in 1966 in Switzerland. The goal was to have a cheaper and safer pistol in the army for combat use. The cost of a SIG P 220 was almost half of the cost of a P 210. I guess the double action trigger was chosen because of safety reasons. In Switzerland every soldier had to make a repetition every two years. And shooting (and of course pass) at least once a year a mandatory program. Not everyone is interested to shoot monthly, weekly or daily. So for some soldiers who just shoot once a year, a double action pistol with a heavy first pull is much safer than a strikerfired or single action pistol! And safety comes always first!!! The SIG factory in Switzerland couldn't export the new P220 easily because of the restricted Swiss export laws. So they decided to move the production abroad. They went with the Sauer Factory in Eckernforde Germany. The army pistols were still put together in Switzerland but with the parts from Sauer Germany. Today at a shooting range in Switzerland, every honest competitor who wants a chance to win, shoots still with the old original SIG P210 in 9mm or 7.65 Parabellum (Pistole 49). Some even with the Parabellum (Swiss Luger) who is almost as precise as a P49. The SIG P 210 with a precision of less than 2 inches at 50m, is still the finest and most precise servicepistol ever made. And i've never seen one fail! I've talked to an old army repairman, what spare parts for the P 210 I should have. He said:"nothing, they do not break". Even if, the 220 is also a very good peace of hardware and still comparable with the new ones on the market. And wich pistol has a similar track record, durability and reliability except the Glock. Source: the book "Die SIG Pistolen" from 1981
Straight and to the point review. I live in California and while I was on my 10 day wait period I watched several P226 reviews. This one was one of the best.
Another great review. I almost feel like watching your videos is like taking a class. Very educational and information packed. I personally think Sigs have the best location for a slide stop and decocker. I HATE SLIDE MOUNTED DECOCKERS!
It's an old habit, not one I would have others duplicate. You're better off not doing it. The P226 is one of my first 9mm's going back a couple of decades. Back then I had all sorts of bad habits including that. When I pick up a Sig I revert to those bad habits it seems. The gloves are Mechanix Tactical gloves and can be purchased on Amazon.
I just purchased a sig p226 elite recently during this crazy pandemic and the world falling apart. I feel pretty safe. Great video also, I love watching your videos. So concise and professional. Loved the NFA nutkicker video!!!!
I have the MK25 with short reset trigger. So far it is beyond nearly everything I own and really only competes with my HK USP 9mm. Glock 19 and 26 are good but take the back seat.
Chelsea Fischer one video of a dude dunking his gun into random shit destroys the reputation of the 226? how often do you drop your gun in the mud or sand? i hate the ‘but muh special forces use it’ excuse but the 226 has been in service for a long time. i bet you don’t even shoot if it’s raining 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
One of the things I have always love about the SIG 226 is that it fits like a glove in my hand like the 1911 . As far as accuracy I was able to put 45 rounds at 15 yards about the size of a golf ball, well worth the money...it's like driving a Cadillac. 👍
This is my favorite of the firearm review and instruction channels. I don't any firearms my self but I watch the handgun videos so that when I look to make a purchase I'll have an idea of what might fit me best based around price/performance. I appreciate the focus on safety presented on this channel too.
I'm a Sig guy, love my P229 in .40. The double safety you mentioned is actually called a drop safety, intended to keep the hammer from being forced against the firing pin causing a negligent discharge in the event of a drop or tumble to the floor.
I love my Glocks but my Sig P226 and P229 are by far the absolute best weapons on the market as far as I'm concerned. DA/SA are superior to striker fire in many ways but the main reason is the 3lb pull in single action. It allows for more accurate firing as opposed to the striker fire 5lb pull. The ability to carry it chambered with a 9.5lb pull in double action mode is so important. Sig Sauer P226 is perfection but a little difficult to conceal carry. P229 is perfect for CC.
areyouready22 I completely agree. I've carried many different weapons over the years. The P229 is my favorite, it's perfect for me. I've said pretty much the same exact thing that you wrote, many times to many people. Be Safe..
I just got a P226 legion. Love it! It has a recessed slide lock where you can't rest your thumb! Shoots like a dream. Everybody that shoots it thinks so. From beginner to more advanced shooters love it.
Dont forget if you have a light primer strike with a da sa gun on that first round just pull the trigger again.. where a glock etc you must run the slide to get it running again.. my edc is a p226 legion in 357 sig.. amazing weapon
MAC, A few years back SIG made a series of 226 called the 'S4', which stands for 'suppressor series' and came with a threaded 1/2x28 barrel, which is unusual for SIG. This accompanied with my AAC Tirant is simply amazing. Not sure why, but the suppressor performs best on my 226 (from a sound suppression stand point) as compared to my Glock 17 & beretta 92. For those wanting to suppress the 226, you won't regret it. It's just beautiful.
I have a P226 Legion and a P225 Single stack. The 225's slide lock is easy to access but when I purchased the 226 Legion the slide lock was very difficult to lock open and I could not use it to release the slide. I went to a gunsmith and he welded an extension on and ground out the grip a little and it worked fine. I used it at a Strategos security workshop and had no malfunctions in 600 rounds. I've not read of others having this problem.
Favorite for what purpose? For carry I use a G19, for walking around the property I carry a G17 and for discrete carry I've started carrying a S&W Shield. Somewhere in the middle of all that I'm a die hard 1911 fan and try to get one of those out of the safe regularly for some target shooting fun.
I had one of the 1st P226s in the early 80s. I put 6,500 rounds through it in 6 months. I returned from a snowy shooting trip to find that the rails had fractured from the mag well, to within 1/2" from the muzzle. I loved the gun, having gone through a stack of 16 to find the best double action. Sig was great, they replaced the weapon within 2 weeks. I never had a great deal of confidence after that.
I've been trying to find someone that does a better gun review than you do. I'm still looking.... as someone who likes to do reviews, I consider you to be the bar to reach for. I also tend to thumb the slide lock on several types of handguns. Glad to see someone else does it too!
im so glad you pointed out the safety and racking the slide on the Beretta m9 !!!!!! love sigs , glock and a number of 1911 makers !!!!!!!!!!! I don't like pistols with little glitches !!!!!
I bought my daughter a stainless 226 on her 18th birthday.( It was the only thing she wanted) Fourteen years later she is a special agent for US customs service and she still carries it as her primary service handgun. On a side note, from the very first of her customs training she could out shoot any of the instructors.
I carry a p229, which is basically a short version of the p226. It is my go-to for reliability and I shoot it better than any other semi-auto pistol. I keep it with a .40 S&W barrel and mags though, even though it is nothing to swap the barrel out for .357 Sig or 9mm. I love the modular nature of the pistol for allowing me to do that as well.
Great review. I'm loving the P226 Extreme. The short reset trigger is really nice to shoot, night sights, and G10 grips. It is the best side arm that I own. I also have a G36 that I shoot and the high bore axis on the P226 doesn't bother me at all and I have not had any issues with my US made Sig.
Thanks for this video. It was a lot harder to find a straight forward comprehensive review of the 227 than I would have expected. Exactly what I needed. Great delivery of information.
Back in 2003 I bought 2 Sigs sold as Police Dept. surplus. They are inscribed "Made in W. Germany" so I guess they were made some time in the 80's. I have fired more than 15K rounds in IPSC and it has never failed me. Of all the pistols I have, this is the one in my night table.
I have the Sig P226 Tac-Opps model. Love it ! I've put over 2000 rounds through it and have had no problems. The Newer models have slimmer grips (E2) and are an easy trade out. I like the de-cocker and ride my ATV with one in the chamber. I've tried many times to make this safety system fail, with no luck. It works.
I also own a west German made P226! It was a factory refurbished used gun. It literally was like brand new and even came with a warranty as it had been through the factory and touched up and had night sights put on it and all new springs as well! It is one of my favorite handguns! Yet all my handguns are my favorite but I feel the West German made Sig is a little bit more special due to the fact that those are getting harder and harder to find!
That's good to hear you really like the G19. That was the pistol I have been looking at most closely for my first handgun purchase (and CCW). So far everyone I've mentioned that to has had nothing but good things to say about it.
Just a little extra info.. if you're unsure if your P226 is American or German made, there is a stamp on the underside of the slide. You'll see a number and letter combination. You can check this against Sig Sauer's production dates. Also, if you want a few extra rounds and for the magazine to stay flush, Mec Gar makes an 18 round magazine for the P226 that is near flush.
I like this channel good clear commentary from an experienced reviewer explains why I decided the P220 in .45 would be my carry pistol over 20 years ago.
Fox Mulder carried a P226. It was funny how quickly they changed handguns. First he had the Glock 17, then the Beretta M9, S&W 4506(?), and then the Sig.
I came here from Hickok45 and I'm impressed with your reviews. They are brief, thorough, no-nonsense, informative and great to watch. I love them. Very well done and I'm looking forward to the sub so I can watch all your past and future videos over and over. Regards, Ben (AU)
just a note, when I had a Beretta M92 I found that racking the slide by the bar of the safety. I did this when I had one because I had caught my hand between the slide and barrel. That and the fact I had issues hitting the mag release are the reasons I sold it a year or so ago
I have a standard p226 - and a Sig Sauer p226 xfive supermatch. Go get the supermatch! That is, by my opinion, one of the worlds best pistols. When you have fired a 1000 rounds through the supermatch, to get tuned in, the gun never ever malfunctions! I can fire 500 rounds through the swiss precision tool, that the supermatch is. Without cleaning, and it still works! And supermatch precision and shootability. Oh man! The supermatch is the true grandson of the legendary sig p210.
Hey sturmgewehre long time watcher first time replier. I have a P226 German Made, they started shipping over german made p226s when I heard that they were doing that I immediately jumped at the chance to get one and I love it. all I need now is an SRT upgrade, and Im not really adjusted to the sights either yet. (the ones like yours and about 1,000 rds through the gun.) I might upgrade my sights
Carried that baby for years wias a fed LEO. After retiring a few years ago, I went with an EDC much lighter and smaller. First the G26, and now I’m back to Sig with a P365. cant go wrong with Sigs or Glocks.
james, the p225 is very similar to the p226. One major difference being the p225 uses single stack magazines where the p226 is a double stacked magazine. The p225 is also referred to as a p6 used by german police thru the 80's and early 90's. The p225's are no longer in production, but more closely resemble the p239 than the p226. Hope that helps!
I own p226 since in early 80’s German made; to me this is my survivor side arm, very reliable and accurate. I own Berretta 92, Glock 17 and S&W 59 series 9mm. Which I sold.
The West German made SIG 226 was my very first handgun purchase back in '93 or '94. I still have it along with two Blocks at present. But the SIG is the last possession that I would ever part with. Mine has a trigger pull of 12.12 lbs double action and 4.4 lbs single action. I believe the newer ones are 9.9 lbs and 3.3 lbs respectively. Question: do the newer models still use braided coil springs for the recoil springs and also in the magazines? My mags are made by SIG and have braided springs in them, and as I mentioned , the recoil spring is also braided. Anyway, excellent review as always. Keep up the great work!
when I had a M9, I racked it by the safety pin. I never had any issues with the safety doing that. With that said I've since gone to Sig, The P220 & P226, for better ergonomics
Boy isn't that the truth with the slide release, I do that with my sigs and my CZ too. Same thing, 1911 is what I started learning on and all of the things I learned there transfer to other weapons. My wife's favorite gun in the safe is her Sig 226 in 40, it is something to see how well it shoots.
As a firearms instructor and armorer (CATM for those of you familiar) in the USAF, the falling locking block the Beretta uses is its major failing point. I can't tell you how many of the falling locking blocks I saw crack and break in the firearm while firing. These weapons weren't fired more than 100 rounds per year, yet every year during our annual weapons inspections, we found about 3 or 4 that needed replacement (out of the 200 that we had in our unit). On top of that, we replaced about 2-3 throughout the year on the firing line. However, the M11 (Sig P228) we had in the shop was older than I with original parts, and fired as true as could be. From my experiences, the Sig pistols in general are far superior than the Beretta 92s. If they could figure that locking block out and make it more reliable, then I'd gladly add it one to my collection.
Justin Polak= You are indeed correct! I was an Army National Guard NCO who had the privilege of being part of CATM back in 2002-04 during Noble Eagle. During a pistol qualification of Security Forces and pilots one of the pilots cracked the breech block on one of the M9s. This surprised me because the Army has never reported this failure in the Infantry, Artillery, Armor, and Aviation Officer Schools. I knew about it working as a gun store employee in the civilian world but it was rare. CATM uses M9s in their armory unlike the other services which are issued by their respective units and don't have the abuse of being constantly fired on a weekly basis. The pistol shooters never show up with their issued pistols from their units in the Air Force for safety reasons. Army units like Armor, Cavalry, and very small amounts from Infantry to include Aviation are qualified at unit level by their unit NCOs and Officers at ranges assigned to them by their local post Range Control for periodic range qualifications which was surprising for me. Bottom line this was the only weakness I have seen on the M9 which had to be replaced when it broke. Honestly I was honored to be part of the Air Force CATM Team because they allowed me to pass on knowledge as a former Airborne Infantryman and Tank Commander about weapons systems from M4/M16A2s, SAWs, M-60s, and the M2 BMG. These Airmen going into theatre back then appreciated my knowledge from the Army side and I appreciated their attention during class. The Security Forces Airmen both guys and gals went out shooting with me on their off duty hours learning about their weapons better than their tech schools have taught them in the Infantry fashion that I can provide them. This was the best experience in my life to teach others in the art of Infantry to include tactics to the Air Force Security Forces of Nellis AFB here in Las Vegas Nevada. Had a very wonderful time with them. I hope as they are Flight Chiefs by now they will not forget what I have taught them.
6 лет назад+1
LOL ... Maybe because you can't teach the monkeys you enlist how to disassemble and reassemble a firearm! I have TWO 92FS (one a VERTEC) with over 17,000 rds through each of them with ZERO failures of any kind. Period. I have TWO SIGs as well, a P226 and a P225 (German police issue single stack 9mm). I like the SIGs for shorter reach than the Berettas from backstrap to trigger in DA mode, but the Beretta's are factually more accurate and shoot as well (if not better) as the SIGs in SA mode. I wouldn't take love or money for any of the four!
My favorite was the Glock 19 until I treated myself to a 226 ELITE (9MM) for my birthday. A dream to shoot. I primarily use MEC-GAR 18 round mags. I wear medium size gloves so the ergonomics of the ELITE is perfect for me. No issues to date. Just passed 600 rounds down range.
The P225 is an 8-round single stack, 9x19 Parabellum. It is no longer produced although you can find them in gun shops. The P225 was based upon the P220, which is a single-stack .45 ACP
It's funny that your slide didn't lock back too! I shoot the same way (learned pistol on 1911s) so when i shoot my Swiss police issue P228 it seldom locks back. Glad i'm not the only one!
Good Job reviewing this Gun. I thought about for a long time getting this gun but decided against it and got a FNX-9. Only because I'm left handed and need ambi controls. Sig makes such awesome variations of the 226. made me wish I was right handed. haha
I currently carry a Beretta 92fs in the desert somewhere in the middle east gulf region which translates to humid hot climate and sometimes very dry. W weapon has seen a significant amount of rust. Then again, my Sig p220 was a rust bucket in south Florida. Both have proven reliable though. My glock has never rusted and has been equally reliable. Take from it what you want. I will say that this 92 fs has taken some physical punishment that would surely rip off the plastic sights of a glock.
Dont like the slide stop location and the decocker housing in the grip is unconfortably placed, but the reliability is so rock solid you got to love that.
My first semi-auto was a well used West German P220. Never appreciated just how good it was until I worked on some others. Worth every dime and then some. Lots of people make a big deal about the DA to SA, not so, the DA pull is sweet. It's a grab and go .. safer than a Glock, IMO.
Sig Saur P226 is definirely one of the greatest pistols ever made.
my favorite pistol of all time.
Also the cz-75
Definirely.
Always
@@_wanted_outlaw3007.... Nobody asked about the CZ75.
10 years later and it's still one of the best pistols ever made.
I lost my German make Sig P226 9mm 7years ago.But I found it last week . Thank God 🙏🙏🙏
Had one in .357sig when I live in AZ
Sold it to a buddy 20 years ago, when I moved back to the UK. He still has it.
UK gun laws are no fun.
The SIG P 220 is originally made in 9mm for the Swiss Army and is still in service today. It is a construction of the Swiss SIG Factory in Neuhausen, where the original SIG P 210 (issued in the Swiss Army in 1949) were made. Around 1958 the SIG factory tried to simplify the P210 to cut the costs. First with sheet metal slides, aluminium frames, simplified small parts and such steps. But luckily the expensive SIG (without sauer) P210 stayed in service until 1975 almost without changes. The development of the P220 started in 1966 in Switzerland. The goal was to have a cheaper and safer pistol in the army for combat use. The cost of a SIG P 220 was almost half of the cost of a P 210. I guess the double action trigger was chosen because of safety reasons. In Switzerland every soldier had to make a repetition every two years. And shooting (and of course pass) at least once a year a mandatory program. Not everyone is interested to shoot monthly, weekly or daily. So for some soldiers who just shoot once a year, a double action pistol with a heavy first pull is much safer than a strikerfired or single action pistol! And safety comes always first!!!
The SIG factory in Switzerland couldn't export the new P220 easily because of the restricted Swiss export laws. So they decided to move the production abroad. They went with the Sauer Factory in Eckernforde Germany. The army pistols were still put together in Switzerland but with the parts from Sauer Germany.
Today at a shooting range in Switzerland, every honest competitor who wants a chance to win, shoots still with the old original SIG P210 in 9mm or 7.65 Parabellum (Pistole 49). Some even with the Parabellum (Swiss Luger) who is almost as precise as a P49. The SIG P 210 with a precision of less than 2 inches at 50m, is still the finest and most precise servicepistol ever made. And i've never seen one fail! I've talked to an old army repairman, what spare parts for the P 210 I should have. He said:"nothing, they do not break". Even if, the 220 is also a very good peace of hardware and still comparable with the new ones on the market. And wich pistol has a similar track record, durability and reliability except the Glock.
Source: the book "Die SIG Pistolen" from 1981
Straight and to the point review. I live in California and while I was on my 10 day wait period I watched several P226 reviews. This one was one of the best.
Just bought one this week, absolute master piece!
Thank you, it's very much appreciated. I'm glad you found the channel as well.
Enjoyed your review. One thing I did notice that's in most gun review you didn't curse, thanks for that.
Another great review. I almost feel like watching your videos is like taking a class. Very educational and information packed. I personally think Sigs have the best location for a slide stop and decocker. I HATE SLIDE MOUNTED DECOCKERS!
What trying a 92fs once does to a mf
The 18 round Mec-Gar mags are great too.
I absolutely love the Sig Sauer P226. Its one of my top favorite combat/duty pistols of all time.
I'm more of a fan of the 226, but the 229 is a good pistol as well.
Thanks for this video...I just bought a P226 W.Germany (tested in Kiel 1991) and I love it.
It's an old habit, not one I would have others duplicate. You're better off not doing it. The P226 is one of my first 9mm's going back a couple of decades. Back then I had all sorts of bad habits including that. When I pick up a Sig I revert to those bad habits it seems. The gloves are Mechanix Tactical gloves and can be purchased on Amazon.
I just purchased a sig p226 elite recently during this crazy pandemic and the world falling apart. I feel pretty safe.
Great video also, I love watching your videos. So concise and professional. Loved the NFA nutkicker video!!!!
Pistols are good to fight your way to a proper sized firearm. Dont let tyour pistol get you killed.
@@chongisTiberius Thank you. I had no idea. The internet is so useful.
Thank you, and thanks for watching.
I have the MK25 with short reset trigger. So far it is beyond nearly everything I own and really only competes with my HK USP 9mm. Glock 19 and 26 are good but take the back seat.
Lol did you see the gauntlet. I'd say the sig needs to take a seat 😂
Chelsea Fischer one video of a dude dunking his gun into random shit destroys the reputation of the 226? how often do you drop your gun in the mud or sand? i hate the ‘but muh special forces use it’ excuse but the 226 has been in service for a long time. i bet you don’t even shoot if it’s raining 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Fanboy, "yeah bro I got the MK25, it's so rad" Normal person, just got the P226".
The glocks are truck guns compared to the Sig Sauer's.
Hat down to M.A.C! This is how a pistol should be described in video. Bravo!
Agree. I think a good majority just like hearing themselves and there is more camera time of them.. than the pistol. Drives me crazy
One of the things I have always love about the SIG 226 is that it fits like a glove in my hand like the 1911 . As far as accuracy I was able to put 45 rounds at 15 yards about the size of a golf ball, well worth the money...it's like driving a Cadillac. 👍
Probably one of my favourite pistols!
This is my favorite of the firearm review and instruction channels. I don't any firearms my self but I watch the handgun videos so that when I look to make a purchase I'll have an idea of what might fit me best based around price/performance. I appreciate the focus on safety presented on this channel too.
I'm a Sig guy, love my P229 in .40. The double safety you mentioned is actually called a drop safety, intended to keep the hammer from being forced against the firing pin causing a negligent discharge in the event of a drop or tumble to the floor.
The older, German-made SIG-Sauer pistols P226 and P228 in 9 mm Luger are among the few duty & defense semi-auto handguns I respect the most.
I love my Glocks but my Sig P226 and P229 are by far the absolute best weapons on the market as far as I'm concerned. DA/SA are superior to striker fire in many ways but the main reason is the 3lb pull in single action. It allows for more accurate firing as opposed to the striker fire 5lb pull. The ability to carry it chambered with a 9.5lb pull in double action mode is so important. Sig Sauer P226 is perfection but a little difficult to conceal carry. P229 is perfect for CC.
areyouready22 I completely agree. I've carried many different weapons over the years. The P229 is my favorite, it's perfect for me. I've said pretty much the same exact thing that you wrote, many times to many people.
Be Safe..
NJFLIPPER Thanks! You too.
I just got a P226 legion. Love it! It has a recessed slide lock where you can't rest your thumb! Shoots like a dream. Everybody that shoots it thinks so. From beginner to more advanced shooters love it.
Was also used by the british S.A.S who showed you guys how to do it ! Love and respect to all my brothers across the pond xxx
Yea yea, now a days I think our boys can keep up in terms of dishing out justice. Respect to all allied elite forces.
Who Dares Wins
Dont forget if you have a light primer strike with a da sa gun on that first round just pull the trigger again.. where a glock etc you must run the slide to get it running again.. my edc is a p226 legion in 357 sig.. amazing weapon
MAC,
A few years back SIG made a series of 226 called the 'S4', which stands for 'suppressor series' and came with a threaded 1/2x28 barrel, which is unusual for SIG. This accompanied with my AAC Tirant is simply amazing. Not sure why, but the suppressor performs best on my 226 (from a sound suppression stand point) as compared to my Glock 17 & beretta 92. For those wanting to suppress the 226, you won't regret it. It's just beautiful.
One of the best gun reviewers on RUclips. Keep up the good work!
I rented a P226 at local gun range and it was my first handgun I ever fired. It was sweet and the gun felt great in the hand.
Nice review...I love how honest you are about your experiences with Sig and you don't candy coat anything...Very unbiased and very well done!
Clear, concise and unadorned with frills. Excellent.
Sig is My Best Friend.....I Carried on Duty and Off Duty......A Retired of Houston Police Department....Thanks for Your Show.
I ordered my p226 9mm today it'll be here Tuesday and I can't wait especially after seein this
Yes, I have a couple of Kimber 1911's in .45 ACP that were notorious for various misfeeds including (but not limited to) double feeds.
My p226 mk25 in FDE has had 1200 rounds thur it in a little over a month with no problems. Love SIG !!!
I have a P226 Legion and a P225 Single stack. The 225's slide lock is easy to access but when I purchased the 226 Legion the slide lock was very difficult to lock open and I could not use it to release the slide. I went to a gunsmith and he welded an extension on and ground out the grip a little and it worked fine. I used it at a Strategos security workshop and had no malfunctions in 600 rounds. I've not read of others having this problem.
P226 FTW!
Favorite for what purpose? For carry I use a G19, for walking around the property I carry a G17 and for discrete carry I've started carrying a S&W Shield. Somewhere in the middle of all that I'm a die hard 1911 fan and try to get one of those out of the safe regularly for some target shooting fun.
Agree with having multiple weapons for different situations. Great point!
Your Sig P226 review is the best I’ve seen, by far. Thank you, for that.
Update, I just recently purchased a P226 9mm just like yours, mine is a 1995-96 year model and love it.
I had one of the 1st P226s in the early 80s. I put 6,500 rounds through it in 6 months. I returned from a snowy shooting trip to find that the rails had fractured from the mag well, to within 1/2" from the muzzle. I loved the gun, having gone through a stack of 16 to find the best double action. Sig was great, they replaced the weapon within 2 weeks. I never had a great deal of confidence after that.
I've been trying to find someone that does a better gun review than you do. I'm still looking.... as someone who likes to do reviews, I consider you to be the bar to reach for.
I also tend to thumb the slide lock on several types of handguns. Glad to see someone else does it too!
Just bought a W German 228. Love SIG's. Especially the older ones.
im so glad you pointed out the safety and racking the slide on the Beretta m9 !!!!!! love sigs , glock and a number of 1911 makers !!!!!!!!!!! I don't like pistols with little glitches !!!!!
I bought my daughter a stainless 226 on her 18th birthday.( It was the only thing she wanted)
Fourteen years later she is a special agent for US customs service and she still carries it as her primary service handgun.
On a side note, from the very first of her customs training she could out shoot any of the instructors.
I carry a p229, which is basically a short version of the p226. It is my go-to for reliability and I shoot it better than any other semi-auto pistol. I keep it with a .40 S&W barrel and mags though, even though it is nothing to swap the barrel out for .357 Sig or 9mm. I love the modular nature of the pistol for allowing me to do that as well.
Great review.
I'm loving the P226 Extreme. The short reset trigger is really nice to shoot, night sights, and G10 grips. It is the best side arm that I own. I also have a G36 that I shoot and the high bore axis on the P226 doesn't bother me at all and I have not had any issues with my US made Sig.
Just bought my first gun , picking it up Friday. P226 extreme! Great informative video, thank you!
Thanks for this video. It was a lot harder to find a straight forward comprehensive review of the 227 than I would have expected. Exactly what I needed. Great delivery of information.
Fun to go back and look at old reviews of guns that I own and love.
Back in 2003 I bought 2 Sigs sold as Police Dept. surplus. They are inscribed "Made in W. Germany" so I guess they were made some time in the 80's. I have fired more than 15K rounds in IPSC and it has never failed me. Of all the pistols I have, this is the one in my night table.
I have the Sig P226 Tac-Opps model. Love it ! I've put over 2000 rounds through it and have had no problems. The Newer models have slimmer grips (E2) and are an easy trade out.
I like the de-cocker and ride my ATV with one in the chamber. I've tried many times to make this safety system fail, with no luck. It works.
Outstanding, informative video, one of the best I've seen on RUclips. Thank you.
I also own a west German made P226! It was a factory refurbished used gun. It literally was like brand new and even came with a warranty as it had been through the factory and touched up and had night sights put on it and all new springs as well! It is one of my favorite handguns! Yet all my handguns are my favorite but I feel the West German made Sig is a little bit more special due to the fact that those are getting harder and harder to find!
That's good to hear you really like the G19. That was the pistol I have been looking at most closely for my first handgun purchase (and CCW). So far everyone I've mentioned that to has had nothing but good things to say about it.
Just a little extra info.. if you're unsure if your P226 is American or German made, there is a stamp on the underside of the slide. You'll see a number and letter combination. You can check this against Sig Sauer's production dates. Also, if you want a few extra rounds and for the magazine to stay flush, Mec Gar makes an 18 round magazine for the P226 that is near flush.
I agree that the beretta grip is too thick for me. The p226 with the E2 grip fits perfect.
I love my sig p226 mk25. I have never had any problems with it, its was worth every penny
I like this channel good clear commentary from an experienced reviewer explains why I decided the P220 in .45 would be my carry pistol over 20 years ago.
Sig also made a P-220 in 9mm. Great video!
They are Mechanix Tactical gloves. You can find them on Amazon for $15 or so.
Fox Mulder carried a P226. It was funny how quickly they changed handguns. First he had the Glock 17, then the Beretta M9, S&W 4506(?), and then the Sig.
I came here from Hickok45 and I'm impressed with your reviews. They are brief, thorough, no-nonsense, informative and great to watch. I love them. Very well done and I'm looking forward to the sub so I can watch all your past and future videos over and over. Regards, Ben (AU)
Just the pistol i wanted to see. Love me some 9mm
just a note, when I had a Beretta M92 I found that racking the slide by the bar of the safety. I did this when I had one because I had caught my hand between the slide and barrel. That and the fact I had issues hitting the mag release are the reasons I sold it a year or so ago
I have a standard p226 - and a Sig Sauer p226 xfive supermatch. Go get the supermatch! That is, by my opinion, one of the worlds best pistols.
When you have fired a 1000 rounds through the supermatch, to get tuned in, the gun never ever malfunctions!
I can fire 500 rounds through the swiss precision tool, that the supermatch is. Without cleaning, and it still works!
And supermatch precision and shootability. Oh man!
The supermatch is the true grandson of the legendary sig p210.
lol I like how the price popped out from the bottom corner. Reminded me of Antiques Roadshow.
I've really wanted to get one of these for a while, but this video just made me fall in love. This is my next purchase, for sure.
Your reviews are concise, and you are very knowledgeable about each firearm. Please keep up the good work.
Your post alerted me to the Hickok video being posted. Thanks for the heads up. :)
I have the sigs older brother, the 226 X-5 and boy is it a dream.
Hey sturmgewehre long time watcher first time replier.
I have a P226 German Made, they started shipping over german made p226s when I heard that they were doing that I immediately jumped at the chance to get one and I love it.
all I need now is an SRT upgrade, and Im not really adjusted to the sights either yet. (the ones like yours and about 1,000 rds through the gun.) I might upgrade my sights
The best 9mm service pistol I have carried. Very fast and easy with thousands of rounds of just training and qualifying.
I love my 226 navy. It is my favorite Gun and I’m soooo glad I saved the money to buy it
I just bought one of these. Great shooting pistol. Shot 100 rounds the other day, and not a hiccup.
I got the P226 Legion. Great gun. A little heavy but, the weight helps with recoil.
Carried that baby for years wias a fed LEO. After retiring a few years ago, I went with an EDC much lighter and smaller. First the G26, and now I’m back to Sig with a P365. cant go wrong with Sigs or Glocks.
james, the p225 is very similar to the p226. One major difference being the p225 uses single stack magazines where the p226 is a double stacked magazine. The p225 is also referred to as a p6 used by german police thru the 80's and early 90's. The p225's are no longer in production, but more closely resemble the p239 than the p226. Hope that helps!
I own p226 since in early 80’s German made; to me this is my survivor side arm, very reliable and accurate. I own Berretta 92, Glock 17 and S&W 59 series 9mm. Which I sold.
The West German made SIG 226 was my very first handgun purchase back in '93 or '94. I still have it along with two Blocks at present. But the SIG is the last possession that I would ever part with. Mine has a trigger pull of 12.12 lbs double action and 4.4 lbs single action. I believe the newer ones are 9.9 lbs and 3.3 lbs respectively.
Question: do the newer models still use braided coil springs for the recoil springs and also in the magazines? My mags are made by SIG and have braided springs in them, and as I mentioned , the recoil spring is also braided.
Anyway, excellent review as always. Keep up the great work!
Yes and no idear. The recoil spring design is really shitty. Don't have to replace them in a Glock.
I have a p226 tacops, yes the recoil spring is still braided. but the mag springs are not!
when I had a M9, I racked it by the safety pin. I never had any issues with the safety doing that. With that said I've since gone to Sig, The P220 & P226, for better ergonomics
Boy isn't that the truth with the slide release, I do that with my sigs and my CZ too. Same thing, 1911 is what I started learning on and all of the things I learned there transfer to other weapons. My wife's favorite gun in the safe is her Sig 226 in 40, it is something to see how well it shoots.
As a firearms instructor and armorer (CATM for those of you familiar) in the USAF, the falling locking block the Beretta uses is its major failing point. I can't tell you how many of the falling locking blocks I saw crack and break in the firearm while firing. These weapons weren't fired more than 100 rounds per year, yet every year during our annual weapons inspections, we found about 3 or 4 that needed replacement (out of the 200 that we had in our unit). On top of that, we replaced about 2-3 throughout the year on the firing line.
However, the M11 (Sig P228) we had in the shop was older than I with original parts, and fired as true as could be. From my experiences, the Sig pistols in general are far superior than the Beretta 92s. If they could figure that locking block out and make it more reliable, then I'd gladly add it one to my collection.
Justin Polak= You are indeed correct! I was an Army National Guard NCO who had the privilege of being part of CATM back in 2002-04 during Noble Eagle. During a pistol qualification of Security Forces and pilots one of the pilots cracked the breech block on one of the M9s. This surprised me because the Army has never reported this failure in the Infantry, Artillery, Armor, and Aviation Officer Schools. I knew about it working as a gun store employee in the civilian world but it was rare. CATM uses M9s in their armory unlike the other services which are issued by their respective units and don't have the abuse of being constantly fired on a weekly basis. The pistol shooters never show up with their issued pistols from their units in the Air Force for safety reasons. Army units like Armor, Cavalry, and very small amounts from Infantry to include Aviation are qualified at unit level by their unit NCOs and Officers at ranges assigned to them by their local post Range Control for periodic range qualifications which was surprising for me. Bottom line this was the only weakness I have seen on the M9 which had to be replaced when it broke. Honestly I was honored to be part of the Air Force CATM Team because they allowed me to pass on knowledge as a former Airborne Infantryman and Tank Commander about weapons systems from M4/M16A2s, SAWs, M-60s, and the M2 BMG. These Airmen going into theatre back then appreciated my knowledge from the Army side and I appreciated their attention during class. The Security Forces Airmen both guys and gals went out shooting with me on their off duty hours learning about their weapons better than their tech schools have taught them in the Infantry fashion that I can provide them. This was the best experience in my life to teach others in the art of Infantry to include tactics to the Air Force Security Forces of Nellis AFB here in Las Vegas Nevada. Had a very wonderful time with them. I hope as they are Flight Chiefs by now they will not forget what I have taught them.
LOL ... Maybe because you can't teach the monkeys you enlist how to disassemble and reassemble a firearm! I have TWO 92FS (one a VERTEC) with over 17,000 rds through each of them with ZERO failures of any kind. Period. I have TWO SIGs as well, a P226 and a P225 (German police issue single stack 9mm). I like the SIGs for shorter reach than the Berettas from backstrap to trigger in DA mode, but the Beretta's are factually more accurate and shoot as well (if not better) as the SIGs in SA mode. I wouldn't take love or money for any of the four!
Another great video as always. Thanks for sharing Sir..
My favorite was the Glock 19 until I treated myself to a 226 ELITE (9MM) for my birthday. A dream to shoot. I primarily use MEC-GAR 18 round mags. I wear medium size gloves so the ergonomics of the ELITE is perfect for me. No issues to date. Just passed 600 rounds down range.
Nice Job as always - I am a Big Sig Fan - I love my P228
The P225 is an 8-round single stack, 9x19 Parabellum. It is no longer produced although you can find them in gun shops. The P225 was based upon the P220, which is a single-stack .45 ACP
It's funny that your slide didn't lock back too! I shoot the same way (learned pistol on 1911s) so when i shoot my Swiss police issue P228 it seldom locks back. Glad i'm not the only one!
Thanks for doing this one! I love both my .40 S&W P226 and my 9mm Mk.25 in 9mm.
Good Job reviewing this Gun. I thought about for a long time getting this gun but decided against it and got a FNX-9. Only because I'm left handed and need ambi controls. Sig makes such awesome variations of the 226. made me wish I was right handed. haha
Bought the Sig as my first gun! So excited to own.
The first sig I used was the p220. The first 200 rounds I fired were only in double action just to get used to the action.
I currently carry a Beretta 92fs in the desert somewhere in the middle east gulf region which translates to humid hot climate and sometimes very dry. W weapon has seen a significant amount of rust. Then again, my Sig p220 was a rust bucket in south Florida. Both have proven reliable though. My glock has never rusted and has been equally reliable. Take from it what you want. I will say that this 92 fs has taken some physical punishment that would surely rip off the plastic sights of a glock.
I love my P229 Enhanced Elite, I was able to pick it up new for $890 at a local shop in San Antonio...
Love the p226. Great review!!
Can you do a Sig Sauer P226 Legion review please, thank you
Dont like the slide stop location and the decocker housing in the grip is unconfortably placed, but the reliability is so rock solid you got to love that.
My first semi-auto was a well used West German P220. Never appreciated just how good it was until I worked on some others. Worth every dime and then some. Lots of people make a big deal about the DA to SA, not so, the DA pull is sweet. It's a grab and go .. safer than a Glock, IMO.