The newer versions of this pistol, like the SIG Sauer P226 ST, and later the SIG Sauer P226R, have an accessory rail on the underside of the frame. Older SIG Sauer P226 pistols have a stamped steel slide; while the newer versions have a stainless steel slide. The original P226 was manufactured in West Germany and was available in nitroned, nickeled and two-tone finishes.

If not a beauty, the P226 is all business.  It is well known for its world class, state-of-the-art, “to hell and back” reliability.  At it’s introduction, the P226 was considered by many experts to be the best of the “wonder-nines.”  The initial design of the P226 was basically that of a SIG Sauer P220, changed to use a 15 round double-stack magazine holding 9×19mm ammunition.  To this day, it is one of the world’s most reliable combat auto pistols. Lockup in the P226 is solid with very little slide-to-barrel and slide-to-frame play. Slide operation is smooth with no noticeable stiffness.

Only the SIG Sauer P226 and Berretta 92F completed the XM9 Service Pistol Trials conducted by the U.S. Army in 1984. It is worth noting that the P226 in 9mm has, for a considerable time, served with the U.S. Navy SEALs. The P226-Navy is a version of the P226 produced to the specifications of the pistols supplied to U.S. Navy SEALs, including special phosphate corrosion-resistant finish on internal parts, contrast sights, and a slide engraved with an anchor.

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The SIG Sauer P226-Blackwater is a version of the P226 developed for Blackwater USA, featuring night sights, distinctive engravings on the slide, wood grips and five high-capacity magazines.

The SIG Sauer P226 X-Five is a competition version of the P226 intended for IPSC competitive shooting. When introduced, it was the first model of the P226 to feature a ambidextrous safety and single-action-only (SAO) trigger. It has a 5 inch barrel, beavertail grip, adjustable target sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, flared mag well and high-capacity magazines (19 rounds of 9mm) and adjustable trigger.
 

Ergonomics

At 7.7 inches in length, the P226 is roughly the size of a Colt Commander.  However, because the P226 is a high-capacity gun holding more rounds, it is noticeably wider than the Commander.

For many shooters, the P226 has a very comfortable grip.  The front of the trigger guard and the front strap are both serrated. Because the frame does not have a rear strap, the left and right grip panels wrap around and meet at a small seam.  Trigger reach in double-action (DA) mode is good. 

The standard factory sights, known as the “Von Stavenhagen” type, give the shooter a clear sight picture.  It appears as a white dot (front sight) and bar (rear sight). The sights are aligned when the dot is placed on top of the bar (think ‘dot the i’).  Although the sights should be well regulated from the factory, both the front and rear sights can be drifted for windage.

The trigger was very smooth. In single-action, the trigger broke at just over 4 pounds. There was considerable take-up, but no noticable creep and very little over-travel. The double-action pull was around 10 pounds and extremely smooth - one of the smoothest you’ll see on a auto loader.

Field Stripping the P226

The P226 is very easy to break down for cleaning. Make sure the gun is unloaded. Lock the slide back on an empty magazine (or push the slide catch up while pulling the slide back until it locks). Remove the magazine. To remove the slide, rotate the mounting lever downward on the left side of the frame. While keeping some pressure on the the slide with one hand (so it won’t fly off the frame), release the slide catch and let the slide slowly go forward. The slide can now be taken off the frame. The slide assembly consist of slide, recoil spring guide, recoil spring and the barrel.  Remove the recoil spring guide and the recoil spring.  Remove the barrel. The pistol is now field stripped and ready for cleaning.

Shooting the SIG Sauer P226

Shooting was done at The Indoor Shooting Company in Tampa, Florida. Five round strings were fired at 7 yards unsupported on a 1 inch circle target.  Group size averaged 1.72 inches with Winchester, 115gr FMJ ammunition. Point shooting (meat on metal) at 3 yards produced lethal hits. There were no malfunctions of any kind.

Critical Items

For shooters familar with the Colt 1911 and other Browning-style pistols like the Browning Hi-Power, the controls on the P226 will likely seem unnatural.  The slide catch is where you would normally find the safety and the decocking lever is where you would normally expect the slide release.  In a gunfight this would become a problem unless you fully familiarize yourself.

As with any bottom feeder,  make sure that the magazine is always fully seated and the catch is positively engaged, otherwise you’ll likely experience feeding problems when the slide attempts to strip off the next round.

 

Conclusion

The SIG Sauer P226 is a very good pistol with better than average shootability.  While it may be too large for some in a concealed carry role, I am able to easily appendix carry the P226 in a IWB holster on a quality gun belt with shirt un-tucked.

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