226 Stainless Elite or X-Five????? Opinions

[Zaydok Allen]

I have a question for you Sig owners.

I don’t have any 9mm pistols, or Sig Sauer guns in my collection. That is something I would like to chance in the future. However, I’m having a hard time deciding on what model. I am definitely leaning towards an all stainless model of some sort. I’ve more or less narrowed it down to a 226 Stainless Elite, or the new version of the X-Five All around. I know they are different creatures, but I’m not sure what I want. This would be a gun used for HD and range, and maybe occasional open carry in the woods.

The price difference is large $1700 vs $1100, but the least of my concerns as I’ll just save if I need to, but I’ll not buy both. I don’t want to spend the extra money though if there is nothing the X-Five won’t really do better than the Stainless Elite. So have any of you ever tried both and can give me some insight? I’ve handled an Elite before, but not an X-Five. Opinions please….

 

[9mmepiphany]

Some might think me a fanboy, but this is my experience on it

I have shot both pistols in 9mm. I've only shot two X-5 Allarounds and about 6 Elites. I've shot both tuned version and factory versions of each.

They are completely different animals which share the same basis DNA

The Elite is just a dressed up 226ST with the addition of the Beavertail, the SRT and different slide markings...I actually prefer the ST

The Allaround is a DA/SA version of the X-5 Competition with tighter tolerances than lessor 226s...many of the parts aren't interchangeable. The most accurate Allaround I've ever fired, shot a documented 1.10" group at 50 yards off a bench and it's owner could hold sub-3" groups with it offhand at the same distance

 

[UpperAtmosphere]

Dang, saved me the trouble of making exactly the same poll.

I'm leaning towards the X-Five Supermatch.

 

[browningguy]

The X5 will do only one thing better than a 226 Elite, shoot tiny little groups all day long. I shoot an X6 Scandic now, just because I like the pimp daddy look , but it is by far the finest shooter in my little collection.



It makes an old, fat, bald guy with trifocals shoot pretty decent.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Here's a picture of the 50 yard group from the X-5 Allaround

 

[Zaydok Allen]

That is impressive. Sounds like they really are two totally different guns. Elite would be better for carry maybe, but not much.

How are the sights on the X Five? Would adding a gold bead front sight be advisable? Black on black is not my favorite sight picture.

 

[priler]

how does the reset on the X-five Allround compare to the P226 Elite stainless w/SRT. i'm mean reset length,reset tactility and over-travel.


I was surprised to learn how not-so-good(opinion) the trigger is on the X-five Competition(SAO),which,for me,would make the L1 model with it's adjustable trigger a real upgrade but also a whopping $800 more(don't care about the wood grip).

 

[browningguy]

The X series use the same front sights as a 226 so you can install fiberoptic or whatever you want on the front.

I haven't heard any complaints on the SAO trigger, personally I found the fully adjustable trigger useful on mine only for setting the trigger distance.

 

[Rinspeed]

I haven't shot an X-five Allround, so I don't know how they compare, but the X-5 L1 trigger is world class. You don't even need to shoot one either, just several dry fires and you will instantly know the damn is going to hit exactly where you're aiming at.

Only problem is after shooting one pistols you used to think were quite accurate don't measure up all that well.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The X-5 Competition and L-1 share the same trigger mechanism except for the adjustment to trigger position available on the L-1. It is designed to allow the shooter to perfectly position the trigger for their finger length.

How good the trigger is is relative to your experience. I was able to put some rounds through one of the first X-5 L-1s in the country, because a local pistolsmith was working out how to tune it...Sigarms sent it to him. It was much nicer afterwards.

how does the reset on the X-five Allround compare to the P226 Elite stainless w/SRT.

The SRT is a domestic option, because it was invented here to compete with the Gen3 S&W for a LE contract. I've never seen a German built 226 come with it installed from the factory. Ergo, the reset is longer.

I can't tell you how much longer as both the Allarounds I've shot had the reset reduced when the actions were tuned

 

[RH45]

One of my first pistols was an old, German, 226. With just about any ammo, it would group under 1 1/2" at 25 yards. I made the mistake of trading it off about 10 years ago, but, found an Allround, a couple of years ago, and the accuracy is right up there with my custom pistols.
Keep your eyes open for a lightly used Custom shop SIG. You SHOULD be able to save several hundred dollars.

 

[bc1023]

Its not even close. The X Series is a much higher quality product and built in Germany mostly by hand.

Sig can keep that Exeter stuff.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Hmmm. 60/40 in favor of the X Five

 

[bc1023]

Hmmm. 60/40 in favor of the X Five

I'll go out on a limb and say that if everyone actually owned or had extensive experience with an X Five, that 60% would be a great deal higher.

 

[Frankl03]

I have the X5 Tactical. Sweet pistol! It has the lighter alloy frame. Its SAO. Trigger pull is pretty nice.

 

[RussB]

Guess which I voted for