Beretta Elite II vs. Sig 226 ST

[BamBam-31]

Finally get to do my own vs. thread. Cool.

Okay, I've got the Sig 226 ST, and it's a tight, accurate pistol. Don't like the night sights (I prefer plain black Novaks, myself), but that's just nitpicking. DA pull is a bit heavy, SA is just right. Breaks nice and crisp. High bore axis kinda bugs, but it doesn't shoot any less accurately because of it (I like my 220 ST's grip angle better). The pistol just feels like a high end gun. In 9mm, with the extra weight, it shoots like nothing.

Now, the Beretta I've shot once, some time ago. (Thanks, Skunk!) I remember it being accurate and slick, but that's about it. What stuck out most about that particular pistol was the loose custom Carbon Creations grips that Skunky had on them. Grip screws were too long and would bind with the mags if tightened all the way. Skunky didn't bother to file them down, so the grips sat loosey-goosey. Bugged me enough that that's all I really remember about it, but I'm sure it's a great pistol. Any more feedback on this gun? A rifle and a pistol I had on consignment just sold, so I've got a little play money.

 

[gm]

the elite model I had was a good shooter,the only gripe I had with it was the black "coating" on the slide coming off in layers..wierd.Im sure it musta been a fluke or something because otherwise, it was for me, the most accurate 9mm I had.it was an elite 1 model,not the 2.

 

[Old Dog]

Having both, I give the nod to the SIG on about four counts (just my subjective opinions):
1. Accuracy (my 226 is a tackdriver, even at extended ranges with the X-S sights). I give my 226 a slight nod in the accuracy department, although it may be I simply see the sights more clearly than the Elite's Novaks ...
2. Trigger pull. The 226's DA trigger is clearly smoother and the SA seems lighter to me. Have to say, I've done nothing to the Elite to try to improve the trigger pull.
3. Grip (ergonomics) -- the 226 -- for me -- has the best feel in my hand of any non-1911 semi-auto I've ever tried, the slight palm swell and grip angle are perfect for me.
4. "Packability." For me, the 226 (mine have no accessory rails) conceals quite well in a Kramer belt scabbard or Galco Concealable, but the Beretta is just a tad largish for me to feel comfortable with as far as concealed carry.

My Berettas are all equal to my SIGs in terms of reliability -- and I think both pistols are superb and 100% trustworthy in that regard.

I can't speak to the Beretta's finish (I have only one blue 92FS, all my other Berettas are INOX), but the 92's grips fit me well, just don't quite fit me as well as the 226s. For some reason, the Vertec straight grip does nothing for me. I don't like the Carbon Creations grips, they are too slippery for me; for range use, I prefer the rubber Hogue grip panels (non-finger groove).

Is the accessory rail important to you? Isn't the 92G the only Beretta with the rail now or is there an Elite with the rail? My Elite is an awesome range gun, and I may use it for my next handgun course; all my Berettas are keepers and much shot, but I personally get more use out of my SIGs, which just feel and fit a bit better ...

 

[Black Majik]

Mike!

So, contemplating whether to sell your SIG for a Beretta!


You better be thinking of getting both, but from the vs. part in the title, im guessing your thinking of selling one to get the other.

For me, the SIG P226ST is all I'd really every want in a 9mm pistol, for target reasons. The 226ST is all steel, vs. the aluminum frame of the Beretta. The SIG would be, a few .oz heavier than the Beretta's 35 .oz. Of course, the SIG doesn't recoil as much as the Beretta in my opinion.

Handling them, I still prefer the grip of the SIG. The steel makes the gun feel much better balanced, for some reason the Elite II feels a little front heavy.

I'll echo others, the trigger pull on the SIG is better, smoother. You thought the SIG's DA pull is long? try the Berettas.... At least its long, but smooth (SIG).

Yeah I may be super duper biased.... but also remember that SIG's controls aren't plastic like the Beretta. Neither is the grip. Rubber is better than a plastic grip.

Cheerio!









(hmph... you didn't bring the SIG out yesterday )

 

[BamBam-31]

Nah, not selling the 226 ST. Just wondering about the Elite II and how it'd compare to the Sig. Closest thing I have to a Beretta is my Walther P1, and I really like how that one shoots. I've owned most of the Wondernines except the Beretta and Walther P99. Prolly time I remedied the Beretta part of that equation.

I only had room for four pistols in my case, so I only brought the Trailside for plinking, Springer cuz you invited the 1911 crowd, BHP cuz it's new to me and just came back from Novak's with new sights, and the Python cuz Ken said you like Pythons.

Local shop just sold my FN49 and my Bulgie Mak, and after their cut, I'm getting almost seven bills. Online prices for an Elite II comes in around seven bills....

Okay, Beretta Elite II owners, how do you guys like your pistols?

 

[MachIVshooter]

I would rate the Beretta and the Sig as being true equals, my personal preference being the Beretta (more for aesthetic reasons). That said, the 226 is a better carry gun due to it's slightly smaller dimensions. I have found Beretta 92's to be larger than accaptable for CCW. If I'm gonna carry a gun that big, it ain't gonna be a 9MickeyMouse.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Darn close call there.
I used to own the Elite II. Very nice pistol to be sure. I could just never get used to the slide mounted decocker.
I like the controls on the Sig alot. Everything right there for the thumb. Just picked up my P226ST .40. Just feels right.
I think the Sig frame is a better choice for calibers above 9mm.

 

[Island Beretta]

Elite and 226 ST both are excellent guns.. I give the nod to the Elite as a better all round shooter...

 

[Bullet Bob]

Don't forget to try the "plain Jane" 92 FS - in my non-expert opiniion, I like it better than the Elite's. A little faster slide action, and don't worry the slide's not going to break!

 

[BamBam-31]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I like the Elite II's Novaks sights better than the standard 92's, plus it's got the D springs, etc.

This would be primarily a range gun, so its value as a CCW is not of importance to me. Accuracy, trigger pull, sights, ergonomics, etc., that's what I'm looking for.

Keep 'em coming, folks! Elite II owners' opinions appreciated.

 

[BerettaRacer]

I'm not familiar with the Sig so I can't compare, but I've shot the Beretta's a lot. They work fine for me. YMMV

 

[Island Beretta]

Welcome BerettaRacer..

a rather muted response