Glock 17 v Sig P226: which is better duty pistol?

[Inebriated]

It's user preference. No discernible advantage with one over the other, given the conditions listed. I shoot Glocks more at the moment, so I'd go with what I shoot most.

 

[el Godfather]

I have noticed one thing. That although Glock is winning the poll, most of the arguements presented are in favor of Sig.

This is a bit strange, but nevertheless.

 

[LTR shooter]

For me , no contest - have fired both and prefer the Sig by a large margin. Now have a P226 and P239 , both 9mm. Both have exceeded my expectations on how accurately a service pistol can shoot while still being totally reliable. The E2 style grip on the P226 fits me far and away better than any other hi-cap pistol.

 

[el Godfather]

For me, I became fond Sig226 after I handled the Elite model. Until such time I always prefered Glock 17. I belive the slimmer profile of Ehanced Elite and SRT were the key in changing my mind.

 

[jmr40]

I have both. Either would be my #1 and #2 picks if I had to pick up a gun right now. Based on "YOUR" criteria I'd call it a tie.

The Sig looks better and wins the beauty contest.

But price is a factor, and Glock wins on this count. Not only on guns, but magazines, accessories, and night sights etc., as well.

If both are kept clean as in your criteria, and not abused, I'd call reliablity and accuracy a tie as well.

But in the real world sometimes it is impossible to keep your gun perfectly clean and it my have to be used when filthy or after being abused if dropped while in a scuffle with with an attacker. On this count Glock also wins.

 

[ptb351]

Sig 226

 

[el Godfather]

Jmr40
Price is NOT a factor

 

[atomd]

OK, a gun you have to carry 40+ hours per week but use somewhat infrequently? That's easy....assuming they are both reliable, accurate, durable pistols that require equal upkeep, I'll take the lighter of the 2 please....hands down.

It's really funny because all the "rules" of the selection seem to want to equal out the 2 pistols to make the SIG as desirable as the Glock in almost every category (ergonomics is subjective though). Most people seem to think that SIG pistols run better clean and wet and the Glock will withstand a little bit more crud, the accessories for SIG cost WAY more, the pistols cost WAY more, you allow for customized versions of the SIG that cost even more than that whereas the Glock is just a couple of versions within a hundred bucks or so of each other.

I'm not knocking SIG really, it's just that when people buy a Glock they seem to buy it for those reasons. When you rule them out it changes the game a bit.

 

[PR-NJ]

I voted for the Glock, but...

I have a Glock 19 and a Sig P228, which I guess are the compact versions of the two guns in the poll. From an all around practical, battle-ready perspective, I gave the Glock the nod. However, the Sig is a sexier pistol.

 

[el Godfather]

PR NJ

May I ask how your decision came upon Glock after going through the list of conditions outlined in original post.

 

[PR-NJ]

The primary objective was to determine the better DUTY pistol. I didn't weigh the listed criteria equally (in fact, some seemed incompatible with the primary objective: regularly cleaned as and when required, price is not a factor). Other important criteria were not listed, and considering these, in my view Glock wins (G17 compared to 226): magazine capacity (17, 19 or even 33 vs. 15), carry weight (with magazine, no cartridges: 24.79 oz. vs. 34.0 oz.) and trigger action (consistent vs. DA/SA). Ultimately, both are fine pistols, and user preference - given the option - should dictate.

Anecdotally, my P228 feels better in my hand, but I shoot more consistently and accurately with the G19. I don't know why.

 

[PabloJ]

Dear THR,
Between Glock 17 and Sig P226, which is a better duty pistol with the following conditions:

A. Pistol is regularly cleaned as and when required.
B. Maximum session is sub thousand rounds.
C. Ergonomics count.
D. Combat Accuracy is important as well as Combat Reliability.
E. After market accessories are NOT important. What comes installed on the gun is important.
F. Consider all G17 models such as C as well as L. Whereas also consider all P226 models such as ELITE, Tactical Opperations, etc.
G. Price is NOT a factor.

Thanks.

Heckler & Koch Universal Pistole aka USP because that is what elite units from modern countries use or want to use.

 

[el Godfather]

Atomd
If the conditions given favor Sig then why still chose Glock. The conditions given are NOT by design to benefit one pistol over the other, but to reflect and highlight particular requirements of an individual to determine a suitable choice or more desirable option between the two listed.

 

[gmh1013]

Never drank Glock koolaide....The Sig hands down
Cant hit the side of a barn with any Glock....way to light for me....

 

[Jed Carter]

Own both in multiple calibers, really like both, but if I had to carry one on the job, I would prefer to carry the lighter pistol, Glock. Most of my SIGs have become safe queens, except their 1911s, G17 nightstand pistol, G34 Production division USPSA, G35 heavily modified Limited / Limited 10 pistol. Only my SIG RCS 1911 and P238 see much use these days, actually traded a .40 S&W P226 for the G35.

 

[vaherder]

Combat

have used both in combat when my life and others has been on the line. P226 will always be my first choice over a Glock any Glock. A Glock 17 wouldnt go boom for me when I pulled the trigger and I was lucky my chief did not have Glock. I had no choice in this situation and I personally cleaned and test fired the Glock.

Even not taking this incident into account Sig226 is the far superior weapon in combat.

I have never had a Sig, Walther, Fnh, Beretta, S&W ever let me down in combat.

Remember most local, state, and Fed contracts are low bid and the selection amde on price and not performance


Friends dont let friends shoot Glocks.

 

[atomd]

Atomd
If the conditions given favor Sig then why still chose Glock. The conditions given are NOT by design to benefit one pistol over the other, but to reflect and highlight particular requirements of an individual to determine a suitable choice or more desirable option between the two listed.

I mean that the conditions favor the SIG only to increase it's desirability in those areas to equal the glock, whereas the Glock does well in those areas to begin with. I would choose the Glock because of the weight anyways for a duty pistol though.

 

[pcf]

I've carried both as duty guns.

My choice for a duty gun is Glock

1. It weighs less.
2. On officer can buy a full size and compact Glock for $100 more than a P226.
3. It's easier and less expensive to armor, lets face it not every department armorer has any business touching a gun. The Glock is harder to screw up, especially front sight installs.
4. It's accurate enough.
5. Training/SIM guns cost less.

On an individual basis I think the Sig is a better gun. But when it comes to a duty gun, I think the Glock is a better overall package.

 

[CaptainHook]

I've owned both, and still have the 226. Enough said.

 

[fatcat4620]

have used both in combat when my life and others has on the line. P226 will always be my first choice over a Glock any Glock. A Glock 17 wouldnt go boom for me when I pulled the trigger and I was lucky my chief did not have Glock. I had no choice in this situation and I personally cleaned and test fired theGlock.

Very interesting, what made your glock fail?

 

[el Godfather]

Kindly check the criteria listed on the original post rather than making your own as otherwise criteria would change from person to person and I wanted to know which people prefer and why, in light of my criteria. Thank you.

 

[snake eater 332]

I've carried a Sig P226 as an LEO for 15+ years, in 9mm until we recently changed over to the .40S&W P226R. The Sig P226 is solidly and well built, very ergonomic, and über reliable. I've also used the P226 back in my days with the teams at 2/1 SFG(A). I have never had a single issue with any Sig that I have carried and I've put them through some extreme punishment at times.

On the other hand, I have owned Glocks as long as I've been able to buy my own handgun. I have carried a either a Glock 19 or 26/27 as my EDC and off-duty my entire adulthood.

Over the years, I have also used and trained with numerous weapons systems, both foreign and domestic, as a result of almost a decade in the military, primarily special operations and military intelligence, and a long LE career.

IMHO, and based upon extensive experience with both platforms, the Glock is second only to the Sig P226 as a duty gun.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Whichever gun points best in your hand. It's very much an issue of fit...Glocks (and Lugers) fit some people quite well, Sigs (and 1911s) suit other folks. It's all a matter of hand shape.

 

[el Godfather]

Vaherder
Please note that price is not a factor. We held it constant to get result/opinion based on quality.

 

[JohnBiltz]

I've owned both, now I only own Glocks. If I had to carry one of two reliable accurate guns all day long I'd rather carry the lighter one.