New Sig Shopper: P226 Tactical, P226 Elite ST, or X-5 Tactical

Which options would you suggest?

  • P226 Tactical - DA/SA/Alloy Frame/Nitron Finish/SRT/Nill Grips

    Votes: 3 20.0%
  • P226 Elite - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Nitron Finish/Nill Grips/threaded barrel added

    Votes: 1 6.7%
  • P226 Elite - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Stainless finish/Nill Grips/threaded barrel added

    Votes: 3 20.0%
  • P226 ST CPO - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Nitron Finish/ SRT/Nill grips/threaded barrel

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • X-Five Tactical - SAO/Alloy Frame/Nitron Finish/SRT/Nill Grips/(if possible, threaded barrel)

    Votes: 9 60.0%

  • Total voters
    15
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bigred82

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I posted this on sigforum.com already, but I want to get as much advice as possible. So I am posting it here as well.

Hey all,
I've had my HK P2000 for about 4 months now and am wholly unsatisfied with its trigger and my overall experience with it.

Somehow I went through the shopping process for the P2000 without ever test firing a P226. This last weekend I finally rented a regular P226 at the range and was blown away by the experience. I was very impressed to say the least.

So now I am in the process again of shopping for that perfect handgun which will fit my personal needs, and I would greatly appreciate any advice given here on the forum since I am unable to rent and test try the whole selection that Sig has to offer.

I am a college student working full time - as such - carrying is not an option on campus nor at work. I do not intend to conceal carry OWB or IWB at all for that matter. I do intend to get a CCW permit, but when I do carry, I'll just carry it in a shoulder bag with my ipod, sunglasses, phone, knife, camera, etc, etc.

The primary purpose and use would be home defense/range gun/concealed in car.

With that in mind, I am seriously considering the following three - but I cannot decide which would be the better option.

P226 Tactical
P226 Elite ST
X-5 Tactical

The primary interest in the P226 Tactical is only for the threaded barrel to add a suppressor on down the road just for ****s and grins. If there is a place that sells the threaded barrel seperately - then I don't even need to consider the tactical - however I can't find anyone who sells a P226 threaded barrel.

The P226 Elite ST really interests me. I don't know why - but I prefer the idea of a Stainless frame over an alloy frame. Since I won't be carrying this all day - weight is not a concern - I would imagine that the extra weight would make follow up shots easier and also reduce recoil. If anyone has another reason to go with alloy over steel other than the weight issue - I am all ears - the stainless costs more. I cannot decide whether I like stainless silver over the Nitron finish though. I generally prefer black over shiny stainless. I called Sigarms and they said that they should have a Nitron coated Stainless frame in stock within the next couple months.

A P226 Full Stainless Nitron coated with SRT, Nill Grips, and threaded barrel - is currently what I am leaning towards. I think with the action work package - that would be a very nice sidearm.

But then we have the X-Five tactical, and it makes me not so sure of the P226 Elite. I have always grown up around 1911s - and when I first started shopping for a handgun last fall - I was looking for cocked and locked. Four months after going with the P2000 - no C&L - DA/SA w/ decocker is now what I am used to. I think there are some advantages to having a SAO, but there are also advantages to the Sig DA/SA. So the X5 Tactical makes the decisions even larger and more difficult bringing in difference in trigger types. The X5 Tac is allow frame - I would prefer steel - but I probably have no logical reason to do so. Longer sight radius would make the X5Tac more accurate than the Elite I would guess. I would imagine finding a threaded barrel for the X5 tac would be near impossible?

So that is my thinking on those three - I would really appreciate input from those of you who own or have have researched these three. I do not have the funds to buy all or two - just one (and even at that I'll be saving my pennies.)

So:
P226 Tactical - DA/SA/Alloy Frame/Nitron Finish/SRT/Nill Grips?

P226 Elite - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Nitron Finish/Nill Grips/threaded barrel added?

P226 Elite - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Stainless finish/Nill Grips/threaded barrel added?

P226 ST CPO - DA/SA/Stainless Frame/Nitron Finish/ SRT/Nill grips/threaded barrel?

X-Five Tactical - SAO/Alloy Frame/Nitron Finish/SRT/Nill Grips/(if possible, threaded barrel)?


Please keep in mind that the handguns above are the only ones that I want to receive information on. I would rather not receive recommendations for XDs, Glocks, CZs, M&Ps (Although I would love to have a M&P9c), HKs, or 1911s.

I've been looking for that "perfect for me" handgun since last fall - After researching, testing, shooting, and researching some more - I have ruled out the Baby Eagle, revolvers, CZs, XDs, USPs, P9s, (I bought a P2000 and am unimpressed with the trigger - well made, sturdy handgun though.) I have recently decided to rule out .45cal altogether even though I started this search considering the .45 and the .45 only. One day when I'm a lawyer I'll pick up a Wilson Protector or an Ed Brown - but that's not going to happen for a while. So for right now, I just need input from your personal experience with these handguns listed above.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
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I'm a big fan of the P226 and Sig in general. They've NEVER let me down. Both of my 226's are ST, and my girlfriend's P226 is ST as well.

You won't be sorry. I voted for the Elite in Stainless. I have nothing against CPOs, but for your first, I'd get a new one.
 
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