SIG P226 in 357 SIG
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osteodoc08
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My 226 is in 9mm, but I've shot 357sig and 40 out of the 226/229 platforms. They are the softest shooting autoloaders in those calibers I've ever shot.
That being said, I've not invested in 357sig as it doesn't do much my other calibers won't, but that's a subjective thing. If you want it, get it.
That being said, I've not invested in 357sig as it doesn't do much my other calibers won't, but that's a subjective thing. If you want it, get it.
OilyPablo
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Mellow, a bit more mellow than a P229. I am more accurate with the P226 than the P229 for whatever reason.
Probably has a bit more velocity in the 226 (longer) barrel. But I have no measurement data.
Probably has a bit more velocity in the 226 (longer) barrel. But I have no measurement data.
AK103K
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I had a couple of P226's in 357SIG. I also had a couple of P229's, and a P239 in the caliber.
All were very easy to shoot well with. Contrary to what you often hear, the 357SIG is really not much different than +P+ 9mm, and the guns shoot and handle pretty much the same. The only real noticeable difference is the 357's "bark".
I also had a Glock 31, and had the same experience. Hand a 17 loaded with +P+ and a 31 to someone, without them knowing which was which, I doubt they'd be able to tell which was which by recoil and how the gun handles.
My only complaint with the 31 was, it was beating itself to death, something the SIG's didnt seem to have an issue with.
Of all my SIG's, the P226's were probably my favorites. The size difference between them and the P229's is basically nil, and the 226 feels slimmer and more comfortable in my hand. The 229's are "fatter" all around, and only a 1/2" shorter in barrel length.
All were very easy to shoot well with. Contrary to what you often hear, the 357SIG is really not much different than +P+ 9mm, and the guns shoot and handle pretty much the same. The only real noticeable difference is the 357's "bark".
I also had a Glock 31, and had the same experience. Hand a 17 loaded with +P+ and a 31 to someone, without them knowing which was which, I doubt they'd be able to tell which was which by recoil and how the gun handles.
My only complaint with the 31 was, it was beating itself to death, something the SIG's didnt seem to have an issue with.
Of all my SIG's, the P226's were probably my favorites. The size difference between them and the P229's is basically nil, and the 226 feels slimmer and more comfortable in my hand. The 229's are "fatter" all around, and only a 1/2" shorter in barrel length.
tommy.duncan
Member
I had a P226 in 9mm. I shot a friends Glock in 357Sig and liked it. I then bought a P226 in 357sig. About a month after the gun store clerk told me about the Sig x-change kits. So, I have 2 P226s' and a 40s&w barrel for a P226. It if a much more fun round in the Sig then the Glock. It was a regular carry piece for me until the ammo shortage.
JimGnitecki
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I have a somewhat special "226": a commorative made for the 75th anniversary of the Texas Department of Public Safety (the Texas State Police). When I worked there, I was eligible to buy one, and did so, as it was an insane bargain. It's all stainless, with black finish on the frame, intricately engraved s.s. slide, big beavertail, .357 SIG caliber, and single action only. It was built on an X-5 chassis.
It is incredibly accurate. I am not a great nor consistent shooter, but that pistol has fired 5-shot 2" groups, even with me shooting, at 50 yards. The ergonomics are also quite superior to that of any 1911 I have owned or fired, and the fit and finish is really, really good. Despite its 45+ ounce weight, it is my carry gun when clothing limitations don't preclude that, because it is that good, and the 357 SIG ballistics make it effective for self defense (At TXDPS, the troopers always said it's like "a bolt of lightning", and the perp goes down every time). In other words, great appearance, finish, accuracy, recoil management, and stopping power all in one handgun.
Another SIG, much smaller, also SAO (a P938 9mm pocket size pistol that handles +p+ ammo), handles the days when clothing has to be super light.
Jim G
It is incredibly accurate. I am not a great nor consistent shooter, but that pistol has fired 5-shot 2" groups, even with me shooting, at 50 yards. The ergonomics are also quite superior to that of any 1911 I have owned or fired, and the fit and finish is really, really good. Despite its 45+ ounce weight, it is my carry gun when clothing limitations don't preclude that, because it is that good, and the 357 SIG ballistics make it effective for self defense (At TXDPS, the troopers always said it's like "a bolt of lightning", and the perp goes down every time). In other words, great appearance, finish, accuracy, recoil management, and stopping power all in one handgun.
Another SIG, much smaller, also SAO (a P938 9mm pocket size pistol that handles +p+ ammo), handles the days when clothing has to be super light.
Jim G
Snowdog
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Being that I just posted a question about aftermarket recoil springs and 357 Sig ammunition, I have some trepidation putting in my $.02 as I don't want to thought of as a fanboy of any brand or caliber.
However, I'd like to point out that some companies don't sell diluted 357 Sig fodder. From my understanding, the 357 Sig was intended to provide the ballistics of a 125gr .357 magnum (from a 4" barrel) from an auto. I believe the magic number was a 125gr JHP at 1450 FPS from a duty-size pistol. Somewhere down the line, the load was watered down to 1350 FPS.
Underwood, Buffalo Bore and presumably Double Tap offer the 357 Sig in its original velocity. I would not consider these "+P" 357 Sig as it's not providing pressures and velocities unintended for the cartridge.
However, from my understanding, Underwood's 357 Sig 125gr Gold Dot load (product #149) typically provides 1500 FPS from a G32 and 1550 FPS+ from pistols with longer 4.5" and 5" barrels with no concerning signs of overpressure on the brass/primer.
Apples to apples, Underwood also offers a +P+ 124gr GD advertised as driven to 1300 and that's absolutely impressive. However, you're still looking at a slug traveling 250 FPS slower with 200 ft/lbs less energy.
Nit-picking? Perhaps... heck, probably. Though I have to say that I do recognize the difference there. It probably wouldn't seen so impressive if one takes into consideration the diminished magazine capacity (19 rounds of 9mm compared to 16 rounds of .40S&W/357Sig from an XDm, for example). And then there's the "bark" as mentioned. It's a blasty round to say the least.
Perceived practicality aside, round for round, the 357Sig does possess a clear advantage as far as performance goes.
However, I'd like to point out that some companies don't sell diluted 357 Sig fodder. From my understanding, the 357 Sig was intended to provide the ballistics of a 125gr .357 magnum (from a 4" barrel) from an auto. I believe the magic number was a 125gr JHP at 1450 FPS from a duty-size pistol. Somewhere down the line, the load was watered down to 1350 FPS.
Underwood, Buffalo Bore and presumably Double Tap offer the 357 Sig in its original velocity. I would not consider these "+P" 357 Sig as it's not providing pressures and velocities unintended for the cartridge.
However, from my understanding, Underwood's 357 Sig 125gr Gold Dot load (product #149) typically provides 1500 FPS from a G32 and 1550 FPS+ from pistols with longer 4.5" and 5" barrels with no concerning signs of overpressure on the brass/primer.
Apples to apples, Underwood also offers a +P+ 124gr GD advertised as driven to 1300 and that's absolutely impressive. However, you're still looking at a slug traveling 250 FPS slower with 200 ft/lbs less energy.
Nit-picking? Perhaps... heck, probably. Though I have to say that I do recognize the difference there. It probably wouldn't seen so impressive if one takes into consideration the diminished magazine capacity (19 rounds of 9mm compared to 16 rounds of .40S&W/357Sig from an XDm, for example). And then there's the "bark" as mentioned. It's a blasty round to say the least.
Perceived practicality aside, round for round, the 357Sig does possess a clear advantage as far as performance goes.
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armsmaster270
Member
I bought a Sig 226 in .40 and at the same time the dealer had spare barrels for it in 357Sig. It didn't take long for the .40 barrel to start collecting dust.
I love the 357 sig round. As mentioned earlier, the factory HD stuff 125gr moving at 1350fps is nice but not much more powerful than say Speer GD 9mm 115gr +p+ which chrono's around 1325fps. On the other hand, when loaded properly, getting 1525fps is very realistic, even from a 4 inch bbl. I'm shooting the underwood load from an M&P with a 5 inch bbl at about 6200ft. I should buy a chronograph. It would be interesting to see if I'm getting 1600fps. 
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