SIG P226R Review

[plouffedaddy]

The Sig P226 has been around since the XM9 service pistol trials in the mid-80s. Its' basic design comes from the P220 but it has a double stack magazine and is chambered in 9mm (40S&W and 357SIG variants are out now obviously).

Here's my summary of the pros and the cons of the gun:

Pros:
-Ultra reliable. I've had several P226s over the years and none has had reliability issues at all.
-Nitron finish. Very durable metal surface hardening treatment that does a great job at preventing corrosion as well.
-Aftermarket accessories are readily available.
-Very accurate gun.
-You can choose which trigger system you'd like (DA/SA/SAO/DAK/ect…). DA/SA is the most common and the one I prefer.
-Available in tons of different configurations to suit the users needs.
-No external safeties.
-Compliant in most ban states.
-Very attractive looking gun.
-Magazines are widely available from 15-20 round factory options.


Cons:
-Expensive. While surplus P226s are still out there at reasonable costs, new models are priced higher than many other competitors out there.
-Relatively heavy. Aluminum frame models come in at 34oz.
-High bore axis. Not an issue in 9mm but with some more powerful rounds it may slow down follow up shots for less skilled shooters.


All in all, the P226 remains a classic gun that you can buy and be very certain you won't go wrong along with the CZ75, G17, 92FS, ect…. Here's my video with some shooting, a breakdown of the pistol, a discussion of the operation and features of the gun, and my overall thoughts on it:

 

[9mmepiphany]

-Nitron finish. Very durable metal surface hardening treatment that does a great job at preventing corrosion as well.

I'd just mention that Nitron (SIG's proprietary name) isn't a surface treatment, but a coating

The 226R pictured in the OP has a stainless slide and an aluminum alloy frame

 

[wally]

Biggest CON IMHO is DA/SA operation, I just never could get used to it.

I've never seen a SAO 226, but I do love my 220R SAO.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The DA/SA is really easy to learn, but it helps if someone who understands it shows you how it is done (see the second link in my signature).

Many times, when I have a client who is jerking the trigger in SA, during a Press Out, I'll have them shoot the first shot in DA to cure it...always works

 

[Byrd666]

Good vid. I Almost bought a P226 Elite SAO, but, no matter how many times I gripped her, it just didn't quite work. A lot like a Glock. Great firearms, just not for me. Keep it up!

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

I would highly suggest the Sig X5 L1.

 

[plouffedaddy]

I'd just mention that Nitron (SIG's proprietary name) isn't a surface treatment, but a coating

Correct you are. I don't know why I put that now that you corrected me. :banghead:

 

[9mmepiphany]

It never occurred to me as being that important until the CPO Nitron fiasco a few years back...I always thought Nitron was an actually chemical treatment, like bluing.

Nitron is a name the Sig made up and is whatever they want it to be...just like S&W's Melonite

 

[9mmepiphany]

I Almost bought a P226 Elite SAO, but, no matter how many times I gripped her, it just didn't quite work. A lot like a Glock. Great firearms, just not for me.

It is more than likely the wood grips. The Elite has the thickest grip available on a 226 and are a bit over round for my taste.

If you are still interested in the platform, I'd highly recommend the Hogue G10 or aluminum grip panels. They are much thinner, give better pointability, and don't force the hand down on the backstrap as the E (Squared) grip does.

 

[Byrd666]

9mm

Appreciate the info. but, I went in another direction. I ended up with a RIA Tactical 1911 and a Taurus mod 94 for plinkin' and critter control, and a KelTec P3AT as a BUG. I just kinda figured I'd be better off filling the niches I had a hole in, rather than filling just the one "want." And for less total cost too.

 

[osteodoc08]

My Sig P226R Tac Ops is my favorite 9mm so far. That's saying a lot as I've owned and shot Glocks, Smiths, Rugers, Brownings, Walther, Beretta among others. Still my favorite. Combined with a TLR-2s at 20+1 and a spare 20rd magazine, I'd hope I'd be able to neutralize any threat within my home in short order!

I was able to fondle a P227 and that is my next pistol purchase. Just gotta save up the money. They are expensive but buy once, cry once as some of y'all say.

 

[Dogguy]

"Biggest CON IMHO is DA/SA operation, I just never could get used to it."

The DA/SA operation is, for me, the BEST feature of the classic SIG models.

 

[kvtcomdo]

Sig has always thought alot of their pistols.

I can never say a bad thing about them as they have always been the best quality guns I have owned.

I personally love their DA/SA. It has never caused me angst.

Great guns and gun company IMHO.