OH25shooter
Member
For a full size, duty handgun, I've narrowed it down to these two in 9mm: S&W 5906TSW or the Sig P226. Aside from different options, and of course costs, why would you recommend one over the other? Only the two in question please.
Which one S&W 5906 or Sig P226?
- Thread starter OH25shooter
- Start date
- Status
Devonai
Member
I've owned both although my 5906 was the non-tactical version.
The major obvious difference is the manual safety on the Smith. If you like carrying on-safe, go for the 5906.
The 5906 is slightly more compact, shorter overall and narrower in the muzzle. When the straight backstrap grips are installed the grip is also smaller.
The Smith has a magazine disconnect which causes a "click" in the trigger pull. Some find this annoying so you may want to be sure you're okay with it.
I prefer the P226 for overall handling characteristics, which is why I sold my 5906 but still have the Sig. Both are excellent pistols so it just comes down to choosing between a manual safety or not and whichever one fits your hand better. I suppose a brand-new P226 would also cost more than a brand-new 5906 TSW.
The major obvious difference is the manual safety on the Smith. If you like carrying on-safe, go for the 5906.
The 5906 is slightly more compact, shorter overall and narrower in the muzzle. When the straight backstrap grips are installed the grip is also smaller.
The Smith has a magazine disconnect which causes a "click" in the trigger pull. Some find this annoying so you may want to be sure you're okay with it.
I prefer the P226 for overall handling characteristics, which is why I sold my 5906 but still have the Sig. Both are excellent pistols so it just comes down to choosing between a manual safety or not and whichever one fits your hand better. I suppose a brand-new P226 would also cost more than a brand-new 5906 TSW.
jeff-10
Member
Virtually everyone is going to say the P226, including me. That being said the S&W autos are nice. I have a 1076 and it and the P226 are my only 2 autoloaders that have never had a jam. The P226 is better ergonomically for most people and it seems to be one of the most accurate service type pistols out there.
Meplat
Member
OH25shooter said:
I can't honestly weigh in on this one with a lot of info, because I have never owned a S&W 5906TSW. I do own a Sig P226, and can tell you that I really really like this pistol. It's accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability have been top notch.
Sorry I couldn't give you a side by side opinion, but I can say that if you do go with the Sig, you ain't gonna be going too far wrong.
Both are quality guns. The 226 is slightly larger than the 5906. If you want a manual safety, get the 5906. If you don't want a manual safety and just a decocker only, get the 226. You won't go wrong with either one. It's a matter of personal preference as far as the manual safety is concerned.
Last edited:
Kramer Krazy
Member
I'd have to go with the 5906. My wife has a 5903 and the thing has run flawlessly for 3000+ rounds and has feed/shot everything we have put in its magazines....plus, its one of the most accurate pistols I've shot up to 25 yards. She got it as an ex-cop gun, nearly mint, but between the two choices you give, I'd definitely have to side with the S&W.
Old Dog
Member
The 5906 is my favorite Smith autoloader, but in my opinion, the SIG 226 is a far better choice due to its superior ergonomics (the 226 has the perfect grip for a lot of people) and ease of operation.
And, in my experience, the 226 is easily the most accurate standard production 9mm out of the box.
And, in my experience, the 226 is easily the most accurate standard production 9mm out of the box.
Jack19
Member
My personal preference is the 5906. Third Generation Smiths are very sturdy, reliable weapons.
SIGs, to me, are the 'Emperor's New Clothes.' I've owned several and when the small parts weren't rusting (carried concealed in hot southern summers), the finish was rubbing off after sometimes only one reholstering. It's been a few years; maybe SIG has solved their problems?
My money is on the 59.
SIGs, to me, are the 'Emperor's New Clothes.' I've owned several and when the small parts weren't rusting (carried concealed in hot southern summers), the finish was rubbing off after sometimes only one reholstering. It's been a few years; maybe SIG has solved their problems?
My money is on the 59.
Jack19
Member
Weird double post.
Tropical Z
Member
I'd choose the 5906 over the Sig anyday.
Big Mike
Member
Neither is a poor choice. My bias (and answer) would be the S&W 5906TSW. SIG's have never quite fit my hand correctly. Good luck.
Mike
Mike
RON in PA
Member
5906
OH25shooter
Member
Thanks for the replies. I've owned and carried many S&W autos over 30 years. But, something is drawing me towards the Sig products. I do have a P229. After research, handling and shooting both, I've decided to order a Sig P226ST. I like the machined solid stainless slide and frame. No stamped metal. A little more "beef" in the hands. With me it's a crap-shoot. I've had both brands back to the factory for repair work. So nothing will surprise me.
Black Majik
Member
My biased, gunsnobbed self would choose the SIG P226. 
Owned a lot of Sigs, never seen the rusting problem so many claim to have. Maybe I should buy more Lotto tickets.
You should be able to rent the two guns (or at least a close version of the 5906). Pick the one that feels and shoots the best for you. For me, that's the Sig by a wide margin.
You should be able to rent the two guns (or at least a close version of the 5906). Pick the one that feels and shoots the best for you. For me, that's the Sig by a wide margin.
I only own a Sig 226 so I can not offer an opinion on the S&W. I've had the Sig 226 in 9mm since '93. It is one of my favorite range guns and it's what I use for IDPA. It is very reliable and has been great. I've sent it back once to Sig for refurbishing (new springs etc). The only thing I've done is install a short trigger, night sights and I had Sig refinish the slide in Nickel. I do have S&W revolvers and I like those.
Ammo First
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2003
- Messages
- 33
Interesting topic. Just returned from the range a couple hours ago. Shot my new 5906 tsw and loved it. Dude next too me was shooting the 226. We took turns firing each others gun. We agreed both guns felt and shot like first rate pistols, and would love too own & shoot either one. My take is this, I think Many have a grass is greener mentality when it comes too many products (guns included) Its from some far off land so it must be better? I think not. If the price was the same it would be a toss up. Also don't forget the sig has an alloy frame while the smith is all steel. Plus the fact that the smith can be had for $500.00 brand new, thats what I paid, and the sig go's for around $750 & up, I'll take the Smith and Wesson all day, Just my .02 cents
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I will have too weigh in on this one, and say SIG P226~! 
But, both are excellent weapons; and you would be well armed with either.
But, both are excellent weapons; and you would be well armed with either.
Janos Dracwlya
Member
I have owned both the 5906 (and a 915) and the Sig 226 (and a Sig 225). The Sig shot more accurately for me and I loved the de-cocker and lack of a manual safety (small wonder that the 225 is my carry gun). However, the 5906 and the 915 before it were decently accurate and I like the way they fit my hand better; they just feel a little more comfortable. I was lucky enough to find a 5906 that was made without the magazine disconnect, though I never had any problems with it when I had the 915; I was always a little afraid, though, that, if I ever used the gun in a real shooting situation, and had to reload, I might end up breaking the disconnect by slamming the magazine home too hard from adrenaline.
I think the best one would be the one that fits your hand best and shoots best for you; in my case, it's a split decision - one's more accurate for me but the other feels better.
They are both first rate guns, though.
I think the best one would be the one that fits your hand best and shoots best for you; in my case, it's a split decision - one's more accurate for me but the other feels better.
They are both first rate guns, though.
Big Mike
Member
I would take the 5906 TSW over the SIG. Fits better in the hand.
motorheadjohn
Member
Do everything you can to shoot both (rentals?) and then pick the one that fits your hand, grip angle, etc the best.
I shoot SiGs and and love my P226s but haven't shot the S&W so I can't honestly compare them for you.
I shoot SiGs and and love my P226s but haven't shot the S&W so I can't honestly compare them for you.
10-Ring
Member
If the Smith grip fits your hands, it would be a good option. For me, the Smiths just never fit me so I'd go w/ the SIG in this case.
- Status
