How do you like the Sig Sauer P226?

Kazaam · August 6, 2012, 01:28 PM

Strongly considering buying the Sig Sauer P226 Elite Stainless and want to know what you guys think about it and if there's anything I should know about it before I buy. I think this gun is one of the best looking handguns I've laid my eyes on.

Woody55 · August 6, 2012, 02:04 PM

I have a blued P226. It's .40 S&W.

It's probably the most accurate pistol I own. Frankly, it's more accurate than I can use.

It's reliable. It's easy to disassemble and clean. It's very comfortable to hold.

The trigger and sights are just fine by me.

It has to be about the stiffest (or most heavily sprung) thing I've ever had. Getting the last round in the magazine was a major challenge when they were new. And working the action was no joy either.

They cost quite a bit. But I'd do it again.

TimeRegained · August 6, 2012, 02:13 PM

It's damn hard not to love this gun. This is a war/combat pistol. In one month I've put nearly 5,000 rounds into it. 9mm @ 124 and 147 grain with a ton of +P and +P+. This gun is more precise than I am and it fires just as good as day one.

Mrgunsngear · August 6, 2012, 02:19 PM

It's a good gun---no doubt about it. I prefer the 229 but I like the 226 as well. Flip a coin, whichever side it lands on you win

Tactical Jackalope · August 6, 2012, 02:21 PM

O_O that's like asking if you think the Bugatti Veyron is fast from the factory.

YES! If you can, get it. Post pics brother. We'd love to see it.

sigarms228 · August 6, 2012, 05:36 PM

The P226 is one of the finest if not finest combat pistols ever made IMO and well worth their investment cost.

IMO you can't go wrong with any P226.

The P226 Stainless Elite sure is sweet and what a beauty. I am thinking of getting one for myself.

chadio · August 6, 2012, 05:51 PM

Likes:

- it is a big, heavy combat pistol
- my old German gun runs like a Swiss watch
- all of the controls (takedown, de-cock, slide catch, mag release, hammer ) are all in the right place

Dislikes:

- I shoot better groups with a 1911

BillyJack3 · August 6, 2012, 06:09 PM

Outstanding pistol. I have it in 9mm (standard model) and the feel and quality is top notch. Great shooter as well.

BigJimP · August 6, 2012, 06:44 PM

226's are very good guns....I have a pair, all stainless, one in .40 and one in 9mm....

Attachment 83001
--------------
and a 226 X-Five -- the L-1 model / which is a different animal from the normal 226's ....but still a 226 ....

Attachment 83002
---------------
I like 1911's better than the Sigs ...but there is very little downside to a good Sig ( my X-Five is SAO wiht the adjustable trigger in it / the other two have the traditionial DA/SA triggers in them ).

Despite my passion for 1911's -- I won't ever get rid of any of my Sigs.

geetarman · August 6, 2012, 07:38 PM

I have a 226 Elite .40 and a 229 Elite in 9mm.

I like them both, but the 229 is a little smaller and it is one of my favorites.

TunnelRat · August 6, 2012, 10:30 PM

Personally I don't see the appeal of the stainless other than looks. I find the recoil to be like a ***** cat in an aluminum P226 in 9mm. I don't see a heck of a lot of advantage in that added weight, and it is quite a bit. More durable maybe. But I've seen 226s with more rounds through them than I can count and they're still shooting fine.

As for the regular P226, I think it's an awesome service weapon.

.357SIG · August 7, 2012, 01:03 PM

I have a small number of SIGs, including a 9mm P226 Blackwater Tac (same as Tac Ops). It is an excellent gun, to say the least. It feels great in the hand, and recoils very softly. I prefer the 226 over all the other models, and I have a 220ST, and a P229 40/357. I will also go as far as to claim a preference for the milled slide over the old stamped one I had.

vba · August 7, 2012, 01:06 PM

Agree with TunnelRat, I don't see any real advantage going to a steel frame. Too much weight is added compared to the nicely balanced Al aloy frame.

ChrisJ715 · August 7, 2012, 01:16 PM

I can't think of a handgun I shoot better with, or that is more reliable.

Kazaam · August 7, 2012, 01:45 PM

Well, I want the stainless because it looks freaking awesome. That's about it. It's just a range gun and home defense gun so I don't mind the extra weight.

Microgunner · August 7, 2012, 01:48 PM

The P226 is a great pistol worth owning.
I much prefer the E2 grips though.

223 shooter · August 7, 2012, 02:42 PM

I picked up mine a few months ago and the E2 grip fits me great. Exceptional accuracy , great trigger in both DA and SA. Easy take down and totally reliable. The best service auto I have ever owned!

EAJ702 · August 8, 2012, 03:52 PM

A joy to shoot.

(Nill grips)

Kazaam · August 8, 2012, 04:06 PM

Those grips are beautiful.

How much do they cost?

EAJ702 · August 9, 2012, 09:32 AM

Nill Grips (SS0458N)

They're somewhat pricey, but handsome and well made by KN in Germany. Available in the US through Mactech Enterprises.

Robk · August 9, 2012, 09:49 AM

Love Sig. Currently have 6 of them and they are the finest shooting guns have the pleasure of owning. The P226 is a wonderful firearm and will serve you well for many years. Only problem is I bet you don't stop at one! They have a tendency to multiple. As for the stainless, a like more weight will tame recoil a bit more, and if just a range/ home defense gun, I feel you can't go wrong.

dgludwig · August 14, 2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

I much prefer the E2 grips though.

Me too. And I've got fairly large hands.

Chris_B · August 14, 2012, 08:03 PM

Love mine.

SCM.45 · August 14, 2012, 08:18 PM

Would anyone consider the 226 firing .357 rds? I am sure there harder to come by maybe? I am considering the 226 as my next gun that I will get but going back and forth between .40 and .357 only because I do not have a pistol that fires .357.

arch308 · August 14, 2012, 08:43 PM

I bought a well used German made P266 just to see what all the fuss is about.
I first must admit that I am A Glock fan and have recently acquired a taste for 1911s. That being said my expierence with the P266 has been a total joy. I have no idea about the round count through this gun but it appears very well worn, mainly wear marks on the barrel. I find it a true pleasure to shoot and as accurate as any other pistol I own. I have run over 1000 rnds thru it without one single problem, nothing but my 9mm reloads.
I can see another in my future. Man those stainless ones look awesome!

August 6, 2012, 01:28 PM	#1
Kazaam Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2012 Posts: 109	How do you like the Sig Sauer P226? Strongly considering buying the Sig Sauer P226 Elite Stainless and want to know what you guys think about it and if there's anything I should know about it before I buy. I think this gun is one of the best looking handguns I've laid my eyes on.

August 6, 2012, 02:19 PM	#4
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	It's a good gun---no doubt about it. I prefer the 229 but I like the 226 as well. Flip a coin, whichever side it lands on you win __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

August 6, 2012, 05:51 PM	#7
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	The P226 Likes: - it is a big, heavy combat pistol - my old German gun runs like a Swiss watch - all of the controls (takedown, de-cock, slide catch, mag release, hammer ) are all in the right place Dislikes: - I shoot better groups with a 1911 __________________ Ex - Navy, Persian Gulf Veteran. Loved shooting the M14, 1911, M60, M2

August 6, 2012, 06:44 PM	#9
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	226's are very good guns....I have a pair, all stainless, one in .40 and one in 9mm.... Attachment 83001 -------------- and a 226 X-Five -- the L-1 model / which is a different animal from the normal 226's ....but still a 226 .... Attachment 83002 --------------- I like 1911's better than the Sigs ...but there is very little downside to a good Sig ( my X-Five is SAO wiht the adjustable trigger in it / the other two have the traditionial DA/SA triggers in them ). Despite my passion for 1911's -- I won't ever get rid of any of my Sigs. Last edited by BigJimP; July 24, 2015 at 06:12 PM.

August 6, 2012, 07:38 PM	#10
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	I have a 226 Elite .40 and a 229 Elite in 9mm. I like them both, but the 229 is a little smaller and it is one of my favorites. __________________ Geetarman Carpe Cerveza

August 6, 2012, 02:04 PM	#2
Woody55 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: East Texas Posts: 407	I have a blued P226. It's .40 S&W. It's probably the most accurate pistol I own. Frankly, it's more accurate than I can use. It's reliable. It's easy to disassemble and clean. It's very comfortable to hold. The trigger and sights are just fine by me. It has to be about the stiffest (or most heavily sprung) thing I've ever had. Getting the last round in the magazine was a major challenge when they were new. And working the action was no joy either. They cost quite a bit. But I'd do it again.

August 6, 2012, 02:13 PM	#3
TimeRegained Member Join Date: June 4, 2012 Posts: 33	It's damn hard not to love this gun. This is a war/combat pistol. In one month I've put nearly 5,000 rounds into it. 9mm @ 124 and 147 grain with a ton of +P and +P+. This gun is more precise than I am and it fires just as good as day one.

August 6, 2012, 02:21 PM	#5
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	O_O that's like asking if you think the Bugatti Veyron is fast from the factory. YES! If you can, get it. Post pics brother. We'd love to see it.

August 6, 2012, 05:36 PM	#6
sigarms228 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2011 Posts: 1,765	The P226 is one of the finest if not finest combat pistols ever made IMO and well worth their investment cost. IMO you can't go wrong with any P226. The P226 Stainless Elite sure is sweet and what a beauty. I am thinking of getting one for myself.

August 6, 2012, 06:09 PM	#8
BillyJack3 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 423	Outstanding pistol. I have it in 9mm (standard model) and the feel and quality is top notch. Great shooter as well.

August 6, 2012, 10:30 PM	#11
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,214	Personally I don't see the appeal of the stainless other than looks. I find the recoil to be like a ***** cat in an aluminum P226 in 9mm. I don't see a heck of a lot of advantage in that added weight, and it is quite a bit. More durable maybe. But I've seen 226s with more rounds through them than I can count and they're still shooting fine. As for the regular P226, I think it's an awesome service weapon. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

August 7, 2012, 01:03 PM	#12
.357SIG Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 1999 Posts: 1,023	I have a small number of SIGs, including a 9mm P226 Blackwater Tac (same as Tac Ops). It is an excellent gun, to say the least. It feels great in the hand, and recoils very softly. I prefer the 226 over all the other models, and I have a 220ST, and a P229 40/357. I will also go as far as to claim a preference for the milled slide over the old stamped one I had.

August 7, 2012, 01:06 PM	#13
vba Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 357	Agree with TunnelRat, I don't see any real advantage going to a steel frame. Too much weight is added compared to the nicely balanced Al aloy frame.

August 7, 2012, 01:16 PM	#14
ChrisJ715 Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2011 Location: Small town in eastern KY Posts: 155	I can't think of a handgun I shoot better with, or that is more reliable.

August 7, 2012, 01:45 PM	#15
Kazaam Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2012 Posts: 109	Well, I want the stainless because it looks freaking awesome. That's about it. It's just a range gun and home defense gun so I don't mind the extra weight.

August 7, 2012, 01:48 PM	#16
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	The P226 is a great pistol worth owning. I much prefer the E2 grips though. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

August 7, 2012, 02:42 PM	#17
223 shooter Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Posts: 557	I picked up mine a few months ago and the E2 grip fits me great. Exceptional accuracy , great trigger in both DA and SA. Easy take down and totally reliable. The best service auto I have ever owned!

August 8, 2012, 03:52 PM	#18
EAJ702 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Posts: 448	A joy to shoot. (Nill grips)

August 8, 2012, 04:06 PM	#19
Kazaam Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2012 Posts: 109	Those grips are beautiful. How much do they cost?

August 9, 2012, 09:32 AM	#20
EAJ702 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Posts: 448	Nill Grips (SS0458N) They're somewhat pricey, but handsome and well made by KN in Germany. Available in the US through Mactech Enterprises.

August 9, 2012, 09:49 AM	#21
Robk Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 324	Love Sig. Currently have 6 of them and they are the finest shooting guns have the pleasure of owning. The P226 is a wonderful firearm and will serve you well for many years. Only problem is I bet you don't stop at one! They have a tendency to multiple. As for the stainless, a like more weight will tame recoil a bit more, and if just a range/ home defense gun, I feel you can't go wrong.

August 14, 2012, 08:03 PM	#23
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	Love mine.

August 14, 2012, 08:18 PM	#24
SCM.45 Member Join Date: January 22, 2010 Posts: 29	Would anyone consider the 226 firing .357 rds? I am sure there harder to come by maybe? I am considering the 226 as my next gun that I will get but going back and forth between .40 and .357 only because I do not have a pistol that fires .357.

August 14, 2012, 08:43 PM	#25
arch308 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 876	I bought a well used German made P266 just to see what all the fuss is about. I first must admit that I am A Glock fan and have recently acquired a taste for 1911s. That being said my expierence with the P266 has been a total joy. I have no idea about the round count through this gun but it appears very well worn, mainly wear marks on the barrel. I find it a true pleasure to shoot and as accurate as any other pistol I own. I have run over 1000 rnds thru it without one single problem, nothing but my 9mm reloads. I can see another in my future. Man those stainless ones look awesome!