The Chosen SIG Sauer P226 is proven in combat as a serious pistol and therefore has been selected by the US Navy SEALs. It is extremely durable, very reliable and highly accurate. For these reasons, this firearm tops the list for best full-size, metal-frame pistol.
You will find that the P226 is available in a variety of configurations and calibers. At the time of this writing, you can get the pistol in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. A caliber conversion kit is also available from SIG to convert the pistol to fire the inexpensive .22 LR.
Ergonomics and Recoil
Shooters will find that the recoil is light in 9mm and very manageable in both .40 S&W and the .357 SIG. This is due to the weight of the pistol and the excellent ergonomics of the gun.
Old SIG P226 pistols fit large hands very well, while being somewhat difficult for small-handed individuals. However, SIG introduced the E2 update, which greatly improved the handling characteristics of these pistols. The E2 update gives small- and medium-sized shooters better finger placement on the trigger and the overall grip. Shooters with larger hands will experience greatly improved handling characteristics of this gun.
Trigger and Accuracy
The standard trigger configuration is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) configuration, meaning your first trigger pull is long, while your subsequent shots are light with short pulls. You can also find other trigger options, including single-action only and a double-action-only (DAO). Also available is the DAK (double-action Kellerman) system, which is a light DAO that is similar to a very smooth revolver trigger. The DAK is proprietary to SIG Sauer.
Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that reloading the P226 is easy, with a standard magazine release button located on the left side of the pistol’s frame. You can easily reach the button by either thumb, but it is not exposed, which prevents accidental activation.
You can easily field strip the P226 by locking the slide to the rear of the gun and rotating the take down lever 90 degrees. The slide assembly then slides easily off of the full-length rails.
Reliability and Durability
Legendary reliability is associated with the P226. Combat troops carry this in all possible conditions, from the arctic to the desert, from the skies to deep underwater. The SIG P226 just keeps working, which is a testament to its durability.
In an age of polymer pistols, there are many state police and local law enforcement agencies carrying this pistol into violent encounters every day. Even after years of service while carried exposed to the elements, these guns still perform well when called upon.
Final Verdict
While no gun can be the perfect firearm for all people in all circumstances, the SIG Sauer P226 is closer to perfection than its rivals. It has the rugged reliability that troops in combat rely on. It offers ergonomics to fit most people and the accuracy that makes a competition shooter happy. It is the clear winner when matched up against any other metal frame, full-sized handgun on the market today.
