View Full Version : Sig p226 thoughts.
Its old it was the kind they used in the movie "The Line of Fire". I am trading a Gen4 G17 for it. What are your thoughts?
Its still staying in the family and we agreed to trade it back instead of selling it. He can't buy new guns whenever he wants to. He has one of those wives that tell him no and threaten to divorce him if he gets a gun or buys a bullet. So we are just horse trading. I know he is getting a better deal but it seemed like the right thing to do. It just sits in his safe and I shoot my guns.
Anyway. What do you think about the p226 and is there anything I should know about them?
As always. Thanks for your time and any help you can provide.
Fentonite
05-23-2019, 18:30
I’m not convinced he’s getting the better deal. The 226 fits me better than the Glock, with a better natural point of aim. I’m a fan. Not any real secrets to share, they work as they’re designed.
Whichever one of you is getting the Sig is definitely getting the better deal.
I only have one 226 but it?s one of the few firearms I likely won?t ever part with.
It?s big, it?s heavy, and I never carry it but it?s smooth as butter and is a real tack driver and just seems put together with some semblance of precision. It?s probably my favorite handgun to shoot.
And since you mentioned the Sig, I?m going to have to post up a gratuitous picture of mine.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190524/16801366ba9bb21df7d0e1b0d2e33a83.jpg
I recently bought a P226 elite enhanced and shot it in a class last weekend. I?ve always been a Glock guy but wanted to try the DA/SA system for an added layer of safety for a pistol that rides on my nightstand. The Sig feels fantastic in my hand, and feels better built than a Glock. I don?t know if this translates to better accuracy.
The pistol ran great through the class, with the exception of a problem between my grip and the slide catch lever. With a thumbs forward, high grip, my right thumb rests directly on the lever and keeps the slide from locking back after the last shot. The Legion P226?s use a smaller lever that I?m going to try to see if it alleviates the problem.
Unfortunately the class was an ?Israeli style/unloaded chamber in holster class?, which means you draw/rack the pistol every time, so it meant I was always shooting SA and didn?t get to try out the DA trigger. The SA trigger is great (I?m used to Glock triggers), very fast.
P226?s are more expensive than G17?s, so I would say this trade is in your favor.
I forgot to mention what is coming with the sig.
2 magazines and the box.
What is going with the Glock.
4 magazines a stream-light and the box.
The sig is 24 yo and while it was shot very little it is still old. Not something I am going to using as a carry gun. However, I do look forward to cleaning it and shooting the dust out it until its round count is higher than its age. He bought it back in the day after saving up for months. $700 I think is what he paid. I think it was his first pistol too. So there is sentimental value for it. My first pistol was a Browning Buckmark and it staying here. I even bought a sister for it. Now I can't remember which one is which. Oh well. Back to the sig.
I like it alright. I wish the magazines for it were cheaper. 44 bucks at most places. During the AWB they were 75 bucks. So they have come down. I should have talked him into stocking up more in case I ever ended up with it.
Thanks for the thoughts. I was hoping I didn't miss out on something every p226 owner knows. It is a sweet little gun and that decocker thing is still pretty cool.
Nice picture. When are we going to get a like button?
whitewalrus
05-23-2019, 22:41
Sig P226 is a workhorse. The only downside I have found is the weight, and that I shoot Glocks far more than anything else. Mags are more expensive when you look at Sig vs Glock branded.
As far as magazines go you can save some money and buy Mec-Gar. Mec-Gar makes the OEM magazines for manufacturers like Beretta, CZ, and Sig. And they?re half the cost of the same magazines with the Sig name on them.
OneGuy67
05-24-2019, 16:00
I own a W. German marked one and I carried it on duty for several years before going to the P229. It was a tack driver and very accurate.
As far as magazines go you can save some money and buy Mec-Gar. Mec-Gar makes the OEM magazines for manufacturers like Beretta, CZ, and Sig. And they?re half the cost of the same magazines with the Sig name on them.
Can you provide a link? Please and thanks.
Depending on the year built, if it has "mud rails" don't run +P ammo in it.
http://i58.tinypic.com/349f03o.jpg
You can find the year maybe month built with the serial number on Sigforum.com
http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/7320040262
I ccw a 226 legion. I love it. It fits great and is more accurate than I am.
Can you provide a link? Please and thanks.
Here's an example. The one in the link is an 18 rounder so you likely won't get it shipped here. A little internet searching should find the 15 rounders.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006230932/mec-gar-optimum-magazine-with-base-pad-sig-sauer-p226-9mm-luger-18-round-steel-anti-friction-black
Can you provide a link? Please and thanks.
Another option. Never had an issue with any Mec-Gar mag in any of my Sigs. Promag OTOH is pure shit and only good for failure drills.
https://www.gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php
Ditto what everyone else has said but consider a gun of that vintage in 9MM may have collector value. I know that's shocking but depending on condition they will fetch a premium. Older .40SW guns are less desirable because Sig assembled them here. I have a few with German frames but they are not collectable.
You definitely want Mecgar mags that say MADE IN ITALY. The new Sig OEM mags are hit and miss. Mecgar mags have various coatings too. Here's an example of NOS MK25 15rd mags I picked up a few years ago. You can hit the Sig boards or GB.com to see if anyone is selling.
https://imgur.com/SbzH9EL.jpg
New produced Mecgars are aftermarket and 9MM capacity is 18rd (or 10rd) like Ray said. I picked up a few of these with +2 bumpers before the ban. NOS/used is a good way to get 15rd quantity in a Mecgar made mag.
Top Gun Supply sells OEM parts and is the cheapest I've found. You may want some fresh springs and the kit is only $24....
https://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-p226-9mm-parts-kit.html
(Don't replace those roll pins, I have no idea why they give you these. It's not necessary unless you are pulling the firing pin and they never fall out.)
They also have Wolff and OEM mag springs if you want to freshen up the mags you're getting with it.
A mid 90s 9MM P226 is a heirloom gun if you take care of it. Great trade!
The new Sig OEM mags are hit and miss.
They were using magazines from Mec-Gar as well as Checkmate Industries for a while. The Checkmate ones were prone to problems. I?ll only own the older German zipper backs or the Italian Mec-Gars.
They were using magazines from Mec-Gar as well as Checkmate Industries for a while. The Checkmate ones were prone to problems. I?ll only own the older German zipper backs or the Italian Mec-Gars.
Yes!!! I was trying to remember the OEM manufacturer they switched to after Mecgar and couldn't. Those Checkmate mags were all over the Sig forums as causing problems.
This is more of what is wrong with modern Sig (Rob Cohen) IMHO. They have a bullet-proof time tested platform and sacrificed reliability to save a few $$$ on mag costs.
They aren?t the only ones. I?ve heard stories of problems with the Beretta M9 that were caused by government contract magazines from Checkmate.
I actually have first hand experience with a couple of crappy Sig (Checkmate) magazines that caused me quite a few feed issues. The same pistol ran like a well oiled machine on the Mec-Gars- both Sig branded and non-Sig branded.
They were using magazines from Mec-Gar as well as Checkmate Industries for a while. The Checkmate ones were prone to problems. I?ll only own the older German zipper backs or the Italian Mec-Gars.
Agree, all mine are zipperback or Made in Italy Mec-Gar.
They aren?t the only ones. I?ve heard stories of problems with the Beretta M9 that were caused by government contract magazines from Checkmate.
I actually have first hand experience with a couple of crappy Sig (Checkmate) magazines that caused me quite a few feed issues. The same pistol ran like a well oiled machine on the Mec-Gars- both Sig branded and non-Sig branded.
Same I've heard elsewhere, many, many times.
Now explain the logic of pairing a $900 NIB gun with Checkmate mags? You can't unless you're Ron Cohen genius.
I am curious who is making the OEM mags for the P320/M17/M18 though. They don't seem to be having these issues.
And since you mentioned the Sig, I?m going to have to post up a gratuitous picture of mine.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190524/16801366ba9bb21df7d0e1b0d2e33a83.jpg
I see your anchor rollmark with a FDE anchor rollmark:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fhPVfcDw4ylh2XsIbIJvtbf6QswWV78ClWpkRA72ejaEHM8hz_ r6-e9Ddb6H=w2400
...and raise you one Legion SAO:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KuXZz1d9-zZcAbwCCqgk5RTtJrug0lOHEEqCDgJ2xZEcFdQ4rAOIASmJaTd X=w2400
Family photo:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KjNDIoezlBFAktlXqzNQBajQ7JG-x13CkM1EmHtc83HaBPHYQ8oLIlAVaD-5=w2400
Colorado Osprey
05-26-2019, 05:13
All these colors... how come I don't see any Stainless Elites? I know they are unicorns and usually have to be factory ordered. Finally why is the Stainless Elite in 40S&W $300 less than the 9mm version??
Finally why is the Stainless Elite in 40S&W $300 less than the 9mm version??
Because nobody wants the 40 anymore. People have finally realized that there is no big ?stopping power? advantage with any particular handgun caliber these days. All you gain with a 40 over a 9 is reduced capacity, more recoil, higher priced ammunition, and accelerated wear and tear on your pistol.
That being said, law enforcement is dumping their 40?s to switch back to the 9mm almost across the board so there are great deals to be had right now on used pistols. Pretty sure I?ve seen LE trade-in Sigs in 40 for around $300-$400.
One of the pistols which I don't mind having in 40sw.
Heavy but fun to shoot.
Used market are flooded with good p229 226 and 220. Buy srt for 45 to 50 and it would be better.
I see your anchor rollmark with a FDE anchor rollmark:
...and raise you one Legion SAO:
Family photo:
Now which one do you like better; the MK25 or the PFC (Legion)?
The Gray Guns trigger seems appealing.
Because nobody wants the 40 anymore. People have finally realized that there is no big ?stopping power? advantage with any particular handgun caliber these days. All you gain with a 40 over a 9 is reduced capacity, more recoil, higher priced ammunition, and accelerated wear and tear on your pistol.
That being said, law enforcement is dumping their 40?s to switch back to the 9mm almost across the board so there are great deals to be had right now on used pistols. Pretty sure I?ve seen LE trade-in Sigs in 40 for around $300-$400.
I have three P226s in .40SW and would love to convert them all to 9MM just so I can get into a single caliber. But then there's the P239 too. I have these guns in 9MM but don't want these older .40SW guns to become useless. I occasionally shoot .357SIG out of these guns as well but don't carry it.
Yeah, I don't think there's any reason to get into .40SW unless you are already shooting it. I guess further mag restrictions might change my mind.
If you look at all the new stuff coming out, like the P365, it's all going to be 9MM.
hurley842002
05-26-2019, 10:04
Sigs are definitely one of my favorite pistols out there, my only issue is I will likely never carry them (tried with a couple different P224's, just too God awful heavy), and if I won't carry it, I rarely keep them around. Perhaps I'll try and get into a cheap 229 in 40 s&w.
Sigs are definitely one of my favorite pistols out there, my only issue is I will likely never carry them (tried with a couple different P224's, just too God awful heavy), and if I won't carry it, I rarely keep them around. Perhaps I'll try and get into a cheap 229 in 40 s&w.
The P224 seemed so awkward to me too and I IWB carried a P226 for two years and now AIWB a P239. It just wasn't well balanced.
Now which one do you like better; the MK25 or the PFC (Legion)?
The Gray Guns trigger seems appealing.
Legion. Far superior trigger.
hurley842002
05-27-2019, 18:45
The P224 seemed so awkward to me too and I IWB carried a P226 for two years and now AIWB a P239. It just wasn't well balanced.
Definitely awkward, I had an M11 (newer version) and it seemed to carry better than the 224.
Bought this about 2 years ago from gb under $400 w/ 1mag. I carried it for about a year, and changed it out to P30s. I definitely like cock/lock better.
Reason I sold it is, because someone wanted to pay more than I am into. I was in a phase to sell some compact to get more single/double stack subcompacts.
It is something about sig P226/229/220 that I really like. I want to buy more cheap SIG P22x series.
I like mounting light on almost every firearms with rail, but I dislike mounting light on P229.
https://i.imgur.com/8SIW6J3.jpg?1
Legion. Far superior trigger.
Yeah, I was worried about that which is why I haven't looked too much into them. ;)
I might like it too much.
Definitely awkward, I had an M11 (newer version) and it seemed to carry better than the 224.
The M11-A1 is what I'm looking at to replace the P239. Not sure I am ready to jump just yet though.
Yeah, I was worried about that which is why I haven't looked too much into them. ;)
I might like it too much.
You just may. They make SA/DA trigger as well but if you get the SAO trigger on that fun it's incredible. You can add the SRT to the MK25 which helps but it's still not on the same level.
You just may. They make SA/DA trigger as well but if you get the SAO trigger on that fun it's incredible. You can add the SRT to the MK25 which helps but it's still not on the same level.
Bruce Gray also sells his trigger pack which is supposedly what Sig is using. His website often shows sold out though because I think they are mainly selling direct to Sig now.
So many temptations! Damn you DOC for starting this thread!!! :)
---
I went looking for Sig stuff today for fun and found a totally legit add on Armslist. I had no idea the P228s took batteries.
Can people even use Armslist anymore?
https://imgur.com/xTL19gM.jpg
ETA: I'm pretty sure that is a P226 mag with a bumper (non-compliant) too.
Bruce Gray also sells his trigger pack which is supposedly what Sig is using. His website often shows sold out though because I think they are mainly selling direct to Sig now.
So many temptations! Damn you DOC for starting this thread!!! :)
---
I went looking for Sig stuff today for fun and found a totally legit add on Armslist. I had no idea the P228s took batteries.
Can people even use Armslist anymore?
https://imgur.com/xTL19gM.jpg
ETA: I'm pretty sure that is a P226 mag with a bumper (non-compliant) too.
I would take that as satire.
I would take that as satire.
You mean that mythical half horse, half man creature?
I can not upload photos of it.[panic]
How do you guys upload photos?
I bought another mag from Sportsman's since no other place was open Sunday. Its a Mec-Gar but it also says its a Sig factory mag. Paid full price for this one.
I bought another mag from Sportsman's since no other place was open Sunday. Its a Mec-Gar but it also says its a Sig factory mag. Paid full price for this one.
Mecgar is what you want!
For a photo, what I do...
I would not post serial numbers as the pics are publicly available
1. Go to imgur.com
2. Upload image(s) -- you can do more than one
3. Copy URLs, add ".jpg" and add them here using the picture icon
This is 100% free but I have no idea how long the pics are retained on imgur.
Fentonite
05-30-2019, 09:41
So far, I win the ?Ugliest 226? award. This old girl is 26 years old, still eats anything I feed it, never a hiccup.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/3BFC8130-AAB5-417E-9121-A89D810E9297.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/3BFC8130-AAB5-417E-9121-A89D810E9297.jpg.html)
A honestly worn, number matching, West German? I think she's beautiful!!!!
That seems to have a lot of character built into it.
Fentonite
05-30-2019, 16:41
A honestly worn, number matching, West German? I think she's beautiful!!!!
Thanks! I still pretty smitten with it, after all these years.
So far, I win the ?Ugliest 226? award. This old girl is 26 years old, still eats anything I feed it, never a hiccup.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz339/fentonite/3BFC8130-AAB5-417E-9121-A89D810E9297.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/fentonite/media/3BFC8130-AAB5-417E-9121-A89D810E9297.jpg.html)
Triple serial, stamped slide P226. Perfection.
Serial shows born in 1993.
I have one from 1989 that doesn't get out much, including the Yellow box and factory target, and one 1989 CPO Red box with a milled slide.
I bought one from a member here, I think the W. Germany one. I think the other was a GB deal or I picked it up at a show. Memory is fleeting.
You should throw those original boxes away post haste!
You should throw those original boxes away post haste!
Naw, I'm the box guy. I was afraid to post in that thread.
In all seriousness, these are kinda special boxes, not a cardboard box for a $300 shotgun.
Naw, I'm the box guy. I was afraid to post in that thread.
In all seriousness, these are kinda special boxes, not a cardboard box for a $300 shotgun.
YES! Those older Sig boxes mean something as do the first generation of gray plastic German cases.
Fentonite's gun is a perfect example for that other thread. A box with a gun like that tells me it was used honestly by someone who cares and takes care of what they own. So while the finish is a little worn from 25 years of use, I would have a higher level of confidence the gun runs and hasn't been bubba'd.
Relevant to this thread. This hit my GB search this morning. JJ = 1988. Already at $580 and I'm guessing will be in the $1,200 - $1,500 range. I'm not a bidder but it will be fun to watch.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/816490358
https://p1.gunbroker.com/pics/816490000/816490358/pix483188042.jpg
https://p1.gunbroker.com/pics/816490000/816490358/pix549845242.jpg
https://p1.gunbroker.com/pics/816490000/816490358/pix474683833.jpg
Mine's been shot more, but no idiot marks on it and the box is way nicer and includes the factory test target. ;-)
Mine's been shot more, but no idiot marks on it and the box is way nicer and includes the factory test target. ;-)
Nicer box you say? [Beer]
I don't see any marks on this example. The white on the frame after the serial is the final proof which I think was stamped after anodizing on these early guns and causes some of it to flake off.
For awhile Sig at least used to proof their US barrels but no longer. We are their quality control.
Nicer box you say?
I don't see any marks on this example. [B]The white on the frame after the serial is the final proof which I think was stamped after anodizing on these early guns and causes some of it to flake off.
For awhile Sig at least used to proof their US barrels but no longer. We are their quality control.
IDKNT.
I still want to post photos. If someone is willing. I could text them the pictures to post. I don't what is wrong with me? I blame myself.
Relevant to this thread. This hit my GB search this morning. JJ = 1988. Already at $580 and I'm guessing will be in the $1,200 - $1,500 range. I'm not a bidder but it will be fun to watch.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/816490358
https://p1.gunbroker.com/pics/816490000/816490358/pix483188042.jpg
Sold for $1,400 to an NR bidder.
Sold for $1,400 to an NR bidder.
Wow.
That's similar to mine. I have the plastic box with foam cut outs.
That is a really nice JJ there, $1400....yowza
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.