SIG Sauer P226

[Zarvan]

The SIG Sauer P226 pistol is widely used around the world by military and law enforcement forces



Caliber 9x19 mm
Weight (empty) 870 / 1 180 g
Length 196 mm
Barrel length 112 mm
Muzzle velocity 350 m/s
Magazine capacity 15 rounds
Sighting range 50 m
Range of effective fire ~ 50 m


The SIG Sauer P226 evolved from the previous P220. It was developed in the 1980s and was mainly aimed at the US military requirement for a new sidearm to replace the venerable Colt M1911pistols and Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolvers. The US military trials began in 1982 and were completed in 1984. The SIG Sauer P226 was one of the two pistols that nominally passed all of the technical requirements of these trials. However eventually it was outperformed by Italian Beretta 92FS due to lower price. The Beretta 92FS was selected as a winner and adopted by the US military as the M9 in 1985.

Even though the SIG Sauer P226 lost this competition it quickly became one of the most popular service pistols. It is widely used by the military, police and security forces around the world. It is used by the US Coast Guard, Federal Air Marshalls, FBI, Department of Homeland Security and a number of other operators. It is also used by elite forces such as US Navy SEALs and British SAS. This pistol is also popular among civilian shooters. As of 2015 this pistol is still produced in Germany and in the USA.

The SIG Sauer P226 is generally similar to the previous P220 except a slightly different shape and higher capacity double-stack magazine. This pistol has a short recoil system with a locked breech operation.

This pistol was initially available chambered for 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition. Later other .40 S&W or .357 SIG calibers were introduced. It is worth noting that the P226 was the first pistol chambered for the .357 SIG. It is a 9 mm high velocity round, that offers high penetration.

The P226 comes with double action, or double action only trigger. This pistol has a built-in firing pin safety. There are no manual safeties. There is a decocking lever at the left side of the frame. It is worth noting that double action only version has no decocker.

The P226 is available with standard aluminum, or stainless steel frame. Pistol with 9 mm caliber with aluminum frame weights 870 g, while version with a stainless steel frame is heavier and weights 1 180 g.

The 9x19 mm version of the SIG Sauer P226 uses double stack 15-round capacity magazines. Extended capacity 20-round magazines are also available. Versions chambered in .40 S&W and .357 SIG use 12-round capacity magazines. Magazine release button is reversible.

The P226 proved to be a durable, reliable and well-made weapon. This pistol is available in a number of versions. There are Chinese and Iranian (PC-9 ZOAF) copies of this weapon.



Variants



P226R version with a Picatinny-type accessory rail for tactical flashlights or laser pointers.

P226 "Tactical" has a threaded barrel for use with sound suppressor.

PC-9 ZOAF, Iranian copy of the SIG Sauer P226.

P228 is a compact version of the P226. This pistol has a shorter slide, barrel and grip. It is available only in 9x19 mm. It is fed from a 13-round capacity magazines. The P228 is used by various law enforcement agencies. It has been adopted by the US military as the M11.

P229 is another compact versions of the P226. It was developed specially for the US market to supplement and then replace the SIG Sauer P228. It was also available in 9x19 mm, however other chambering, including .40 S&W and .357 SIG were added. Furthermore this pistol can be adapted to any of these three calibers by simply switching the barrel and returning spring. Technically the P229 is similar to the P228, except the heavier slide. This feature is necessary because the P229 uses more powerful ammunition. This pistol is produced in the USA.

SIG Sauer P226
Pistol

SIG Sauer P226
Pistol

SIG Sauer P226
Pistol

SIG Sauer P226
Pistol

SIG Sauer P226 Images

 

[Beast]

Good solid handgun but just abit too strong recoil.