SIG SAUER P226

The SIG Sauer P226 developed by SIG Arms, Switzerland and JP Sauer und Sohn, Germany is a service type pistol based on the much-esteemed SIG Sauer P220. It was originally designed in response to a trial announced by the US Army in 1984 to replace the M1911 service pistols. The XM9 trials were successfully completed by only two pistols, the Barreta 92F and the P226. However the P226 lost out only due to the overall cost difference in these trials. The SIG Sauer P226, however has distinguished itself in many other law enforcement agencies and military units around the world and has developed a reputation for itself as a reliable and sturdy weapon. The P226 has been a standard issue pistol for the FBI and is the official sidearm of the Japanese self-defense forces. The Canadian forces already issue it on a limited basis but plan to make it a general issue service pistol like it is already with the New Zealand Army. It is also serving with great effect in elite units like the US Navy Seals, French GIGN, Japanese SAT, Malaysian VAT and British and Australian SAS. A licensed version is also being manufactured and used by Iran. The P226 has several variants like the P226 Navy, P226 ST, P226 Rail, P226R HSP, P226 X-Five and the new P228/9.

The P226 initially was available only in 9mm Luger but was later adapted for .40 S&W and .367 SIG calibers. The .367 SIG caliber is highly favored by Highway patrols in the US and also by the US Security Service because of its high velocity and penetration. In fact the P226 is the only pistol to be chambered for this caliber. The magazine capacity for the 9mm is 15 and the capacity for the .40 / .367 is 12.

The P226 is available in double/ single action or double action only semi-automatic versions. The double action type comes with a frame-mounted decocker and automated firing pin block whereas the double action only version comes minus the decocker. The decocker is used in the P226 in lieu of a safety lever, which works by lowering the hammer to the safety notch. This can be a little dangerous for people who are not used to such a safety arrangement.

There are also some differences in the 9mm versions and the .40 /.367 versions. Firstly the 9mm version with aluminum frame weighs 870 gms and the .40 / .367 version weighs 920 gms. The design and weight of the slides affect the overall weight. The 9mm version has a stamped steel slide and the heavier calibers have a slide machined from a solid bar. The weight also differs between the steel framed versions and the aluminum framed ones. The P226 comes with or without Picatinny rails.