SIG P226
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| SIG P226 | |
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| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Germany, Switzerland |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight |
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| Length | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Barrel length | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
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| Cartridge | |
| Action | mechanically locked, recoil operated (DA/SA, DAO, DAK) |
| Feed system | 12 (.40 S&W) or 15 round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG)-Sauer P226 is a full-sized, service type pistol originally chambered for 9 mm Luger. Its design is based on the venerable SIG-Sauer P220. The P226 has come to be known as one of the most distinguished combat pistols in existence because of its reliability and durability.
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[edit] History
The P226 was designed for entry into the XM9 Service Pistol Trials, which were held by the US Army in 1984 on behalf of the US armed forces to find a replacement for the M1911A1. Only the Beretta 92F and the P226 satisfactorily completed the trials; however, Beretta was ultimately awarded the contract for the 92F due to overall cost. Once the standard issue pistol of the FBI and currently in the arsenals of such elite groups as the U.S. Navy SEALs, France's GIGN, Japan's Special Assault Team, Malaysia's VAT 69/UTK, the British and Australian SAS, and such law enforcement agencies as the Texas Rangers and Texas DPS, the P226 has an impressive record. The P226 is also the standard pistol in the Swiss Army, and is known there as "Armeepistole 75". The Canadian Forces have had the weapon on limited issue for some time, and, as of 2006, it is coming into general issue. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces has adopted the P226 as its official sidearm, under license by Minebea as the P9. Iran adopted it for use under license by Defense Industries Organization as the ZOAF and, currently, as the PC9 pistol. The P226 is also the standard service pistol for the New Zealand Army and is used by the British Armed Forces under the designation L105A1.
[edit] Concerns
Though ergonomically sound, there are some concerns with the design of the weapon.
Early versions fitted with after-market or replacement grip panels occasionally developed reliability issues because the firing mechanism put pressure on the inside of the grip panel. OEM and later quality replacement panels coupled with keeping the grip screws tight remove this issue.
Of concern for users of other pistol types transitioning to the P226/P228 is that the controls of the P226/P228 are primarily located on the left grip area of the frame and include the de-cocker, slide release, and magazine release. Long-time users of single-action pistols such as the M1911A1 and Browning Hi-Power often find the 'thumb high' grip usual for these pistols results in pressure on the slide release of the P226/P228, and therefore the failure of the slide to remain locked to the rear on an empty magazine. Long-time users of the P226/P228 likewise may unintentionally move M1911A1's or Hi-Powers to an off-safe condition while reflexively trying to safe the weapon.
[edit] Variants
[edit] P226 Navy
Navy SEAL Teams started using the SIG P226 in the 1980s.
The first Naval Special Warfare-spec P226 pistols to be offered to the public were the NSW Commemoratives, issued in early 2004. The SIG P226-9-NAVY is a version of the SIG P226 that is produced to the exact specifications of the pistols supplied to Navy SEALs, including special phosphate corrosion-resistant finish on internal parts, contrast sights, and a slide engraved with an anchor to designate them as Naval Special Warfare pistols. SIGARMS raised over $100,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the sale of these NSW serialized pistols and serial number NSW0001 was sold during a live auction on the nationally syndicated Laura Ingraham radio show for $25,000.
[edit] P226 ST
The SIG SAUER P226 ST is an all stainless version of the SIG P226 pistol. The frame features a Picatinny rail, and a blued barrel. It is heavier than a standard P226 because the frame and slide are stainless steel. The stainless P226 in 9mm is a popular pistol with competitors that compete in the sport of Practical Shooting.
[edit] P226 Rail
The P226 Rail (or P226R) is the same as a P226, but it has a Picatinny rail.
[edit] P226R HSP
On sale 2005-09-11, SIG SAUER Homeland Security Pistols (HSP) are the same models SIG builds for the Department of Homeland Security. This is a limited production run of 1,000 P226R HSP pistols are available engraved with the American flag and Homeland Security 1 of 1000. Additionally, each pistol comes in .40 S&W caliber and is engraved with serial number barcoding just like those which were shipped to DHS and the U.S. Coast Guard. The HSP also features the new DAK trigger, a stainless steel Nitron slide topped with SIGLITE night sights, and a light weight alloy frame with integral Picatinny rail.
There is also a P229R HSP model available with the same features.
[edit] P226 X-Five
The SIG Sauer P226 X-Five is a competition variant of the P226 with a 5" slide and barrel, beavertail grip, and an adjustable rear target sight. Intended for IPSC competitive shooting, the X-Five is hand-fitted and assembled in Germany, and its resulting accuracy accordingly rivals the legendary SIG P210. Available in 9mm or .40 S&W, there are currently 4 models being offered in the United States: The "Competition" model has a single-action-only (SA) trigger, ambidextrous thumb safety, flared magazine well, and unique high-capacity magazines (19-round 9mm/ 14-round .40 S&W). The "Level-1" model adds a special adjustable SA trigger and Nill wood grips. The "Allround" model has a double-action/ single-action (DA/SA) trigger, a decocking lever in place of the thumb safety, and a standard magazine well designed to accommodate P226 magazines. The "Tactical" is available in 9mm only and features an alloy frame with Picatinny rail and comes in SAO. All SIG P226 X-Five models include a factory test target with a sub-1 inch 5-shot grouping from 25 meters.
[edit] P228
A compact version of the P226, the P228, is also respected worldwide and is currently in use with the US military, designated the M11 and is also the standard issue handgun of the Swedish Police. The P228 has a shorter slide and barrel than the P226. Unlike the P226, the P228 is available only in 9 mm Luger Parabellum. The P229 is nearly identical to the P228, but it has a one piece solid steel (vs. the P228's carbon stamped steel) slide and is available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. From a distance, the P228 can be differentiated from the P226 by comparing the trigger guards (the P228's is curved, while the P226's is slightly hooked) and the barrel and slide lengths (the P228's barrel is 12.7 mm shorter, thus having a corresponding shorter slide). Also in a side by side comparison the P228 would appear slightly shorter (2.5 mm shorter) than the P226. The larger capacity P226 magazine can also be employed in the P228 although it extends from the base of the grip. The P228 is issued to many law enforcement agencies as a standard sidearm, including the New Jersey State Police.
[edit] P229
The Sig P229 is a compact firearm, often used for concealed carry purposes. The standard version features a DA/SA trigger, but it is available with a DAO trigger as well.
Recently, the pistol has also been made available in a DAK (Double Action Kellerman) model, which is a DAO system with two trigger reset points, and a lighter, smoother pull than that of traditional DAO handguns.
The P229 differs from its cousin, the P226 in several respects. The P226 is a "full size" weapon, while the P229 is considered compact. The P226 originally was manufactured using a stamped-steel slide on an aluminum alloy frame. The P229 consists of a forged stainless steel slide, typically colored black with a Nitron finish. The P226 and P229 are both available with optional accessory rails and optional forged stainless steel frames.
The P229 can be chambered in 9 mm, .40 S&W or .357 SIG. Changing between .40 S&W and .357 SIG is as simple as switching out the barrel. The magazine can accommodate ammunition of either caliber. The 9 mm model cannot be converted to another caliber.
The U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service, along with the United States Secret Service and Virginia State Police, use this as their standard sidearm, chambered in .357 SIG. The .40 S&W P229 DAK is the official sidearm of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Department of Homeland Security.
[edit] DAK
SIG recently released an improved version of the double-action only (DAO) pistols; this version is called the DAK (for Double Action Kellerman, after the designer of the system). When firing the pistol the first trigger pull is only 6.5 lbs (compared to 12 lbs for the standard DAO). After the weapon fires and the trigger is released forward the trigger has an intermediate reset point that is aproximatly halfway to the trigger at rest position. The trigger pull from this intermediate reset point is 8.5 lbs. If the trigger is released all the way forward is will engage the primary tirgger reset and have a trigger pull of 6.5b lbs. To engage the intermediate reset the trigger must be held to the rear while the slide is cycled, either manualy of by the recoil of a round being fired.
[edit] Manufacture
SIG firearms are manufactured both in Germany and in Exeter, New Hampshire. Although Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft is a Swiss company, Swiss law is highly restrictive when it comes to the export of firearms. Consequently, SIG entered into an agreement with German gun manufacturer J.P. Sauer & Sohn to facilitate an export market for their products.
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
| Full size SIG P210 | SIG P220 | SIG P226 | SIG Pro series (2009, 2022, 2340) | SIG GSR | SIG Mosquito |
