View Full Version : Should I buy a new Sig P226?
JBecker 72
07-16-15, 19:56
So, should I buy a new Sig P226? Or maybe the better question is would you buy a new Sig P226? I've been wanting one of these for a while now, and am wanting to hear your opinions on them. I watch YouTube reviews, and read reviews and most people say it's great. But every once in a while I still hear that one or two lone dissenters who say Sig Exeter can't produce a firearm to save its life.
Oh, and yeah, I know the Internet will say get a German made one. I'm asking about a new production version. Probably the MK25 because I prefer that style grip as opposed to the newer style regular P226.
Let me also say I have no intention of carrying this, and mostly it will be one of my nightstand guns and a range toy.
The current production P-series guns are good to go. I have several old and new production guns and I'm not seeing any difference in the build quality. In addition, the P-226 in 9mm has generally been Sig's most reliable pistol.
sierra 223
07-16-15, 21:44
They are still good guns. If you want one get it. Im sure it will serve you well.
I'm glad you asked this. I want one too. I bought a P229 in 1998 in 40 cal and it's been flawless!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I just purchased a MK-25 2 months ago..& got a certificate for 2 free mags.."the pistol came with 3" I put 500 failure free rounds through it.."WWB 115 grn" I found that the grip was a bit large for me, so I slapped an E2 grip & a short reach trigger on/in it..then put another 2000 rnds through it, also 0 malfs. Mostly 124 grn fmj & 500 PDX 140 grns. I bought the pistol as a range toy..it has subsequently become my primary carry gun in a Bladetech IWB holster..it's an amazingly accurate sidearm..& the double action on mine lightened up noticeably after 1000 rnds or so?? Mine has been great thus far.
operator81
07-16-15, 23:06
I also have a MK25 and it is fantastic. Trigger out of the box was very smooth in both DA and SA. I installed a SRT trigger right off the bat and couldn't be happier.
I would go with a 228 or a 229. I have never been able to shoot a 226 as good as a 228 or 229. I have had the west german, german and recent US made versions of the P226. Also with the newer versions you can get flush fit mags that hold just as much as the 226. YMMV... I will say that no matter what version or model of 229/228 or 226 I haven't had issues with any of them as long as I have kept it lubricated.
My 2014 stainless (not Elite) P226 is probably my favorite pistol to shoot. It locks up just as tight and has the "ball-bearing" feel of my '05 P229. I had 2 issues with it at first--the barrel had a chip in the muzzle crown, and it had a bad extractor spring, but SIG took care of everything. I also have a 2014 P229, which is also a great shooter, and both are incredibly accurate. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a 226, and would probably go with the MK25.
Newer ones are great, the mags are the only weak link. Thats just my personal experience.
I've carried a P229R (.40 cal) almost every day since 2007. Put many rounds through it and it has never failed me. The American made Sig's are fine. I'm more than sure that the 226 you're looking at will serve you well.
I really dig that Tac Ops pistol. Don't own one. But I agree with the guy who bought the navy gun and added the SRT TRIGGER. Solid plan too.
Nightstalker865
07-17-15, 06:27
I've been wanting to pick up a MK25. Have shot them on several occasions over the years and always been impressed. I don't think you can go wrong picking one up.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fordtough25
07-17-15, 06:46
I had a standard P226R in 9mm a couple years ago and it ran great, stupidly traded it and have been wanting another ever since. I plan on getting a MK25 next down the line.
Buy it and you will never look back, its a great pistol.
JBecker 72
07-17-15, 07:43
This turned out to be a more positive view on them than I had expected. Glad to hear it.
Also, if my Sig experience is a favorable one, I might also consider adding the M11-A1 to my collection as well.
PatrioticDisorder
07-17-15, 08:03
What's the deal with the mec gear 18 & 20 round magazines? Are they good to go in the P226?
The MK25 are good to go.
My department purchased 70 + SIGs in Novermber 2013. These were P220 and P226 (.40). All had the SRT trigger system. We had problems with the trigger bars and safety levers. SIG provided parts to "fix" the guns.
We ended up trading them in for Glocks.
Sig can make functional guns. They can also make total crap. I prefer my SIGS in 9mm. I also prefer to avoid the SRT system. I also prefer Glocks
In 2011 I bought a 226 Combat. 5,070 rounds later, zero failures, zero maintenance.
A few months later I bought a 229, 40. 2,400 rounds, zero failures, zero maintenance. This is my HD gun.
December, 2014 I bought a 226 SAO. 2,300 rounds and one three day training class later, zero failures, zero maintenance.
Now if they'd only make a 229 Combat SAO I'd be helpless to keep one away.
ETA - When I say maintenance I mean no parts breakages or anything. I do clean/lube the guns as required.
What's the deal with the mec gear 18 & 20 round magazines? Are they good to go in the P226?
Yes! They are excellent mags, and better than the ones that come with the guns. Probably the 226's biggest downfalls, IMO. The OE mags aren't that great and only hold 15 (9mm). The 18 round MecGars fit flush, and 20s extend out some. And they're like $30.
The mec gar mags should come with the MK25 so you won't have to replace the mags unless you wanted the 3 extra rounds.
Have a friend with a MK25 that he bought to replace his old Sigma. Not sure on his round count, but he has not reported any issues with it as of yet. Oh, and the gun did survive being hit by a car without an issue. So there is that too.
Gary1911A1
07-17-15, 14:00
Haven't purchased a 226 in years, but the 220 I purchased several months ago has been good to go out of the box.
gtmtnbiker98
07-17-15, 14:00
The mec gar mags should come with the MK25 so you won't have to replace the mags unless you wanted the 3 extra rounds.
The newer one's are coming with Checkmate mags, the are SIG branded "Made in USA." To be safe, I always chuck the Checkmate and use Mecgar.
Wow, really? I had no idea SIG was shipping their MK25s with checkmate. Aren't the mags supposed to be phosphate coated? Are they doing that with checkmate?
Psalms144.1
07-17-15, 14:33
The newer one's are coming with Checkmate mags, the are SIG branded "Made in USA."Of course they are. That's what's driving Sig's recent price increase...
QuickStrike
07-17-15, 14:33
I recently took the plunge with a threaded barrel mk-25. Seems to be very accurate and shootable. 3" shoot-n-C circles are easy at 7 yards.
Only shot a hundred rounds. One bobble with a round of aquila though. Failure to chamber. The bullet was set back a few milimeters so I probably wont count that against the gun....
Not sure about adding the short trigger, SRT, and E2 grips yet. I seem to shoot it fine as is. Might be better for one handed shooting though.
The sights shot high at 25 yards. With a poa=poi set of sights I would like it even more.
I installed a Short Reset Trigger kit in my P239 yesterday. If you buy a Sig, I highly recommend the SRT kit.
QuickStrike
07-17-15, 16:26
Are all "made in italy" marked mags made by mecgar?
gtmtnbiker98
07-17-15, 17:02
Are all "made in italy" marked mags made by mecgar?
As far as I know, yes.
noonesshowmonkey
07-17-15, 18:03
A Sig P-series with an SRT is, to me, a gold standard for the DA/SA handgun. Lovely firearms. You would be hard pressed to find a better hammer fired DA/SA; the list of lateral competitors is short.
DirectDrive
07-17-15, 18:47
A Sig P-series with an SRT is, to me, a gold standard for the DA/SA handgun. Lovely firearms. You would be hard pressed to find a better hammer fired DA/SA; the list of lateral competitors is short.
Nah, the Gold Standard DA/SA is the CZ75.....it is the most copied (other than 1911) and lots of all steel variants, still.
Get ahold of a Shadow and try not to pee down your leg.
The upper end Sigs are nice though.
JBecker 72
07-17-15, 19:08
A CZ might end up on my list at some point as well.
Older Sig OEM mags were all Mec Gar - they make very good magazines so buy them with confidence.
I'd tell you about the West German P226 that I sold but then you guys would be correct to kick me in the junk if we ever meet.
Still have my West German P220 :smile:
In 1990 Our agency issued German Sig P226 9mm DA/SA. in 2003/4 Sig traded up to P226 DAK in 357 Sig for us. Like shooting a S&W revolver again. Loved it. Retired and left the 226 at work. I had been Sig certified 4 times over our time with them. Springs and mags all I ever replaced. My personal 239 has a short reach trigger I installed in 1996. I own a Sig 226 ELITE 9mm SRT and I recently bought an M11-A1 I like very well also. I have not owned a bad Sig, guess I was lucky. I have been inside a bunch of them to clean and inspect. Sometimes reassembly needs a few new vocabulary words invented. I have FAT fingers and getting the FCG together to pin in place can be very trying at times.
Was thinking about another 226 with DAK in 9mm, a 220 in 45 & I have never owned one or the new 320 Compact in 9mm.
A 226 has always felt like a good fitting glove to me.
The SIG 226 is a great pistol. My absolute favorite sidearm. And I would echo the encouragement to pick one up. You can even find an indoor range and try to shoot it first. My choice would be either the MK-25, 226 Combat, or the Standard 226R. If the pistol comes with the USA Checkmate mags, buy some Megcars for carry and use the USA mags for practice/ range.
The SIG 226 has been one of the most reliable weapons that I have owned in over 20 years of shooting. Great gun. I would like to pick-up one of the X-Fives made in Germany myself (target version).
jschmitt08
07-18-15, 12:21
Ive been carrying a p229 on duty for about 4 years. No malfunctions through thousands of rounds. It has the srt trigger, which is great on follow up shots. I know its not a 226, but its similar and has been a great gun thus far. Im not a fan of the combat sighting however.
I also recently bought a MK25. At first, I was a little iffy about it because I was so used to a Beretta 92FS. Now, the MK25 is my go to. I also carry IWB with an alien gear holster. The only issue I've had was ammo related from WWB 115gr FMJ. I haven't put the SRT trigger in yet, but the stock DA/SA is solid. The pistol is too accurate for my ability.
walkin' trails
07-18-15, 14:30
I went thru my second academy with a P228, but never could shoot it as accurately as a Glock or S&W K/L Revolvers. That said, I've seen SIG guys shoot one-ragged-hole groups with a P226.
I pulled an employer issued P229 out of the vault a while back and sent it over to the armorer to go thru. I asked for the SRT and a short trigger, as my original 228 got one. It came back with the short trigger at least. I put a few rounds thru it afterwards, but could not get excited about how it shot (I'm not a 40 fan either). The other last SIG I shot was the Mk 26, and while not a tack driver in my hands, was much more pleasant than the 229. I admit that I have taken a glance or two at the 226 Tactical but have yet to fire one.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
The only new production one I'd buy is the MK25 and then I'd put the short reset trigger in it.
I traded into a long extractor (new type) that had some problems grabbing WWB and Aguila and would give fail to extract and/or double feed. All my short extractor Sigs have been 100%, including trips through the beach (i live in Florida and carry when at the beach or on a boat) and always performed.
If i was to buy another MK25, I'd immediately put the SRT in it, an 18lb Wolff mainspring and Hogue G10 checkered grips. I have 3 in that configuration and they're pretty much everything i could ever ask for in a pistol.
Should you buy a 226? Yes.
I have a plain jane 226 that I've been carrying for a few years. It has probably over 10k rounds through it & has been reliable with all factory ammo & my reloads. It's accurate & points almost as naturally as my 1911s. The next time my local LE supplier gets a MK25 in, I'm adding that to my collection as well.
I recently added a couple 18 round flush fit MecGar mags from Greg Cote, for times when I run across roving bands of AK toting terrorists while on my daily walks with my dogs in the PA woods.:)
DirectDrive
07-19-15, 14:34
A CZ might end up on my list at some point as well.
Actually Sig's X line is very nice if you like a steel frame and beavertail.
I don't have a .40 and one of those heavy metal numbers would be great for that.
The only new production one I'd buy is the MK25 and then I'd put the short reset trigger in it.
I traded into a long extractor (new type) that had some problems grabbing WWB and Aguila and would give fail to extract and/or double feed. All my short extractor Sigs have been 100%, including trips through the beach (i live in Florida and carry when at the beach or on a boat) and always performed.
If i was to buy another MK25, I'd immediately put the SRT in it, an 18lb Wolff mainspring and Hogue G10 checkered grips. I have 3 in that configuration and they're pretty much everything i could ever ask for in a pistol.
What does the 18lb mainspring replacement accomplish? Does it lighten the DA pull?
What does the 18lb mainspring replacement accomplish? Does it lighten the DA pull?
Yes, my DA pull is about 8lbs and very smooth.
My SA pull is still about 4lb, maybe a little less depending on where on the trigger i measure from. (I use a fish scale to measure, because it's what I have..)
I bought a new MK25 back in January and I've had a few FTF due to ammunition (load development for reloading) I carry it daily and have no fear of using it. The Mec-Gar 18 rd mags are the way to go for feeding them as they stick out of the guy less than 3/32 and are reliable plus they are nearly half the cost of the Sig 15 rd flush fit when ordering for Brownells. Personally I like the short extractor models too. Only thing I have done to mine has been install the SRT (short reset trigger) Takes the reset to that of a Glock making the gun a pleasure to run. Learning to shoot DA/SA is a bitch but once you do you can run anything you want.
I bought a mk25 awhile back and Its got the srt kit,heinie night sights,and 10 of the mec-gar 18's.Its been 100% since day one as far as the function of the gun goes.I had to get use to shooting it without hitting the slide release.Every time I shot it the slide wouldnt lock back on the last round because of my hand holding the release down lol
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/PBALLDONKEY/Mobile%20Uploads/20150711_134652_zps96hbglm0.jpg (http://s236.photobucket.com/user/PBALLDONKEY/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150711_134652_zps96hbglm0.jpg.html)
JBecker 72
07-20-15, 15:19
I was gonna run the same light and probably Trijicon HD sights. That's a great looking gun.
I have had no problems with my P226 in the 4 years I've owned it. It's the e2 version with the SRT trigger. I bought it used and I've got roughly 8k rounds through it at this point. It was built in 2010. Before I added a threaded barrel and larger grips (My hands are larger so the e2 grip is too small for me) the only thing I replaced was the recoil spring. Majority of the rounds through it were with the factory barrel and e2 grips. It's extremely accurate. Picture is the first time I took it to the range.
ETA: Distance was 10 Yards on the picture below.
34257
I bought a p226 new in 1985 with the "K-cote". Still looks remarkable. I have had I don't know how many rounds through it over the years. It is as accurate as ever. It has never seen a gunsmith or had any type of repair whatsoever.
All guns should be this good.
I probably wouldn't bother with the P226 at this stage. They are expensive, and something of a throwback. Factory triggers are blah, and combined with the high bore and businesses on the left side of the pistol, I'm not all that enamored with the way they grip and shoot.
I just don't see the appeal at this stage in the game, especially for the cost compared to Glock's, VP9's, M&P's to even an SP2022.
For a house gun and range toy, I'd probably go with the SP2022. Very similar size, half the cost with night sites, and nicer stock trigger, though the SRT trigger is better than both.
Dumb question-is it really a fair evaluation to compare price points of a polymer gun vs a metal gun? My (and most MK25's I've handled) have decent triggers in them and they get better with time. Changing to the SRT seemed to change my trigger breaking point due to the new sear but it wasn't that much.
BTW-I did not include that my MK25 has over 4,000 rds without issue other than the stated above from load development. Once I tweaked my load data it has run like a champ ever since....
That being said has anyone noticed a difference in bullet weight or speeds? I've found that for my SD loads it likes 124 Speer GD's the best. For training I have loaded 124 gr FMJ running at 1150-1200 fps and it shoots one ragged hole all day long (as long as I keep my shit straight) I know Glock's like 124 and 124+P better than 115 gr. Anyone notice that with Sigs????
JBecker 72
07-21-15, 09:53
Not to sound like a snob, but price of a gun doesn't really weigh into my decision making process. It just means I need to save a bit longer if it's an expensive one. And after owning 6 Glock 9mm pistols, and 2 M&P 9mm pistols, I haven't been very impressed with them. Yeah they go bang, but I don't shoot them as well as I do the DA/SA guns, and I have had issues with some of them.
I was going through this same dilemma a few months ago. I asked Bruce Gray the same question and he said the new production ones are good to go, but they were having issues 5 years ago.
Personally I've owned 4 226's. The first was an issued 226R 40 back in 2010 that had 0 issues. I put several thousand rounds through it and never had so much as a hiccup. This was supposedly during the "dark times."
I recently purchased a pair of 226 tacops (came with check mate mags) with 2013 and 2014 production dates that have shot great with zero issues.
My latest purchase is a 226 stainless elite (came with Mecgar) that I'm looking forward to putting rounds through it when it arrives.
Long story short I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up. The hard part is picking the configuration :)
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/21/3df08f9bfb185ebdbbe11f5703126f1f.jpg
Should you buy a 226? Yes.
I have a plain jane 226 that I've been carrying for a few years. It has probably over 10k rounds through it & has been reliable with all factory ammo & my reloads. It's accurate & points almost as naturally as my 1911s. The next time my local LE supplier gets a MK25 in, I'm adding that to my collection as well.
I recently added a couple 18 round flush fit MecGar mags from Greg Cote, for times when I run across roving bands of AK toting terrorists while on my daily walks with my dogs in the PA woods.:)
Here ya go :) $10 shipping and at your FFL 2 days later, hard to beat.
http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-p226r-9mm-da-sa-mk25-navy-iop.html
Here ya go :) $10 shipping and at your FFL 2 days later, hard to beat.
http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-p226r-9mm-da-sa-mk25-navy-iop.html
STOP IT!
:)
STOP IT!
:)
I'm imagining Venkman knocking that recorder out of Egon's hands right now and losing my shit.
FollowThru
07-21-15, 16:06
I have (2) P226 9mm pistols. Bought one in 1985 and the other 2008. Both are more accurate than my Beretta 92 or Glock 17. I've never replaced a part or had a malfunction, same with the Beretta, can't say the same about the Glock.
I have (2) P226 9mm pistols. Bought one in 1985 and the other 2008. Both are more accurate than my Beretta 92 or Glock 17. I've never replaced a part or had a malfunction, same with the Beretta, can't say the same about the Glock.
I did put a D hammer spring in my Beretta 92. Just ordered an SRT kit for my P226. Once I install it, I'll shoot them side by side for a comparison.
PatrioticDisorder
07-21-15, 18:39
Dumb question, what is the difference between a P226 & P226R?
Dumb question, what is the difference between a P226 & P226R?
The 226R has an accessory rail. I think the 226R is the standard now. Am I right on this?
On a side note, I want to replace the factory grips on my MK25. Any suggestions? My hands get sweaty and tend to slip, and it feels like the backstrap on the factory grips "cracks" when I grip the gun. I've looked at the E2, and the Hogue G10, but was hoping to get away without breaking the bank.
The 226R has an accessory rail. I think the 226R is the standard now. Am I right on this?
On a side note, I want to replace the factory grips on my MK25. Any suggestions? My hands get sweaty and tend to slip, and it feels like the backstrap on the factory grips "cracks" when I grip the gun. I've looked at the E2, and the Hogue G10, but was hoping to get away without breaking the bank.
Depends on your budget and hand size. I like the hogue rubber panels and they're under $20. Another option is to just stipple your factory grips, I had a magwell set done and like them. The g10's are nice, but I don't think they're $100 nice.
JBecker 72
07-21-15, 20:17
VZ doesn't make grips for the Sig do they? I really like the golf ball grips on my 92A1.
Depends on your budget and hand size. I like the hogue rubber panels and they're under $20. Another option is to just stipple your factory grips, I had a magwell set done and like them. The g10's are nice, but I don't think they're $100 nice.
Whereas I agree that the $100ish price tag for factory new G10 grips is tough, they are the absolute best grips available for the P226 IMO. For my hand size they're perfect too; slimmer and grippier than the factor grips, yet thicker than the E2 and maintain the same grip angle as the factory grips. Plus, they come up on the used market for much, much less. Especially on the auction sites.
I had an issue with high round count days (usually gaming) with the E2 grips because my wrists would start bothering me. I switched away from the E2 and that grip angle to one that allowed me to cock my wrist a bit more and it was worth it.
davebee456
07-21-15, 21:56
If you get another Sig P226 i would get a "small" External extractor P226 Mk25 or an older P226 German Frame or 100% German made gun.
I hate the new Longer extractors.
I have had a couple of lemons in the past few years. New 226 in 2011 and a new M11 in 2012 really bad quality i hope those days are over.
VZ doesn't make grips for the Sig do they? I really like the golf ball grips on my 92A1.
They used to and rumor has it they will be again soon. I don't think they are in current production.
I had one of the first WC 92's with the trigger work and it shot great but when comparing a stock Beretta 92 up against a stock Sig P226 I'd take the Sig every time. To me the DA pull is smoother than that of the Beretta due to the Sig feels like it "rolls" similar to a revolver as where the Beretta seems to "stack up" spring tension making the trigger pull heavier as you get closer to the breaking point. The one thing that I personally prefer is that the slide is clean of controls-meaning everything is on the frame. I find that when trying to rack a 92 variant quickly I find I roll skin under the decocker/safety and that shit gets old quick.
Depends on your budget and hand size. I like the hogue rubber panels and they're under $20. Another option is to just stipple your factory grips, I had a magwell set done and like them. The g10's are nice, but I don't think they're $100 nice.
I had looked at those rubber panels, but one of the reviews stated that it interfered with the decock lever and caused issues with the mags not seating. Easy fix on rubber, I get it but still, something to consider.
The 226R has an accessory rail. I think the 226R is the standard now. Am I right on this?
On a side note, I want to replace the factory grips on my MK25. Any suggestions? My hands get sweaty and tend to slip, and it feels like the backstrap on the factory grips "cracks" when I grip the gun. I've looked at the E2, and the Hogue G10, but was hoping to get away without breaking the bank.
The Hogue G10s seem to be universally loved, so that's probably the best choice. But before you buy anything, dig out the soldering iron and do a stipple job on the grips. I did this to my 226 and it made a world of difference. I was actually going to buy a set of Hogues and tried this just because the grips were going to sit in a box anyway. I stippled the backstrap, right side grip (I'm right handed), lightly stippled the left side grip (if this isn't going to be a CC pistol for you, stipple away on the off side grip. If it is, remember that's the side that sits against your skin) and put a piece of grip tape on the front strap. Works amazingly well.
Good luck.
The 226R has an accessory rail. I think the 226R is the standard now. Am I right on this?
On a side note, I want to replace the factory grips on my MK25. Any suggestions? My hands get sweaty and tend to slip, and it feels like the backstrap on the factory grips "cracks" when I grip the gun. I've looked at the E2, and the Hogue G10, but was hoping to get away without breaking the bank.
I had the same issue--the factory grips seem to "flex" at the seam, and I can feel the edge of one panel as I push the other one in. I really like the G10s, and have a pair on my 226, although the screws had a tendency to back out a little during firing. I read a tip that a dab of grease on the screws will prevent this if you don't want to use a thread locker, and it seems to be working so far.
I currently have the E2 grips on my 229, and they're great, but they do chafe quite a bit during carry. I'm probably going to swap them out with another set of G10s.
The Hogue G10s seem to be universally loved, so that's probably the best choice. But before you buy anything, dig out the soldering iron and do a stipple job on the grips. I did this to my 226 and it made a world of difference. I was actually going to buy a set of Hogues and tried this just because the grips were going to sit in a box anyway. I stippled the backstrap, right side grip (I'm right handed), lightly stippled the left side grip (if this isn't going to be a CC pistol for you, stipple away on the off side grip. If it is, remember that's the side that sits against your skin) and put a piece of grip tape on the front strap. Works amazingly well.
Good luck.
Happen to have a photo of the grip tape?
Happen to have a photo of the grip tape?
Get some skateboard tape at a local skateboard shop. They might even have some scraps they'll give you. I put some on a front strap of a 1911 & it's been on there for a couple years.
Get some skateboard tape at a local skateboard shop. They might even have some scraps they'll give you. I put some on a front strap of a 1911 & it's been on there for a couple years.
This or go to a hardware store if there isn't a skateboard shop near you. If all you're doing is front strap, it's really the easiest way. If I were doing an entire grip, I would probably use the Talon Grips. But I like the stippling for the grips and would go with Hogue G10s if I went in another direction. So that only leaves the front strap.
The 226 is a great gun. If it fits your needs go for it. I carried a P226DAK And a Sig P229 both in .40. I hated the 229 it was too small for me. The 226 carried the same amount of rounds in a larger gun.
I'm a Sig, Glock and M&P armorer. One thing I hated about the Sigs were the damn grip screws. I love our Glocks and I'm starting to like the M&P's. There is less going on with the Glock and M&P. Did I say I hate the grip screws! They ofen fell out and were always rusting. Not an issue with the polymer guns. The fit and finish of the Sig's I've taken apart have been impressive. It was immediately clear to me why they cost more.
The 226 is a great gun. If it fits your needs go for it. I carried a P226DAK And a Sig P229 both in .40. I hated the 229 it was too small for me. The 226 carried the same amount of rounds in a larger gun.
I'm a Sig, Glock and M&P armorer. One thing I hated about the Sigs were the damn grip screws. I love our Glocks and I'm starting to like the M&P's. There is less going on with the Glock and M&P. Did I say I hate the grip screws! They ofen fell out and were always rusting. Not an issue with the polymer guns. The fit and finish of the Sig's I've taken apart have been impressive. It was immediately clear to me why they cost more.
+1 all around. I work for a large federal agency that has 4000+ 229s in the field and authorizes the 226 (amongst other guns) as a personally owned weapon. From speaking with HQ firearms staff we have an exceptionally low failure rate (they keep very detailed logs of malfunctions and failures of our issued 229s) with our new production 229s. Personally I carry Glocks off duty (either a 19 or 43), and would on duty as well if I could, but there's an undeniable difference in the level of craftsmanship that goes into the two guns. Doesn't translate into a performance advantage for the Sig IMO, but I can certainly see why they cost more because of it.
The 226 is a great gun. If it fits your needs go for it. I carried a P226DAK And a Sig P229 both in .40. I hated the 229 it was too small for me. The 226 carried the same amount of rounds in a larger gun.
I'm a Sig, Glock and M&P armorer. One thing I hated about the Sigs were the damn grip screws. I love our Glocks and I'm starting to like the M&P's. There is less going on with the Glock and M&P. Did I say I hate the grip screws! They ofen fell out and were always rusting. Not an issue with the polymer guns. The fit and finish of the Sig's I've taken apart have been impressive. It was immediately clear to me why they cost more.
Was this grip screw issue related to the lack of QC years back or recently?
Psalms144.1
07-24-15, 11:19
Was this grip screw issue related to the lack of QC years back or recently?Grip screw issues have been a problem for as long as I've been a Sig Armorer (coming up on 12 years now). I've lost count of the number of agents I've seen walking around with missing grip screws - one dude showed up for a range with rubber bands around his grips because he'd lost both screws on one side.
The screws rust like crazy, but once installed, they can be kept in place with a light application of penetrating thread locker, or even better, clear nail polish (solvent will remove that, so needs to be re-applied after a couple of cleanings, but, hey, it's cheap!)
Grip screw issues have been a problem for as long as I've been a Sig Armorer (coming up on 12 years now). I've lost count of the number of agents I've seen walking around with missing grip screws - one dude showed up for a range with rubber bands around his grips because he'd lost both screws on one side.
The screws rust like crazy, but once installed, they can be kept in place with a light application of penetrating thread locker, or even better, clear nail polish (solvent will remove that, so needs to be re-applied after a couple of cleanings, but, hey, it's cheap!)
Has your agency looked into the e2 grips that don't use screws? I never had screws come loose and can't think of anyone in my academy class that did either during a month of firearms training. Wonder if it depends on the model
Sig 220's used to come with star lock washers under the screws. Depending on the grips on a 226 there are 2 lengths of screws. Longer for wood and shorter for polymer grips. Long screw in poly grip may rub magazine. Short screw in wood grips may not hold due to not enough threads holding.
Grip screw issues have been a problem for as long as I've been a Sig Armorer (coming up on 12 years now). I've lost count of the number of agents I've seen walking around with missing grip screws - one dude showed up for a range with rubber bands around his grips because he'd lost both screws on one side.
The screws rust like crazy, but once installed, they can be kept in place with a light application of penetrating thread locker, or even better, clear nail polish (solvent will remove that, so needs to be re-applied after a couple of cleanings, but, hey, it's cheap!)
Good to know. I'm also a fan of using the clear nail polish when I'm out of locktite.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.