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Revision as of 22:37, 10 September 2006 by Epimetreus (talk | contribs) (→History: typo fix)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Semi-automatic pistol| SIG P226 | |
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| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Barrel length | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Cartridge | |
| Action | mechanically locked, recoil operated (DA/SA, DAO, DAK) |
| Feed system | 12 or 15 (.40 S&W) 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.
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 M1911. 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 and the British and Australian SAS, among others, the P226 has an impressive record. 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 Defence Industries Organization as the ZOAF pistol. The P226 is also the standard service pistol for the New Zealand Army.
Concerns
Though ergonomically sound, there are some concerns with this pistol design.
Early versions fitted with after-market or replacement grip panels occasionally developed reliability issues because the firing mechanism puts pressure on the inside of the grip panel. OEM and later quality replacement panels coupled with keeping the grip screws tight remove this issue.
Another concern is for users of other pistol types transitioning to the P226/P228. 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. Longtime users of single action pistols such as the M1911A1 and Browning Hi-Power often find the thumb high grip usual for these pistols result 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. Longtime 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.
Variants
P226 Navy
Navy SEAL Teams started using SIG P226 in the 1980s (Navy-issued P226s have phosphate internal parts, per mil-spec).
The first NSW-spec P226 pistols to be offered to the public were the NSW Commemoratives, (NSW stands for Naval Special Warfare) 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 sight, and a slide engraved with an anchor to designate them as Naval Special Warfare pistols. NSW prefix P226 were shipped with two 10 rounds magazines due to the law existed at the time. However, SIG offered coupon for buyers to get 15 rounds magazines at discounted price after the law sunset.
NSW Commemoratives fundraising details: In 2004, SIGARMS worked with STS (Special Tactical Services) to offer limited number (two thousand) of specially serialized P226 pistols as a fundraising program to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). These pistols are identical to those supplied to the Navy SEALs, but carry the unique serial number starting with NSW (NSW0001 - NSW2000) and certificate of authenticity. SIGARMS donated $100,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the sale of these 2000 pistols.
The next batch of NSW-spec guns came through the following year, 2005. These are German frame, no rail, no German proof marks, three 15 round mags supplied. These are supposed to be "contract overruns", one evidence for such claim is the P226 Navys were shipped with three mags, that is commonly done with Law Enforcement contract while commercial issue usually only comes with two mags; also, these mags were shipped "mixed" - some are German made and some are Mec-Gar/SIG Sauer; some even have rubber base-plate with black Teflon finish on them. Estimated about 800 or so made to public, this number is, however, un-confirmed. Another interesting fact is, some of these P226 Navys were shipped with a "certificate of authenticity" that is identical to the one shipped with NSW prefix. Some said this is result of SIG planed to issue another run of NSW prefix, but later decide not to.
"Parts" number and serial number details:
1. 226-9-NAVY : NSW prefix serial number (NSWnnnn), commemorative issues for Special Operation Warrior Foundations fundraising. Serial number ranges from NSW0001 to NSW2000. German frame, non-rail and supplied with two 10 round phosphate mags.
2. E26-9-NAVY : U prefix serial number (Unnnnnn), German frame, no rail, no German proof marks, three 15 round mags supplied.
3. E26R-9-NAVY : U and UU prefix serial number (Unnnnnn/UUnnnnnn). U prefix, which signifies German made frame, while UU is US made. This is rail version shipped with two 15 rounds mags.
P226 ST
The SIG P226 ST is a version of the SIG P226 pistol made by SIGARMS that has a stainless steel frame, a Picatinny rail, and a blued barrel.
P226 Rail
The P226 Rail (or P226R) is the same as a P226, but it has a Picatinny rail.
P226R HSP
On sale 2005-09-11, SIG SAUER Homeland Security Pistols (HSP) are the same models SIG build 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.
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 site. 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 3 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. All SIG P226 X-Five models include a factory test target with a sub-1 inch 5-shot grouping from 25 meters.
P228/P229
A compact version of the P226, the P228, is also respected worldwide and is currently in use with the US military, designated the M11. 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 9 mm, .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.
External links
See also
| Firearms made by SIG Sauer | |||||||||
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| Semi-automatic pistols |
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| Rifles |
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| Related articles | |||||||||