The SIG P226 is a German-made pistol that is considered one of the most reliable handguns on the market today. SIG Sauer is the U.S. representative of the company that produces the firearm, Swiss Arms.
The SIG P226 and the Beretta 92 were the only pistols to successfully pass the Army’s tests in the search for a replacement for the M1911A1 pistol in the 1980s. The reason the Beretta won in the end was because the U.S. military could purchase it for less money. But when Navy SEALs began experiencing problems with the Berettas (at that point dubbed the M9), they started using the SIG P226 instead. The weapon is now also used by crews aboard Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps aircraft.
The options for cartridges for use in the P226 include the 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. When using the 40 S&W or .357 SIG cartridges, magazines can be used that hold either 12 or 13 cartridges. The magazines used with the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges can hold either 15, 17, 18, or 20 cartridges. The gun has a mechanically-locked recoil operated action and an iron sight.
Like just about any other firearm, several variants of the P226 pistol exist. The P226 Rail includes standard Picatinny rails for use of gun accessories. The P226 Blackwater was produced in conjunction with the opening of Blackwater Training Center (a military training center), but is now discontinued. It features night sights, a stainless steel slide, and is only compatible with the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges. The P226 DAK (Double-Action Kellerman, named after the designer) has been adopted by the Coast Guard as its PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) instead of the M9. After shooting the firearm once, the shooter can choose between two different degrees of pounds-force for the second shot.
The P226 is one of the best pistols around and is a readily-available military surplus item. Get one for yourself at Impact Guns by clicking here. Also, this Barska Biometric safe review highlights a safe that the P226 would fit in perfectly.
Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.
