Sig P226 - Definition

P226

The Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) Sauer P226 is a 9 mm handgun. It was designed after the Sig Sauer P220 .45 handgun. The Sig Sauer P226 is one of the most distinguished combat firearms in the world, being used by the law enforcement agencies and militaries of the United States and other countries.

It was designed as a replacement for the old Colt M1911 .45 sidearm, the previous standard sidearm of the US Military. In the U.S. Army sidearm replacement trials (or XM9 Pistol Trials) the Sig Sauer won at everything, but was not selected because of the cost. The title instead went to the Beretta 92F 9 mm. However, the US Military's decision not to adopt it did not deter others. It was adopted by the FBI as their standard sidearm in 1984. The P226 was also decided upon by the British Special Air Service. The GSG-9 also chose the P226.

A compact version of the P226, the P228, has been adopted by the United States Secret Service as their standard sidearm, and has been recognized by the US Army as the M11 Compact Pistol. The P228 is slightly smaller than the P226, and carries only 13 rounds per magazine. However, its performance and appearance are the same as its full-sized predecessor.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W
• Overall Length: 7.7 inches
• Overall Height: 5.5 inches
• Overall Width: 1.5 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
• Weight w/o Mag: 28.3 oz (30.6 oz for the .357 SIG and .40 S&W)
• Mag Weight: 3.4 oz
• Sight Radius: 6.3 inches
• Mag Capacity: 10 (9mm/40 S&W/.357 Sig Standard Capacity), 12 (40 S&W extended capacity), 15 (9mm extended capacity).
• Available Finishes: Nitron, Two-Tone

External links

• Modern Firearms (http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg09-e.htm)
• Further information about the Sig P226 (http://www.gunshopfinder.com/sig/sigclassicp226.asp)