Colt M1911 / M1911A1 vs SIG Sauer P226

1911–present

1984–Present

Millions

~1,200,000+ units estimated

216 mm

196 mm (7.7 in) standard; 185 mm (7.3 in) Compact; 210 mm (8.3 in) Tactical

127 mm

112 mm (4.4 in) standard; 102 mm (4.0 in) Compact; 140 mm (5.5 in) Tactical

1,100 g

985 g (2.17 lb) empty (standard); 1,050 g (2.31 lb) with loaded 15‑round magazine

7+1 or 8+1 rounds

15 rounds standard (9mm); 10 rounds (9mm Compact); 20 rounds (9mm Tactical); also available in 12‑round .40 S&W and 10‑round .45 ACP magazines

short recoil

Short recoil, locked breech with rotating barrel; DA/SA with manual safety/decocker

SAO

Double‑action first pull, single‑action subsequent pulls; optional single‑action only trigger for competition models

Fixed or adjustable

Fixed three‑dot tritium night sights (front blade and rear notch) on most models; optional Novak or SIGLITE rail‑mounted optics