SIG Sauer P226

IN PRODUCTION

Quick Overview

Manufacturer

SIG Sauer

Origin

Switzerland

Production

1984 - Present

Calibers

9x19mm Parabellum,.40 S&W,.357 SIG,.45 ACP

Overview

The SIG Sauer P226 is a full‑size, double‑action/single‑action (DA/SA) semi‑automatic pistol designed for military, law‑enforcement, and civilian markets. Conceived in the early 1980s as a robust, service‑grade replacement for the SIG P220, the P226 emphasizes reliability under adverse conditions, modularity, and ergonomic ergonomics. Its hallmark features include a stainless‑steel slide, a polymer‑wrapped aluminum alloy frame, a decocking lever, and interchangeable grips. The pistol’s short recoil, locked‑breech system with a rotating barrel offers smooth operation and reduced recoil, contributing to its reputation for accuracy and durability. Widely praised for its consistent trigger pull, excellent balance, and ability to function after extensive fouling, the P226 has become a benchmark for full‑size service pistols worldwide.

Calibers & Ammunition

9x19mm Parabellum .40 S&W .357 SIG .45 ACP

Dimensions

Overall Length

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

Barrel Length

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

Weight

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

Mechanical

Action Type

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

Trigger Type

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

Sights Type

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

Magazine Capacity

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

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Same subcategory · Shared caliber

DISCONTINUED

Luger P08

Pistols9x19mm Parabellum +3

The Luger P08 is a German semi‑automatic pistol renowned for its distinctive toggle‑locked breech and ergonomic grip angle. Designed by Georg Luger in the early 20th century, the P08 was intended as a service sidearm for the Imperial German Army, emphasizing precision, smooth operation, and a compact profile suitable for both officers and enlisted troops. Its most striking innovation is the short‑stroke toggle lock, a mechanically elegant solution that provides a locked breech while maintaining a relatively simple manual of arms. Chambered primarily in 9×19mm Parabellum, the pistol offered a 7‑round detachable box magazine and featured a built‑in safety lever that also served as a grip safety. The Luger quickly earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy and a crisp trigger pull, though its complex mechanism made it sensitive to dirt and required meticulous maintenance. Collectors and historians prize the P08 for its iconic silhouette, high‑quality machining, and its role as a symbol of early modern pistol engineering, distinguishing it from contemporaries such as the Colt M1911 and the Browning Hi‑Power.

Weight

0.95 kg (2.09 lb) empty

Length

225 mm (8.86 in)

Capacity

7 rounds standard (detachable box), optional 8‑round magazine for .30 Luger

Action

Toggle‑locked, short‑stroke recoil‑operated, closed bolt

Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)

Germany

1908-1945

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