Depending on the state, you betcha!
Posted on 05/27/2025 12:59:01 PM PDT by where's_the_Outrage?
Key Points - The SIG Sauer P226, a 9mm DA/SA pistol, became the trusted sidearm of US Navy SEALs (as the Mk.25) for over thirty years after they experienced issues with the Army-adopted Beretta M9 in the late 1980s.
-Though the P226 initially lost the military's MHS competition to the Beretta due to cost, the SEALs independently selected it for its superior reliability, corrosion resistance crucial for maritime operations, smooth trigger, and excellent tritium night sights.
-Renowned for its robust construction and dependable performance in numerous combat zones, the P226 solidified its reputation as an outstanding combat pistol.
The Sig Sauer P226 was a favorite of the Navy SEALs and other government agencies for over thirty years. While they have finally moved on to the Glock 19, the reasons for the pistol's popularity are apparent to anyone who relies on it to protect their lives in combat.
As I’ve mentioned several times in different pieces here, Sig Sauer makes outstanding firearms. I have always been a big fan of theirs, especially the P226. It is yet another fantastic handgun that has it all. In fact, the Sig should have been chosen as the military’s next service pistol when the beloved M-1911A1 was retired.
However, the Beretta 92F was chosen over the Sig Sauer P226 because it was cheaper. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”.....
However, Big Army wanted a weapon that would fit shooters with smaller hands, so it switched to the 9mm caliber used by our NATO allies. The test was conducted between the Beretta 92F and the Sig Sauer P226. Not surprisingly, the Sig won the test......
Beretta dropped its bid by 18 percent. Beretta was awarded the contract, and the M-9 pistol was chosen.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
It’s not ,1911 any more. Modern 9mm ammo is quite effective. Stay with the 7 round mags if you like but 9mm will do the trick.
I own two Sig’s due to their size. I don’t trust either yet fully. Big problem is their magazines. I do trust my H+K tho, straight out of the box.
Chalk rounds? They were like throwing marshmallows but still very accurate.
We fired M433 rounds, the stubby, gold-nosed cartridges. Luckily I only fired 3 or 4 rounds cuz my shoulder was sore for days. I figured they gave us Apache rounds. Those things were heavy.
I always used the quad sight cuz the leaf sight was crap. Using the quad sight the 203 was very accurate. I remember we were firing at old M60 tanks on the range at WildChicken. My MLRS TC was the range NCO. Seeing how accurate the sight was I used my last round and aimed for the CDR’s hatch on an M60 about 100+ yards away. Aimed for the hatch’s lip which was about 2” high. Hit it. Boom! I yelled with joy. My TC turned around and gave me a sickened look. “Yeah, that’d be your hatch SGT” was understood.
I loved being in the Army in the ‘90s. Too bad I got injured. At least I was finally awarded my 100% after 25 years.
I always liked the PPQ M2.
This is a fictional definition. SEALs, Special Ops, and the rest can choose their handgun and caliber.
Big government went with the 9mm to use on civilians.
Small teams in the Marine’s used the M11 Sig , so did CID agents in the Army, OSI and NCIS all used Sigs not Beretta. My personal P226 is a virtual copy of the duty weapon I carried for 11+ years. Along with the MP5SD it’s a fine 9 mm this is not WWII full NATO pressure 9MM has much more energy than a 45 ACP , you can hear the boomer tears mumbling two world wars.
This is NATO spec.
[Bullet weight must be between 108gr and 128gr. Energy must be between 400ft/lbs and 600 ft/lbs. Mean pressure cannot exceed 37k PSI]
You get 15+1 in the Sig and 19+1 33+1 in a Glock 19/17 with extended mags stock is 17+1. If I cannot carry a 10mm Auto also with 15+1 stock the 9mm aways gets the nod every time especially with NATO or better yet +P+ LEO only rounds that GT distributors only will sell to LEO or former LEO who registered with them while they held creds.
“What does a P226 cost?”
I got mine from an auction for $1800. It has tritium sights and a rear ghost ring. Plus extended mags and a custom trigger job.
I have a 226 Legion. Fantastic pistol.
I love it.
L
“That includes 2 guns in .38 Super which can be a finicky cartridge.”
I recently acquired a Lightweight Commander in .38 Super. I just loaded some Hornady 124 grain HPs for it. It’s fired all the FMJ I’ve run through it so far.
Great little pistol.
L
Let’s bring back the 45 long Colt into service.
Or if that’s too archaic for some, 10mm full power loads in a 1911 platform.
I would love to have a SIG 226, but too much $$$. There are some nice clones out there, though.
CC
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