The 9mm P226 was designed to compete on the replacement of the M1911 in the 1980's. It lost to the Beretta M9, but as a consolation the Navy SEALs adopted it as their sidearm. Despite its reputation, the P226 hasn't been adopted in large numbers by the military. However, it enjoys popularity in the civilian sector. Today, the Sig Sauer line of handguns is so extensive, it covers all possible uses. The P226R is the latest evolution to the P226. It replaces the non-railed model, P226, with a picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as lights and/or laser. But for the most part everything else stays the same.
ERGONOMICS
The P226R in the basic form has not changed at all but for the rail. For the first time user, it feels awkward. All the controls are on the left side of the gun, however, they are not in the familiar places and it needs some getting used to it. There is no safety. The decocker is way forward and the slide release is in the back, in complete reach of the shooting thumb, if you are right-handed. The magazine release is located on the left side of the frame, about the only control that is traditional. The sights on the P226R are very easy to align. The front is the normal post with white dot and the rear is the contrast with single bar at the bottom. Night sights are an option, and I highly recommend it. The grips on the P226R is made of polymer with a rough textured on the sides and the backstrap and makes it very comfortable to hold.
SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS
As I mentioned earlier, the sights on the P226R are very easy to align, so it shoots instinctively. The grips are excellent, and it doesn't feel wide even though it's a double-stack magazine. It has a double action/single action trigger and the double action is long and a little on the heavy side. However, it's the single action trigger that makes this an excellent shooter. It's an accurate shooter and the groups at 25 yards were tight. Of 300 rounds, there were no failures or stoppages.
MY BUY RATINGS
The P226R is a smooth shooter. It's tough, reliable and accurate. In my opinion, it's one of the top 9mm handguns out there. And I would recommend it to intermediate shooter since it requires a little getting use to, but once one becomes familiar with it, it's a terrific gun.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
SPECIFICATIONS Item Number
| E26R-9-B (9mm, Contrast) E26R-9-BSS, (9mm, Night Sights) E26R-40-B (.40S&W, Contrast Sights) E26R-40-BSS (.40S&W, Night Sights) E26R-357-BSS (.357SIG, Night Sights)
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Caliber
| 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W
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Mag Capacity
| 9mm 10 or 15 Rounds, .357 SIG 10 or 12 Rounds, .40 S&W 10 or 12 Rounds
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Sights
| Contrast, SIGLITE® Night Sights available
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Grips
| Black Polymer Factory Grips
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Frame Finish
| Black Hard Anodized
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MSRP
| $975, $1,050 w/ Night Sights
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