The SiGarms, Inc. 226 is a top quality, short recoil pistol with an automatic firing-pin safety, double-action/single-action trigger, de-cocking lever, and external slide catch lever. No external safeties are present.

The frame is made in Germany of an extremely light and durable alloy and the slide and frame are stainless steel, treated with Nitron® for durability and wear resistance. Although the slide is stainless, the finish is a dull matte black.

The P226 has an average 2004 retail price of $745 based on the quotes I received from four reputable gun stores within a 100 mile radius of my home. The Glock 17 is averaging $529 in the same area, and the Beretta 92FS is averaging $609. I consider these to be the SIG's closest competitors when it comes to performance, durability, and safety.

The safety features of the P226 are the best I've seen on an autoloader. There are several safety components that should be mentioned.

1. Automatic Firing Pin Lock - When at battery with a bullet in the chamber or empty, the firing pin is blocked automatically in either the cocked or de-cocked position. This helps in the event that the pistol is jarred or dropped. No manual safeties are present, and the firing pin can only be engaged by pulling the trigger.
2. De-cocking Lever - This is the only way to safely de-cock the firearm, and the automatic firing-pin lock stays engaged during this process.
3. Safety Intercept Notch - When the trigger is pulled; there is some travel even in single-action stage. This travel disengages the automatic firing-pin lock, or otherwise called the safety intercept notch. This notch is located under the firing pin, and this notch prevents the firing pin from moving forward.
4. Take Down Lever - The take down lever can only be activated while the slide is fully rearward, and the clip is removed.

The P226 is a full size handgun. It weighs in at 28.3 ounces. The barrel is 4.4 inches long and has a 1 in 10" twist. Trigger pull weight in single action stage is 4.5 pounds, and although there is some over-travel, creep is minimal and the trigger has a clean break. In double action stage, the trigger is smooth and the quality of the firearm is easily apparent. Trigger pull in double action is purported to be 10 pounds.

The sights feature white dot and bar inserts and are drift adjustable, but elevation is fixed. To adjust for elevation you must replace the sights with a higher or lower number combination. Each rear sight change in an up or down increment will change the point of impact 2 inches in the respective direction at 25 yards. A one-increment change on the front sight will move the point of impact 1 inch at 25 yards.

In summary, the classic SiG P226 pistols are very fine autoloaders. The practical accuracy, compact design, durable Nitron® treatment of external surfaces, and superior quality justify this handgun's retail price.

Note: There are two full length SiG P-226 reviews on the Product Reviews page.