First, if this has been addressed on the Forum, my apologies. I did try to search, but did not find an exact thread.
I am one of the many people who recently purchased a P6.
I love the gun and have been considering a P226.
Some of my naysayer friends have suggested that I should consider other brands, certainly not because there's anything wrong with the P226, but because it's practically the same gun as the P6 with a larger capacity magazine and slightly longer barrel.
So, while it's been fun considering everything from CZ's to Berettas (and everything in between) I was wondering if you agreed with the logic of the P226 as no more than a "big brother" to the P6.
Much thanks

That's like saying; "you have a Commander 1911, so don't get a full size because it's only a little bit bigger".

Nah, I don't agree with that. A P226 is an astounding gun. Even if a P6 is just a little smaller you'll still enjoy a P226. I think a P226 and the P220 (maybe not some current P220's) are far superior in accuracy, comfort, looks and reliability than almost anything out there today. So, getting a P226 would get my vote even if you a have P6

I would all but guarantee that the trigger will be better on a P226 than a P6, all things being equal, esp in DA.
If you have smaller hands though, the P226 may not be for you...

I have both. Because of the cost, I got the P6 for a truck pistol. The 226 I use for more versitility.

Welcome to the forum.

I have a P6 (1980) and a CPO P226 (1991) that came with a new style mainspring, hammer strut and mainspring retainer.
The P226 has had a pair of (modified) original style checkered grips installed but both pistols are otherwise as delivered.

Were I to be forced to choose between the two, I would pick the P226 for several reasons (not in any particular order);
1) Far superior DA trigger
2) Parts availability
3) Better fit to my hand (w/old style grips)
4) More reliable feeding of hollow point ammo
5) Larger selection of after-market accessories (grips, holsters, etc.)
6) Greater capacity (as you mentioned)
7) Bar-Dot (Von Stavenhagen pattern) sights (newer P6s may be also be equipped with these)
8) Product support from SIG in the future should it become necessary

Fortunately, I don't have to make a choice and intend to keep both.

Hope this info is of some help.

Steve 22x has said what i have to say on the subject. I had P6 then sold it to buy a W German P226, even in SA, the trigger in the P226 is way,way smoother than the SA trigger on the P6. In DA, there is no contest, P226 all the way. Also, P225/P6 mags are expensive and hard to find.These two pistols are very different feel both in actual shooting and in dry fire handling , not just differences in size.

I think every P6 deserves a big brother. You wouldn't want him to fall in with the wrong crowd, would you?

I have both and the 226 wins hands down if I had to pick.

The P6 is handy but won't go to war like the 226 can. There is not much you can't do with a 226.

Craig

I have Two P6's and one is a near mint 10/99 gun. It is a wonderful gun but I also have two P226's one in 9mm and one in 40 S&W. Like everyone said before me the trigger is much better on the P226 and I like the balance better and the higher ammo capacity. That plus the better availablity of mags makes it a no brainer.

I also have a 1911 Government and a commander for the almost same reasons sans the mag issues.

I personally shot the P6 better, but that's because I don't have large hands, the P226 is simply too big of a grip for me.

I'd say that having multiple guns that are similar is a good thing. Practicing and carrying one weapon system is better than a large collection of guns that you can't shoot well.

I'll be adding a P226 to my collection soon, specifically one with a light rail for night stand duty.

like fyimo, I have two 226/9's and a 226/40 and love them all ... I shoot the 226/9's in IPSC and IDPA (except for when I stray and take my XD's to the match instead) and carry a 229/40 ... the trigger and overall feel are about the same ... the 220 is similar but the grip is a little too small for my hand and doesn't hold as well, much as I respect the .45 ACP round ... they're all good, but I wouldn't carry anything other than a Sig anymore

IMHO, the P228 is better than the P6, and the P226 is better than the P228. The P228 is the replacement of the P225/P6 which is more identical to the P226 being double stacked. Just shorter slide and barrel. The trigger on the P226 and P228 is much better than the P6. The P6 is just harder to find so it has that "I must have it" factor. But if you like your P6, you'll love the P226. I won lots of 9mm's in different brands and the P226 is my favorite and if I could only own one Sig, it would be the P226.

Buy the P226. Manual of Arms. All the controls will be in the same place.
I have 2 P6s, a P225, a P229 and a Mosquito.
Needless to say, I like the way the controls are laid out on a Sig.

I also picked up a P6 from 8/80 the other week after my local shop got in a shipment. Well spent $300.

That P6 and a P239 with CTC are my primary carry. Both are outstanding.

P226 is a bit overpriced for what you get IMHO. Even a CPO costs more than a G17, G19, even a G34 in some cases.

P226 is a nice gun. Nothing bad to say about the quality or reliability.

quote:

Originally posted by Murphy:
Some of my naysayer friends have suggested that I should consider other brands, certainly not because there's anything wrong with the P226, but because it's practically the same gun as the P6 with a larger capacity magazine and slightly longer barrel.

Well, sort of true. All the older Sig P-series are essentially the same gun. The P228 is a double stack P225 or a cut down P226. The control placement, assembly/disassembly and manual of arms are identical.

quote:

Originally posted by spd522:
The P6 is handy but won't go to war like the 226 can. There is not much you can't do with a 226.

Except hide it. I carried a P226 as my CCW for a year. Even tho they don't look that much different on paper the P225/P6 hides much more easily.

I still use the P226 for IDPA and as a home defense gun.

For any use where size isn't an issue pick the P226. If you have to carry it all day concealed pick the P225/P6.

If you want a good compromise go with the P228.

quote:

Originally posted by tanksoldier:
I still use the P226 for IDPA and as a home defense gun.

For any use where size isn't an issue pick the P226. If you have to carry it all day concealed pick the P225/P6.

If you want a good compromise go with the P228.

+1

Note: The P228 is being discontinued, at least by SigSauer Germany. I would go for a P229.

quote:

Originally posted by tanksoldier:

quote:

Originally posted by Murphy:
Some of my naysayer friends have suggested that I should consider other brands, certainly not because there's anything wrong with the P226, but because it's practically the same gun as the P6 with a larger capacity magazine and slightly longer barrel.

Well, sort of true. All the older Sig P-series are essentially the same gun. The P228 is a double stack P225 or a cut down P226. The control placement, assembly/disassembly and manual of arms are identical.

quote:

Originally posted by spd522:
The P6 is handy but won't go to war like the 226 can. There is not much you can't do with a 226.

Except hide it. I carried a P226 as my CCW for a year. Even tho they don't look that much different on paper the P225/P6 hides much more easily.

I still use the P226 for IDPA and as a home defense gun.

For any use where size isn't an issue pick the P226. If you have to carry it all day concealed pick the P225/P6.

If you want a good compromise go with the P228.

Good advice.

I don't compromise though. IMO if you can conceal and carry the P228, the P226 is no different. I carry IWB so barrel length doesn't matter one bit, but girth does. The P225/P6 is much easier IWB. I'd really like a full sized single stack Sig 9mm, but I know I'm in the minority. If I ever find a 9mm P220 I'll charge it.

I have a P226 and a P225(not P6), and won't be letting go of either one. Both are excellent weapons, with the P226 being more accurate than the P225. That P225 is just so slick as a CCW firearm!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Broadside:
I think every P6 deserves a big brother. You wouldn't want him to fall in with the wrong crowd, would you?

+1