As the subject says, this would be my first time buying a gun.

I've only been to a range a few times, and every single time the sig p226 felt perfect, fit my hand like a glove, and was extremely accurate too. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a bit heavy(maybe i'll get used to that)

Sig's seem rather decent, but are there any recommendations about any particular one that would suit my purposes of just practicing at the range, and keeping it around for home defense, I don't really plan on carrying anything.

Are there any major differences between all these p226 models? Or is it all simply aesthetics? Are these reliable guns also?

I've tried just holding the 229, but something about that little piece of grip missing and my pinky sliding off feels a little weird.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated
Thanks.

I'm VERY partial to the ST lines. Pre and post Elite. I rather like the beavertails and I really like the full stainless guns.

If I had 1,500$ laying around right now and I had to get a P-series Sig I would probably go get a P226ST Elite and throw some hogue re-checkered grips on it. It's just a sexy gun to me. In 9mm of course. And with what's left over it the remainder of the 1,500 would buy ammo and magazines.

A 226 in 9mm would be an excellent choice. Also look at the HK P2000 or P30. About 4 oz lighter than the 226.

If the 226 fits, you aren't going to carry it, and you don't mind the price, I doubt you'll find a 'better' gun than that.

Since you are new, and so without any historic trigger preferences, I would recommend you get the DAK. Or at least try it before making your selection. It has a consistent trigger pull for every shot, and no decocking lever to worry about. And it's also light, and smooth as silk.

The Sig P226 is a very difficult to beat nine
mm. It also comes in 40 amd 356 Sig calibers.

Weight is positive for a range gun and for home
defence.

Nine mm will be the lowest cost ammo to purchase. It takes a lot of shooting to really
know your gun. Some experts think that 2000 rounds fired is needed to develop muscle memory.
Semi auto guns generally require more practice than revolvers and are much more ammo sensitive
than revolvers.

Generally, people do not stick with their original purchases. Typically, trading or collecting other models begin. Sigs hold their
value very well.

Welcome to the forum. There is much good advice on the boards.

jed

I a big fan of the 226 in 9mm. It's the gun I shoot the most and compete with.

Pick a model you like the best and enjoy. Mines an old school West Germany model.

For a first handgun, I'd recommend a .22 pistol like a Ruger 22/45 or a Buckmark. .22 ammo is really cheap and you can do a lot of practicing for very little cost. You can always buy another pistol in 9mm, .45 ACP, etc., (and if the bug gets you, many more pistols) but you will find that there is a lot to be said for spending day after day honing your basic shooting skills with a .22.

The .22 also makes a great gun to introduce non-shooters to the shooting sports.

I shoot mostly 1911s and S&W N frame revolvers (and reload to help keep costs down) but it is a rare trip to the club when the Ruger 22/45 doesn't also come along.

quote:

Since you are new, and so without any historic trigger preferences, I would recommend you get the DAK. Or at least try it before making your selection. It has a consistent trigger pull for every shot, and no decocking lever to worry about. And it's also light, and smooth as silk.

i tried the dak with the p250(felt small like the p229)

i was under the misconception that i wouldnt get used to the different trigger pulls of the da/sa but it wasnt as bad as i thought.

DAK was definitely very light though, felt nicer that way.

9mm is what im thinking for now. Im crosschecking the 226 against the beretta 92/90two, i did try the p30 as well, and it too is a nice gun.

Sig's seem to be the priciest of all 3. I know this is a Sig forum, but has anyone tried the other 2 pistols?


Also, is it wrong for me to think that shooting the sig felt better than sex? Maybe im just odd, but really it felt that much better than the 92 and p30

The P226 is a great gun and the 9mm is reasonably priced to shoot. I have both the 40 SW and 9mm and I like them both and they are excellent guns.

quote:

Originally posted by mnm:

I've tried just holding the 229, but something about that little piece of grip missing and my pinky sliding off feels a little weird.

What are you talking about?

229 was a bit shorter in the length of the grip

and I have giant ape hands too

The P229 is .1" shorter than the P226.

I don't have giant hands and didn't notice any difference but I'll take your word on it. I've carried both and if you plan on conceal carry, the P229 is the way to go.

A Sig p226 chambered in 9mm is a fantastic first gun. You can learn to handle the recoil with a little practice. You can even pick up a .22 conversion slide/barrel for the gun so you can practice with much cheaper .22 ammo. The great thing about a p226 is that it not only is a fantastic first gun, but it is a weapon that lasts and lasts -- making it also a great home defense gun for practically anybody . . . and also a relatively easy weapon to conceal for carry purposes. You simply can't go wrong by this selection.

Welcome to the forum. You'll find that this bunch of folks is down to earth and quite helpful.

Reg

maybe its just a perceived difference, but i felt it nonethless

i'll have a look at the elites, thanks for the recommendation

and thank you for the welcome

The P229 elite is even smaller.

quote:

Originally posted by mnm:
Also, is it wrong for me to think that shooting the sig felt better than sex? Maybe im just odd, but really it felt that much better than the 92 and p30

Just had to comment:

If the Sig felt better than sex, you're in need of serious help!

I think you should stick with a P226 in 9mm. After more trips to the range, it won't feel that heavy at all. I remember when I got back into shooting, everything felt like a brick/heavy. It's all about repetition. I grabbed some snap caps and went home and worked on it. Practiced holding the gun up, trigger work,...

Since we typically don't hold things up and away from our body, it is foreign to us. Just takes practice.

Regarding weight, I think the Beretta 92 is heavier than the P226

Is it possible you were holding the P229 without a clip inserted? If so the clip makes up the last little bit of the grip. Try to hold one with the clip installed.

I am huge fan of all the sigs and I consider them not only reliable but at the top of the food chain in semi auto mass production weapons. Find the one that feels the best and buy it.

If you do not have a strict budget then look at the X-Line. If you are not going to carry it you might as well get an X-5. I enjoy shooting my X-5 over any other gun I own.

Nuck

Any of the good quality pistol manufacturers should serve you well, Sig, Glock, HK, etc. Its really personal choice. If your range rents several models of pistol, try a few different models.

If the P226 fits you well and you enjoy it, then pick one up. The important thing to do is to learn to use it safely and well. Shoot often to maintain your skills. Pistols are sort of like tattoos for most people. You can't stop at just one.