Hi
I've been reading here for many years.
I have a lot of respect for you guys.
I finally joined and this is my first post.
Lately I've been wanting to try steel challenge. I've been looking at double stack 1911s. I only have about $1500 to spend not including optic. That likely means a springfield prodigy which seems like a crap shoot reliability wise.
Today I was looking at a 226x legion sao. I was wondering what you guys think of it? Would it be suitable for steel challenge? Would you recommend something else?

It's on the want list, but I haven't gotten to funds worked around. HumbleMarksman loved it and GB Guns gave it a glowing review as well.

You can run literally anything in SC. Is this a serious effort in a specific division? If so that drives what you should get. But if your in it for just fun then have at it. Get a gun you like and enjoy.
My favorite gun in the universe is a Sig P226, and my favorite model is an SAO one.
There is zero to dislike about this gun if it fits your hand shape and you shoot it well. Mag size is not an issue in SC so being double stacked isn't really a benefit FYI. Same situation on the optic depending on what division you want to run.
I know that's not any help but need a bit more on what you really want to gun to do, to answer is it "suitable"...

Thanks for replying.
I guess I just want to get out and have some fun shooting. I've always wanted a 226 so trying some shooting sports might be a good excuse to get one.

….and welcome to the addiction! Lots of good information here.

P226 Legion SAO, Legion X SAO, and X5 are all better options than a 2011.

The 2011 can have a slightly better trigger but the grips are much bigger and less ergonomic than a P226. And the mags are expensive and can be finicky. Along with 1911 feed ramp geometry that is not as conducive to reliability as a P226.

Spend a little more and go for an X5 with the adjustable trigger and all-steel construction.

I held one at a LGS a month or so back and was impressed to say the least about how it felt in hand. Trigger was absolutely excellent as well! I would love to pick one up. Just really kinda want the 226 X5 Legion a bit more (though it’s $800 more).

I've been carrying and shooting one as a duty gun for a good number of years, the last few with a RDS on top as well. Fantastic gun. Very reliable, accurate and a superb trigger that I'd put up against many more custom SAO guns. For what it is, it's very affordable and will get you in the game. Standard Sig magazines are also attractive, compared to the $100 and up per magazine from some competitors.

I have the non optics 226 legion sao and I like it quite a bit. All the reliability and accuracy of a 226 and the build quality is very good. I also like that I can buy slides and upgrade to optics if I choose to.

In the vein of what you are looking at if the prodigy doesnt float your boat maybe check out the stealth arms platypus? 2011 with glock mags, lots of customization, should be in your price range though there is typically a wait.