Query: Sig Sauer 9mm P226/P229 Legion SAO v.s. The World

I haven’t written a question in a long time, but am looking for experienced insight into a final piece to round out my bare-bones semi-auto pistol collection.

Search criteria: Quality piece, Metal Frame, heavy, double stack, 9mm, 4-4.5”, SAO, Manual Safety, good sights, combat accurate, reliable, simple take down, and easy to clean and re-assemble.

Purpose:
nightstand, range workhorse, or duty type carry; (OWB), not for Concealed Carry.

I’ve been doing research for the past six months or so and am in no hurry to purchase as I’m awaiting a tax refund or two in the next few months.

What I’ve been looking at:
Staccato P 4.4” or C2 3.9” @ $2,000-$2,300
Wilson Combat EDC X9 4.0” @ $2,600-$2,900
Sig Sauer LEGION SAO P226 4.4” 34oz. or P229 3.9” 32oz.@ $1,300-$1,400
Springfield SA-35 4.7” 31.5oz. $800-$1,000
FN High-Power 2022 4.7” 40oz. $900-$1,200
IWI Jericho 941 F9 4.4” 36.8oz. or FS9 3.8” 31.2oz. $500-$550

I’ve been trying to trim down and right now only have a: Glock 19 G5 9mm, 4.02” 15+1; a Glock 44 22LR, 4.02” 10+1; and, a Ruger Max 9, 9mm, 3.2” 12+1. I feel pretty comfortable with these, shoot them well, and they fulfill most of my needs; but, I’d like an all metal double stack, 9mm, single action with the 1911 style manual safety, good sights, and an easier take-down than a 1911. I’m 59 and aging, losing eyesight and grip strength. I like to carry condition 1.

My first modern pistol 20 some odd years ago was a Sig P229 40S&W with the DAK (Double Action Kellerman) trigger. I got it slightly used from the U.S. Coast Guard and It was a brick, but very accurate even in the more snappy 40S&W. The extra weight really did help with felt recoil and if you run out of bullets you can use it as a Club to beat your attacker upside the head.

Over the years though, Based upon my shooting experiences, I found that I shoot 9mm best and I’m seriously considering coming home to Sig and getting either the P226 or P229 Legion SAO with the SRT. What else might one consider? I like the SAO with the 1911-like safety, the 15 round capacity, the SRT, the night sights and the weight 34 oz. Advantages and disadvantages of 3.9” v.s. 4.4”?

Alternatives:
I’ve previously owned a 1980’s “Original” Hi-Power and to me it’s kinda a Classic Pistol. But, at the time I felt it was too heavy and although I was never “Bitten,” I was always overly conscious of the potential of slide-bite or hammer-bite. I do really enjoy and shoot well my Glock 19, but I want something heavier. So the new Springfield SA-35 and 2022 FN High Power interest me. But for a little extra coin I can get the Sig Legion SAO, without spending the really big bucks for a Staccato, BUL, or Wilson Combat. On the other hand, for less coin, the IWI Jericho 941 comes with a Manual Safety so you can carry SA cocked and locked.

I kinda want to wait a little and see the range reports that come out for the 2022 FN High Power and see if it’s plagued with any problems. Advantages and disadvantages of 3.9” v.s. 4.4”? Any comments on any of these issues is appreciated!

Some of the CZ-75 group, while they're technically DA/SA, have a thumb safety that allows you to carry them in condition 1. Barrel length seems to be 4.6", I don't know how hard and fast your maximum of 4.5" is. I used to have an older CZ-75 that I shot a bunch of IPSC matches with, carrying it in condition 1.

I’ll cast my vote for the P226 Legion SAO.

P226 was my first Sig, and I have had several of them in different forms over the years. I currently have two - P226 TACOPS DA/SA and Legion SAO

Also have had multiple P229’s over the years and currently have the P229 Legion SAO as well as a P229ST (pre-rail).


If I could only have one, I’d go with the P226. I think the balance is a little better and the P229 seems to have a little chunkier grip. It may not be a big difference, but I have small hands so it is noticeable to me.

They both shoot equally as well, and the P226 gives your a few more rounds. My P226 TACOPS is my nightstand gun.

Hey, thanks guys.

Sig 226 SAO is a nice pistol, Legion more so. CZ75 makes a SAO version that is very ergonomic and probably less expensive. Hard to go wrong with any of those choices.

A P229 Legion is my favorite. However many of the others you mentioned are only slightly inferior choices. Good luck, LOL.

I have a legion SAO 226 and its a fantastic pistol. I've been considering milling it for a dot or buying an optics ready slide but that's about it for changes I'd make.

I second the CZ mark... I have a CZ shadow 2 that has been cajunized, it is now SAO, and is an absolute laser...

Following the votes for CZ - CZ does make a SAO CZ75 model. I have one in .40 with a sweet SA trigger.

IWI Jericho is a bargain as long as you don't mind its weight. It has a very good trigger for a $500 gun.

If you want to stick to the $800-1K range, an OEM SAO CZ is the way to go.

For $1K-1300 range, Legion SAO and CZC or CGW customized SAO CZ are about equal IMHO. Sigs have Al alloy frames and will be lighter. CZ's have a much larger aftermarket for customizing if you're into that.

Do you prefer one manual of arms over another? For some shooters, the placement of Sig's slide release is a dealbreaker for them.

$1200-1400 range also puts you in CZ Shadow 2 territory, which like the Jericho is DA/SA w/ safety, that gives you option to carry cocked & locked.

Beretta 92X Performance is another SAO to consider if you like the 92 platform.

I'm biased against Hi-Powers, b/c I feel you need to spend a lot more to get them to shoot as well as other guns that cost a lot less.

I've handled/shot all on your list -

For what it's worth, I'm carrying the 226SAO with Trijicon RMR on duty, the mags are 18rd Sig mags, Safariland holster. It's big, duty ready and shoots those 9mm's flat and easy. With the added RMR and Surefire X300 on it, the 9mm's are tame even for 9mm. It's been 100% reliable set up this way from day one.

For plaint clothes/concealed and often off duty carry, I've been running the Wilson EDCX9 for about 4 years and believe it's one of the finest 9mm 1911's made. It's currently at Wilson being cut for and RMR and once back, will continue on in it's role.

I find zero issues switching back and forth between the two, as their operating systems are the same.

I really like the Staccato's but, they feel a bit chunky to me. A few guys I work with carry them and I do like them, I just like my Wilson a bit better. The grip feels smaller and more refined. The Wilson mags are modified Walther mags, run 100% and you can get them for about $30 +/- less cost per mag that the STI's.

I would want - do have - a P226 DA/SA nightstand gun; safer when awakened.

"Search criteria: Quality piece, Metal Frame, heavy, double stack, 9mm, 4-4.5”, SAO, Manual Safety, good sights, combat accurate, reliable, simple take down, and easy to clean and re-assemble."

Hmmm...
Nothing wrong with a P226. If the .40 cal P-229 fit your hand and you shot it well, I'd have a P-226 at the top of the list. (Occasionally you'll find decent used ones from Police Departments hitting the market, most are a pretty good deal) Legion or not, they are great pistols!


CZ's / New-old BHP's almost the same feel to the weapon. If you're looking for something easier to take down than a 1911, these are pretty much the same. If you like the BHP's, I'd look at the CZ's as well.

New/old BHP's. As much as John Moses Browning is a God when it comes to makin' guns.... His tiny little sights suck balls. Look to after marker sights!
New BHP's, specifically the Springfield SA-35 ****so far**** the only bad thing anyone is hearing is about the extractor. The FN's, I don't know.

Staccato and Wilsons- Excellent choices of fine weapons. Accurate and will go "BANG" when you need it to. Now this is just my opinion, but they might be a little over priced for what you're looking for. The $700-$1000 difference between those guns and the others you're looking at, I'd spend on ammo and magazines. They are beyond the "workhorse" category, and more into a higher end category. But if those are what's going to scratch your itch, be it far from me to say "no"!

The Beretta 92X Performance mentioned is actually DA/SA with a frame safety. Not sure if the OP is fine with that or not.

One knock on the CZs which may be a factor in future proofing is that they are not great with Red Dot sights. With the slide, you either get iron sights or a red dot. You might get away something that has a rear sight built into it, but it’s not ideal.

CZ will be cheapest and easiest route to go as inventory seems tight on the Sig SAOs. The Staccato or Wilson will be a thrill if you want to spend the money.

Other option would be a Bul Armory SAS which is similar to the Staccato and made in Israel. The 5” model model with the full dust cover is all over GunBroker for $2400. They do make a cheaper model that’s styled more like a regular 1911 that’s double stack, but good luck finding that one.

Fantastík responses everyone! Thanks!

I have a Sig Legion P226 SAO and I can tell you the stock flat trigger is the best factory trigger I have ever shot! Just my 2 cents worth!

If you are looking at all steel handgun that would disqualify the Wilson and the 226, 229 as they are alloy frame.

quote:

Originally posted by venenoindy:
If you are looking at all steel handgun that would disqualify the Wilson and the 226, 229 as they are alloy frame.

Wrong, there are many models of the P226 and P229 that have been produced with both stainless steel frames and slides.

quote:

Originally posted by venenoindy:
If you are looking at all steel handgun that would disqualify the Wilson and the 226, 229 as they are alloy frame.

Wrong, both 226 and 229 SAO Legion are only made with alloy frames.

Where does your original post reference Legion models? This thread mentions many pistols besides the list provided by the OP, so your answer should be more specific.