I stumbled on a P226R SAO Elite a few weeks ago and I think I've found my unicorn. I've carried various P220 and P226 models since my first "West German" Sig in the early 1980's, and loved the SAO versions as an alternative to my 1911 choices. I considered the P226 Legion for awhile, but didn't think the special "Legion" features were worth the added cost and preferred the Nitron finish. When I spotted this P226R SAO Elite, I couldn't resist snapping it up. The trigger on my current EDC (a Wilson Combat X9 EDC) is no better than the Sig's, and both are equally accurate. If there's any "buyers' remorse" at all that I'm suffering from, it's that I spent as much as I did on the Wilson and all the accessories, before I found this Sig "Unicorn." I can't speak highly enough about this particular P226 offering.

BTW: I did personalize the pistol with Hogue "Extreme" checkered G10 grips, some Trijicon (Yellow front) XD XR sights, and a blackened stainless steel recoil spring guide.

Cool!

Finding that perfect pistol that you always wanted is rewarding. I've had a few unicorns that I was able to chase down and yours would look great anywhere.
Finding what you need to customize it to make it the way you want it is even better.

Let us know how it shoots.

I picked one of those up a few weeks ago in a trade for a P320 X Carry with a romeo1. Guy didn't like the SAO. Fitted it with a set of Sig SAO walnut grips and its beautiful and a great shooter.

I have 2 of them. Well, one and a half. Bought an elite in 9mm when they were clearing them out a couple years ago for cheap. Added a set of Hogue chain link X-series grips and liked it so much I built another one from a 22 sao classic frame and the slide from a .40 226 I already had. Added a .357 sig barrel and factory g10 grips and it's a nice shooter.

Congrats on finding one you like.

Very nice & Congrats. I only wish Sig made the Elite model with the short extractor, that and perhaps eliminate the rail.

Nice score.

Congratulations on finding your Unicorn. What a great looking handgun.

For the longest time, until I bought my CZ's, my P226 SAO RX was my most accurate, and favorite pistol. The trigger is amazing. It led me to buy a P226 Legion SAO, but I was disappointed to find the trigger just wasn't as good.

Great find!

quote:

Originally posted by .38supersig:
Cool!

Finding that perfect pistol that you always wanted is rewarding. I've had a few unicorns that I was able to chase down and yours would look great anywhere.
Finding what you need to customize it to make it the way you want it is even better.

Let us know how it shoots.

I've put about 100 rounds through it. Sorry, no pics, but at 30 feet I'm easily able to make one hole groups with five rounds. 15 yards plus "X" ring groups are so easy its boring. I have a couple Nighthawk custom 1911s and it shoots just as well (at about 1/4 the cost of what I paid for those).

If I need to downsize a bit, I can go to my P220C SAO and if downsizing a lot is necessary, I've got my P938 Legion for a similar (Condition 3 safety) operating system.

I shot the SAO Elite at a company demonstration day in the local range and liked it better than the Legion but was told it was discontinued. I don't know why they kept it in their selection.

The real purpose of the demonstration appeared to be flogging the P320. They had a case with all the different uppers and lowers and would module one to your taste to try out.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Watson:
I shot the SAO Elite at a company demonstration day in the local range and liked it better than the Legion but was told it was discontinued. I don't know why they kept it in their selection.

The real purpose of the demonstration appeared to be flogging the P320. They had a case with all the different uppers and lowers and would module one to your taste to try out.

I've got a P320 with a Gray Guns custom trigger. It's a cut above my Glocks, but the best triggers I've ever tested for a P320 fail to be anywhere near as crisp as that on my P226R SAO Elite. The latter also has the advantage (IMHO) of a manual safety, that allows operation of the slide while engaged. It's a great system and I think the finish (Nitron) is better than that provided on the Legion series pistols.

Nice!

I really wish I had of picked one of those up when they were out.
The .22 cal one was a steal at $540. Screwed the pooch on that one too.
Same frame as the Legion SAO, just none of the fluff and it's anodized.

I have the 220 SAO and really like it. At the risk of starting a war, I think the 220SAO is the gun JMB would design today instead of the 1911! I also have the 226 Elite SAO still NIB, so I need to drag it out and shoot it sometime, but not in a hurry since I have several other 226s to use. Just wish I hade jumped on a 5”version when they were available- doubt Sig will ever make any more.

^^^^^
I've never handled an aluminum frame P226 SAO. Glad you like that new pistol!
I have the 220 SAO in 10mm. Also a P226 X-5 Short & Smart in 9mm.
And more than a few of the the all stainless P220's and P226's. In ST and Elite configurations. (DA/SA)

But then I bought this one from a Forum Member.
All Stainless, (German stainless frame) P226 SAO, Nitron, in .357 SIG. It's one of the TX DPS serial numbered run.

Some months ago while browsing that discount seller in Texas, I found a new set of SIG factory wood grips with the TX DPS embellishments. I promptly bought the grips at a great price.
Sorry, no photos of the new wood grips yet.

I have a weakness for the all stainless P226 and P220 pistols.

IMG_20200717_160308970 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

Nice find. I would love to shoot one of those side by side with my 226 Legion SAO which is my overall favorite gun.

The trigger on my Legion is outstanding and I love the flat blade. I would put it up against any factory 1911 in terms of trigger, accuracy, reliability, etc. but I do wish the Legion series were black.

If I came across one of those Elite SAO's like yours for the right price and trigger was good as my Legion then yeah, I'd probably have to buy it too.

Congrats!