The SIG P226
A Legendary Pistol Across Generations
The SIG-Sauer P226 is a firearm that has redefined reliability, precision, and versatility since its inception. Designed to excel in both military and law enforcement settings, the P226 remains a benchmark in modern firearms design. Below, we explore its development phases and distinct specifications across key models.
Development of the SIG-Sauer P226
Pistol P226 Prototype (1980)
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Action: Recoil-operated with a tilting barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
Design Features:
- The first prototype with an enhanced magazine capacity
- Constructed in the SIG factory using a Perunal grip frame (lightweight aluminum alloy)
- Equipped with a decocking and tension lever for safer handling
- Integrated automatic firing pin safety system
This early prototype was the groundwork for what would become an iconic sidearm, introducing innovations like increased magazine capacity and advanced safety features.
Pistol P226 Prototype Series (1981)
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Action: Recoil-operated with a tilting barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
Notable Enhancements:
- Magazine lock adaptable for right- or left-handed users
- Prototype batch of 35 pistols, assembled at SIG using parts from Sauer & Sohn production
- Serial Numbers: U 85941 to U 85980
In 1981-1982, these prototypes underwent trials in the USA. A second batch (serial numbers U 104006 to U 104055) was sent in 1983 for final evaluations, showcasing the firearm’s adaptability to rigorous performance standards.
Production Variants of the SIG-Sauer P226
Standard Series Version
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Action: Recoil-operated with a tilting barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Manufacturing: Full production handled by Sauer & Sohn
- This robust version cemented the P226 as a flagship model for professionals worldwide.
Swiss Police Edition (“Montage Suisse”)
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Action: Recoil-operated with a tilting barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
Unique Features:
- Special edition manufactured for Swiss law enforcement
- Markings: Cantonal coat of arms and “POLICE” engraved on the front of the grip frame’s left side
A testament to the trust placed in the P226 by law enforcement agencies, this model embodies precision and reliability tailored to Swiss police requirements.
SIG-Sauer P226 Sport
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Slide Finish: Galvanically nickel-plated with wear-resistant chrome coating
- Grip: Checkered walnut panels for enhanced ergonomics and aesthetics
The P226 Sport edition stands out as a premium variant, blending performance with elegant design, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and collectors.
The SIG-Sauer P226 showcases the evolution of cutting-edge firearm design. From its early prototypes to its tailored versions for law enforcement and sport shooting, the P226 has consistently raised the bar for craftsmanship and functionality. Each variant carries the hallmark of SIG-Sauer’s commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring its place as a timeless firearm.
The Specs and information on the different gun models listed below are based on Das Grosse Buch der SIG-Pistolen, “The Big Book of SIG Pistols,” by Lorenz Vetter.
SIG-Sauer P 226
Prototype, 1980
- Weapon Number: None
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Steel, sandblasted, blued, right side marked “P 226,” left side engraved with SIG logo
- Frame: Aluminum (1st prototype), black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: First prototype with 15 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed block front sight with white dot
- Rear Sight: Block rear sight with white dot, drift adjustable
- Grip Panels: Walnut, smooth, without sling swivel
Special Features:
This was the first prototype of the P 226. The pistol was manufactured at SIG Neuhausen. The magazine is removed using a release button on the left side.
SIG-Sauer P 226
Sport Prototype
- Weapon Number: None
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Steel
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: Block front sight with white dot
- Rear Sight: Micro adjustable rear sight
- Grip Panels: Walnut, checkered, without sling swivel
Special Features:
Prototype of the SIG P-226 designed for sporting purposes. The steel slide is galvanically nickel-plated and coated with wear-resistant chrome. The micro-adjustable rear sight can be adjusted on two sides.
SIG-Sauer P 226
Test Model EVALUATION USA, 1981/82
- Weapon Number: U 85943
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Steel, blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized, milled, with steel inserts
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Original Beretta, steel, double-stack, staggered
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: Standard front sight
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight, drift adjustable
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, sling mount on the back of the frame, lower position
Special Features:
The trigger and decocking lever are extra-long. The pistol was part of the U.S. Army selection process. A total of 35 units were manufactured; 30 were returned to Switzerland, and 5 remained in the USA. The serial numbers range from U 85941 to U 85980.
Another series of test pistols in the serial number range U 104006 to U 104055 was sent to the USA in 1983 for final evaluation. This series corresponds to the original P 226. In the final decision, the P 226 lost to the Beretta pistol for political reasons. However, the FBI adopted it and numerous police departments.
SIG-Sauer P 226
Pre-Series Prototype, 1982
- Weapon Number: U 100060
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Blued, right side marked “P 226,” left side engraved “SIG-SAUER”
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized, right side engraved with “U 100060”
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: Block front sight with white dot, drift adjustable
- Rear Sight: Block rear sight with white stripe, drift adjustable
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, without sling swivel
SIG-Sauer P 226
Sport Version
- Weapon Number: U 133983
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Blued, right side marked “P 226,” left side engraved “SIG-SAUER”
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized’
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: High sport front sight, drift adjustable
- Rear Sight: Micro-adjustable rear sight
- Grip Panels: Walnut, without sling swivel
SIG-Sauer P 226
Cantonal Police Thurgau
- Weapon Number: U 152373
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Steel, milled, sandblasted, blued, coated with a protective layer
- Frame: Aluminum, sandblasted, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, double-stack, sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: Block front sight with white dot
- Rear Sight: Block rear sight with white line
- Grip Panels: Plastic with fine checkering, sling mount at the rear
Special Features:
This weapon originates from the Thurgau Cantonal Police (KP Thurgau) and belongs to the first batch of delivered P 226 pistols. On the front left side of the frame is the TG (Thurgau) cantonal coat of arms, followed by the inscription “POLIZEI.” Upon request, individual pistols were delivered to the Thurgau Cantonal Police with wooden grip panels without sling mounts.
SIG-Sauer P 226
Cantonal Police Thurgau, 1994
- Weapon Number: U 498930
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Slide: Steel, milled, blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 112 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, double-stack, sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 15 cartridges
- Front Sight: Block front sight, night sight with luminous dot
- Rear Sight: Block rear sight, night sight with two luminous dots
- Grip Panels: Plastic with checkering, sling mount at the rear
Special Features:
This pistol originates from the Cantonal Police of Thurgau. On the left side of the slide, in the middle, the TG cantonal coat of arms is engraved, followed by the inscription “POLIZEI.” The weapon was manufactured in 1994.
