SIG P226 v 220

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Airburst

Airburst

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I have owned a couple of 220's and now am looking at a 226. If the frame is the same size, what is it about the 226 that would make me want to have one? Mag capacity? Accuracy? Why should I buy a similar size gun in a smaller caliber? I need to know if there are any tangible benifits to the 9 v 45 in this platform? (And I do not want to start another 9 v 45 caliber flame war) Thanks.
 
It is impossible to not start a 9mm versus .45 ACP caliber war. They are essentially the same gun with a different capacity. Both are as accurate as you are. They both handle the recoil of their calibers well. The capacity of the 220 is 8+1 round while the P226 is 15+1 (or 17+1 if you use Mec-Gar magazines). There are some 20 round magazines for the P226 but I have not seen any in a while.

The only tangible benefit in my opinion is that with the P226 you will get a larger capacity however it will be of a smaller caliber.

So basically you have to choose whether you want a .45 ACP or a 9mm.
 
Keep in mind that the grip shape between the two is going to be a little different - the P220 is a little wider front to back whereas the P226 is a bit thicker from side to side.

It doesn't answer your question about why you'd want a P226, but the grip size may be important if you have smaller sized hands.

Did you like your P220?
 
Actually P226s are available in .40S&W and .357Sig now. I don't own a P226, but I have handled several and did not like the "feel" as much as my single-stack P220 and P6. As mentioned before you get higher capacity, but at the "cost" of a different grip and feel. Both are very accurate and very reliable IMO so it's up to you if you like the way the P226 handles.
Oops! Didn't notice OP specifically mentioned 9mm 226.
 
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Its all about the the grip. Smaller hands will like the P220 better because its a single stack and the P226 is a double stack.

Put them both in your hand and let that decide for you.

They both function identically and have similar characteristics.
 
How about simply put... cheaper ammo to practice with.

Less expensive ammo means more trigger time with out busting the bank.
 
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