NRA Gun of the Week: SIG Sauer P226 Legion SAO

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posted on August 21, 2020
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SIG Sauer’s P226 full-size duty pistol originally came to market as a double-action semi-automatic designed for the U.S. XM9 Service Pistol Trials of 1984. Thought the Beretta M9 beat out the P226 for U.S. military contract, SIG Sauer walked away with a winning consumer product, and eventually fulfilling a distinguished life of service with police, federal and small military contracts.

Right-side view of a SIG Sauer P226 pistol shown on white background with text on image notating the make and model.

SIG’s P226 also opened the door for succeeding models such as a compact version, the P228, as well as Legion series models with design enhancements that elevate the classic pistol to a top-tier level.

Gray pistol shown on black tiles with text on image notaing make and model of the SIG Sauer P226 Legion SAO pistol shown.

The SIG Sauer P226 Legion SAO pistol featured in the video above is built around a single-action-only design like that of the M1911. Legion-series enhancements adorn the P226 Legion SAO. The custom Legion G10 stocks have texturing panels and contours shaped to position the hand in a natural position. SIG Sauer includes a gray Cerakote finish that is durable and helps shed fouling for easy cleanup.

Man wearing ballcap and protective gear shooting a pistol on a shooting range.

The 34-oz. single-action P226 variant provides bilateral 1911-style safety levers versus a decocking mechanism found on the original design blueprint. SIG’s Legion series provides Tritium X-Ray night sights with a three-dot pattern, which is a sight picture combination that can be seen both day and night.

Close-up view of SIG Sauer's P226 Legion SAO trigger with text on image notating "Super Match Flat Trigger."

SIG provides a 4.4” stainless steel barrel fitted with the stainless steel P226 slide. In addition to adding a stainless steel slide on this Legion series pistol, SIG includes cocking serrations near the muzzle. Three 15-round magazines are included also, which provide for a better range experience with the out-of-the-box pistol.

American Rifleman staff noted the modified beavertail was a welcomed upgrade to the Legion series P226 SAO pistol and the Master Shop Super Match Flat Trigger to be buttery smooth throughout the short single-action pull and ultra-crisp on the break. The reset is easily accounted for and follow-up shots with the 9 mm Luger chambering were controllable and accurate. The addition of accessory rail along the alloy frame’s dust cover is also a welcome upgrade.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about SIG Sauer’s P226 Legion SAO pistol.

SIG Sauer P226 Legion SAO Specifications
Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, Inc.
Action Type: single-action, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4.4” stainless steel
Slide: stainless steel
Frame: alloy
Trigger: SIG Master Shop Super Match Flat
Sights: X-Ray tritium; three-dot configuration
Magazine: 15-round detachable box
Stock: G10
Finish: Cerakote Elite Legion Gray
Height: 5.5”
Length: 8”
Width: 1.7”
Weight: 34 ozs.

MSRP: $1,329.99
sigsauer.com

Further Reading:
Wiley Clapp's Favorite Handgun—The 1990s
SIG Sauer Legion Series P226 Pistol Review
The Concealed-Carry Revolver: Is It Still Relevant?
The 10mm Auto: History & Performance of a Potent Pistol Cartridge
SIG Sauer P320: The First Review

Extras:
SIG Sauer P238 Scorpion Pistol Review


SIG Sauer M400 Rifle Review


NRA Gun of the Week: SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry Pistol


NRA Gun of the Week: SIG Sauer P365 XL


I Have This Old Gun: SIG P210 Pistol


SIG Sauer Legion Pistol Series and Suppressor Line

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