NRA Gun of the Week: SIG Sauer P226 Legion SAO

by
posted on August 21, 2020
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

Latest

British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading
British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading

I Have This Old Gun: British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol

One of the mainstays in the British Royal Naval arsenal of small arms was the Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a design that equipped sailors for ship-to-ship fighting.

New For 2025: Hi-Point Large Format Pistols

Hi-Point Firearms expanded its handgun lineup with large-format pistol variants of its popular pistol-caliber carbines.

SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO.

Favorite Firearms: Outstanding Customer Service!

I purchased my first pistol, a .32-cal. Walther PPK in 1969. Why choose a .32 ACP and not a more powerful .380 ACP? Because .32 was the chambering that Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond switched to when Q forced him to give up his beloved .25-cal. Beretta.

 

Preview: N8 Tactical Mini Xecutive

The Mini Xecutive from N8 Tactical is an inside-the-waistband holster intended to be carried in the appendix position.

A Pair Of Fiesty Felines: The 80X Cheetah And 30X Tomcat Get Home Bag

Few manufacturers have embraced the mouse-gun concept as thoroughly as Beretta—and proof is in the updates to its two smallest pistol lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.