Buying a SIG P226, need advice.

[northern skies]

This is my first handgun purchase. I have previously shot hi-powers, s&w 41's, and hi-standards.

I am having trouble deciding between two models: The stock one and the E2.

-I like the short reset trigger on the E2. I come from a precision rifle background, so I am used to putting a lot of emphasis on the trigger, maybe too much. The E2's grip is comfortable in my hand and I can reach everything, but when I point the gun it naturally aligns slightly high and left. Would that straighten out with a bit of practice?

-On the regular model, the sights are dead straight aligned when I point it. I have "man-hands" and can reach all of the controls well. It feels comfortable in my hand, but with a slight pressure point at the rear of the grip/palm of my hand, and a very slight one on the side. There is an obvious difference in the trigger, but i don't know how much of a difference it will make.

I plan to do some fast, dynamic shooting, non-competitively.

The primary factor in this decision is the trigger. Will it make enough of a difference to pay more for the SRT.... and will the E2 begin to point naturally for me after some practice?

Prices: So far, it looks like I can get a refurb standard model for $850. I was handling a $950 refurb 9mm E2, HOWEVER, to get the .40 S&W caliber that I would like, I was told I may have to shell out $1400 (not going to happen...is there a better price?). I am not interested in the elite either, not a fan of the beavertail.

Also, is there any serious, practical reason to get a new one instead of a refurb? (I do plan to beat it up and shoot the heck out of it)

So these are my considerations. I would very much appreciate your thoughts on which considerations are more important. I am willing to pay extra if it makes a serious difference that matters: this is the only handgun I plan to buy, and I want to do it right.

Thank you!

 

[Wolfstrack]

try Questar, on sale brand new SIG P226 Elite stainless with SRT for only 1,350.
my Elite ST has more then 7K on board and no problems at all, 100% reliable and accurate out of the box
I'm not a big fun of the new models E2

 

[acm]

If you're dead set against 'tails, but really want the SRT, why not just buy the e2 and put regular grips and regular trigger on/in it?

(Conversely, you could just buy the standard 226 & put an SRT in it, but SRT kits don't exactly grow on trees, and the other way you have an excuse to buy whatever grips you want...)

 

[Winz]

As mentioned above, it is much easier getting the regular grips and trigger than to get SRT assembly and short reach trigger as well as E2 grips.

I have the stainless P226 and love it lots. I tried the E2 in my hand and thought the grip felt great too. Didn't make a huge difference for me. If I had gloves on, I'd prefer the E2 grip, but the standard trigger.

Tell you what. If you get the E2 and don't like the grips, I'll buy them off you.

I'm surprised that there are already E2 refurbs though....

 

[keep_it_karara]

Hello,
I have owned 2x226 and 1x229 and found them to be solid platforms. The SRT is a must IMHO. I also liked the 226 in the stainless steel / P226 ST better than the "standard" 226 R. Between the two sizes, the compact 229 would be my pick, even with my large hands - but to each his own. Either way, you can't go wrong. SRT & E2 grips first, then replace as necessary.

J.
Model 10 M&P forever!

 

[Danimal247]

I have a std p226 and the trigger is fine and dandy to me - the difference is that it's set up more as a duty gun this way than a competion shooter.

I also had an elite dark p226 and the SRT was a nice improvement - I didn't shoot this gun but I did dry fire it a few times. The reset is noticeably shorter and I can only imagine would be awesome to shoot fast with.

Overall I would spend my money to get the SRT included from the beginning, hence my next purchase might a stainless elite with the SRT

 

[npbra]

I have a bunch of SIG pistols and have found the P226 to be comfortable and easy to use. Haven't tried the E2 version, as i am partial to the older styles. Best advice for yourself, is to try both at a range and then go with the one that you like the best. If you are around a range that rents these guns, great, if not, try and find someone with the guns you would like to try at your local range and ask to try them. Most gunnutz would be more than happy to let you try their "piece".

 

[tigercar]

try Questar, on sale brand new SIG P226 Elite stainless with SRT for only 1,350.
my Elite ST has more then 7K on board and no problems at all, 100% reliable and accurate out of the box
I'm not a big fun of the new models E2

I really admire people who says ONLY $1350. I was broke for a few month after buying a P226. However, I don't think you will regret it.

 

[acm]

I really admire people who says ONLY $1350. I was broke for a few month after buying a P226. However, I don't think you will regret it.

Hehe, you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you the price I got my 226 SSE for... But that was a very unique situation to say the least. That was the day that I decided to stop looking for pistols, and just let them come to me.

It's very zen.

 

[northern skies]

If you're dead set against 'tails, but really want the SRT, why not just buy the e2 and put regular grips and regular trigger on/in it?

(Conversely, you could just buy the standard 226 & put an SRT in it, but SRT kits don't exactly grow on trees, and the other way you have an excuse to buy whatever grips you want...)

I didn't know that... can you clarify: are you saying that the standard factory grips will fit on the E2?

I thought of this, but I am under the assumption that the E2 has a different frame in some sort of way, and I noticed that the E2 grip does not have screws in its side like the standard does. How does this work?

The other thing I am still wondering about is whether the E2 grip will point more naturally after a small amount of practice. What do you think about that?

The best prices I have found so far are:
-new E2 in .40 (don't know where to find a refurb .40 E2) is $1150 at questar, and
-a refurb standard .40 is $850 at wolverine supplies.

 

[northern skies]

try and find someone with the guns you would like to try at your local range and ask to try them. Most gunnutz would be more than happy to let you try their "piece".

Good idea. Is there anyone reading this, who would be willing to do so?

 

[Winz]

I didn't know that... can you clarify: are you saying that the standard factory grips will fit on the E2?

The other thing I am still wondering about is whether the E2 grip will point more naturally after a small amount of practice. What do you think about that?

The best prices I have found so far are:
-new E2 in .40 (don't know where to find a refurb .40 E2) is $1150 at questar, and
-a refurb standard .40 is $850 at wolverine supplies.

The E2 uses a standard P226 frame. The grip simply snaps into place as a one piece mold. The original screw holes are still there if one decides to put the standard grips on the E2.

The E2 uses a redesigned spring assembly in order to accommodate the thinner back portion. A regular sig would need this to accommodate the E2 grip.

Point of aim being more natural? Some say go with whatever feels most natural, others say that there is nothing natural about shooting and it comes down to practice, muscle memory and going with the fundamentals of aligning sights.

I was highly doubtful about the comment of a refurb E2. The E2 model is just about a year old. So unless Sig took a bunch of old pistols and put E2 parts on it and sell as a refurb, there aren't any.

 

[northern skies]

Thanks, that clears up the grip issue. I was worried about that, but now I understand that if I don't warm up to the grips, no problem. Thanks winz!

I also understand that it is worth paying for the SRT. From the sig forum, I understand that it does not make the trigger lighter, crisper, or smoother, but the consensus being that its shorter reset will allow one to shoot faster. However, there was a small contingent of naysayers who said that time in recoil and sight picture acquisition slow down a follow-up shot enough make the short reset irrelevant. If the consensus is that it is worth paying for, I guess I should go that route. Does my understanding of the facts sound correct?

There are, in fact, refurbished E2's. I had my hands on a 9mm one yesterday, going for $950.

This leaves one decision to make: should I just go for that 9mm one, or order the .40 S&W one I set out to buy in the first place.... hmmmmmmmm!
-$200 price difference... for the caliber i had in mind and ensuring there is no wear on the frame rails... although i guess there should not be any wear on something wearing a "factory certified" label, right?

This purchase has become rather confusing and a bit stressful, I appreciate all the help from my fellow 'nutz.

 

[Armourall]

try Questar, on sale brand new SIG P226 Elite stainless with SRT for only 1,350.
my Elite ST has more then 7K on board and no problems at all, 100% reliable and accurate out of the box
I'm not a big fun of the new models E2

X2 - I purchased mine from Wolverine - same model. It was before the HST so I saved a bundle on taxes. A great piece right out of the box!

 

[acm]

The E2 uses a redesigned spring assembly in order to accommodate the thinner back portion. A regular sig would need this to accommodate the E2 grip.

Nope, only if your 226 is a few years older and has the older style or metal mainpring seat. New heaters with the plastic boot and new generation hammer strut are good to go as is.

I also understand that it is worth paying for the SRT. From the sig forum, I understand that it does not make the trigger lighter, crisper, or smoother, but the consensus being that its shorter reset will allow one to shoot faster. However, there was a small contingent of naysayers who said that time in recoil and sight picture acquisition slow down a follow-up shot enough make the short reset irrelevant. If the consensus is that it is worth paying for, I guess I should go that route. Does my understanding of the facts sound correct?

THAT is a tough decision. I can't tell you that if you buy a gun WITHOUT the SRT that you'll ever know what you're missing, but I CAN tell you that if you start with an SRT pistol and then get another without it, you'll probably be short stroking, cursing, and generally hating life for a while...

Aw, hell, just pony up and get it. You won't regret it.

But yes, your understanding of the facts is generally correct.

 

[acm]

In fact, now that I think of it, I don't think even the longer plastic mainspring seats need to be replaced for the e2 kits... I could be wrong on that one...

 

[sdlonyer]

I have a standard P226 R...the trigger is not as crisp as a target pistol but it is much better than several other brands of service pistols I tried. I purchased aftermarket Hogue grips and it helped my hold...as to the trigger reset time, the 226R resets faster than I can realign the sights.

 

[Winz]

Nope, only if your 226 is a few years older and has the older style or metal mainpring seat. New heaters with the plastic boot and new generation hammer strut are good to go as is.

It depends on which standard P226 he ends of with. He was looking at refurbs and even some in stock at shops are not necessarily going to have the new assembly in the back.

 

[majorca]

I have a 9mm CPO for sale on EE for $850 shipped. Having said that, I really love the SRT on my new Elite, although I ended up paying about $400 more for that model.

 

[acm]

It depends on which standard P226 he ends of with. He was looking at refurbs and even some in stock at shops are not necessarily going to have the new assembly in the back.

Which is why I mentioned the older ones. I did mention the older metal ones, right?

Oh, there it is...

Right there in the quote...

Thank goodness I took the time to type that.