Given all the controversy surrounding the Sig P320, it’s easy to forget Sig Sauer has an incredible legacy of building some of the finest and most reliable pistols ever constructed. Referred to by many as the “Legacy” pistols, Sig Sauer’s P210, P220, P226, P229, and their variants have served admirably since the 1940’s.
Sig Sauer Legacy Pistols
The P210 was adopted by the Swiss military in 1947, and the first Sig Sauer, the P220 in 1975. Ten years later, with the introduction of the P225, P226, and P228, they were appearing in Special Missions units worldwide. Then, the P229 hit the market in 1992.
Later competition versions have some of the finest craftsmanship seen in a commercially available pistol. Many continue to see use based on their proven reliability, accuracy, and dependability. These pistols truly are a legacy for SIG Sauer GmbH & Co. KG. and Sig Sauer Inc.
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Proven Reliability, Accuracy, and Innovation Without Compromise
Not particularly enamored with our move to the 9mm semi-auto, my move to the 45 ACP was almost immediate. As soon as the department allowed “personal carry,” a P220 was purchased and put to work. Having to buy my own ammo was a pain, but worth it. That pistol served me for a couple of years before I moved to the Colt Delta Elite in 10mm.
During my career, I used a P229 in 40 caliber, later replaced by a 9mm version. Finally, I moved to a P226 SAO (Single Action Only) that is still in my possession. For a time, a P220 Sport and later Match Elite were amongst my prized possessions.
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I have certainly used other pistols in my 30-year career. However, these all stood out as being some of the most reliable, dependable, and accurate pistols ever used. For the last several years, my P226 SAO and P229 Legion SAO have been workhorse pistols for training, teaching, and carry.
The Sig Sauer P226 and P229
During training at the Sig Sauer Academy in 2013, I noticed staff members using a P226 single-action (SAO). Ten rounds down range was all I needed. While not yet available, I picked one up through media contacts, and it survives to this day. However, it does have a few upgrades.
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As times changed, Sig Sauer has not forgotten these pistols completely. Adding their Pro Slide lightens things up and provides a means for an RDS. With their Romeo 1 Pro RDS, it co-witnesses with standard iron sights. Add a Leupold DPP and taller sights, and you get proven rugged reliability. Just about any sight height or configuration is possible.
My P229 benefits from the same slide upgrade and can be used with my SAO lower, or a P229R DA/SA lower, providing excellent modularity. My 226 SAO has stepped in several times at training to replace “test pistols” that failed. This includes an MTG Advanced handgun skills class in 2014. It went through 2K rounds in 4.5 days without a single stoppage, allowing me to finish with the top times in the class.
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My P229, both in S/A and DA/SA, is used to this day for training and teaching at Gunsite Academy.
Sig Sauer Introduced Modularity, Before It was a “Thing”
One of the reasons my Legacy pistols have survived so long is the ability to adapt as needed for several uses. My original P226 SAO can be configured with its original iron-sighted slide, a pro slide with lightening cuts, and an RDS. Every conceivable iron sight is available; tritium, black, fiber, tall or small, you name it. All of which are interchangeable between P-series guns.
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Want a .40 cal or 357 Sig? Just acquire a complete upper and magazines, and you can convert your P229. While DA/SA is not the “hot thing” today, it remains incredibly popular and may be the safest way to carry a semi-auto AIWB. Companies like Gray Guns still make aftermarket triggers, hammers, and other upgrades for both that make them very slick. A recent install in my P229 made a huge difference.
While Sig Sauer is focused on the P320 and provides less and less for the Legacy pistols, it’s still there. And a huge used market still exists. Either way, these pistols were modular before modular was cool, and plastic was fantastic.
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Sig Sauer: A Legacy Worth Noting
While the market is always changing, there is a clear “what’s old is new” vibe of late. We are seeing an increased number of 1911 pistols at Gunsite, mostly in 9mm. Revolvers are cool again, with entire training schools developed around their use. Largely absent from the LE world, double stack (2011) 1911’s in 9mm are all the rage. Springfield Armory’s Prodigy is very popular, and the Staccato 2011 is taking over much of the LE world.
Increased use of appendix carry has many looking for a solid DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) pistol. Incredibly safe, Wilson Combat’s and Langdon Tactical’s Berettas are also very popular. We are even starting to see more of them at Gunsite.
Sig Sauer’s legacy pistols are experiencing a similar resurgence, and with good reason. These pistols have been proven worldwide. Police, military, and enthusiasts alike used them for decades, and they continue to be excellent at most anything a pistol can be used for.
They may not be fantastic plastic pocket rockets. However, they can be counted on to save yours or someone else’s life, and that is what it should be all about!
