SIG Sauer P226 Elite
SIG Sauer · Pistol · In Production · 2008
Also known as: P226 Elite, P226 E2, P226 Enhanced Elite
Overview
The SIG Sauer P226 Elite is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by SIG Sauer since 2008.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 919 g (32.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1100 g (38.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Barrel Length | 112 mm (4.41") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Sight Radius | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Decocking Lever, Firing Pin Safety, Trigger Bar Disconnect
- Features: Da Sa Trigger, Short Reset Trigger, Alloy Frame, Accessory Rail, Siglite Night Sights, Extended Beavertail, Front Cocking Serrations, Front Strap Checkering, E2 Grips, Optics Ready
Variants
- SIG Sauer P226 Elite SAO — Trigger
- SIG Sauer P226 Elite Stainless — Cosmetic
- SIG Sauer P226 Enhanced Elite — Enhanced
- SIG Sauer P226 Elite Dark Threaded — Suppressed
- SIG Sauer P226 Equinox Elite — Cosmetic
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies
- Civilian Competitive Shooters
- European Law Enforcement
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Long-running production variant of the P226; exact numbers not disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The P226 Elite line includes several sub-variants: the SAO (Single Action Only) version with a flat-blade trigger, the Elite Stainless with a natural stainless finish, the Enhanced Elite with E2 one-piece reduced-reach grips, and the Elite Dark Threaded with a threaded barrel for suppressor use. The SRT (Short Reset Trigger) was designed by SIG engineers to provide the same safety and action of the standard DA/SA trigger while reducing trigger reset distance by 60%, enabling faster follow-up shots during rapid fire. The beavertail on Elite models is a separate component that requires frame modification, distinguishing it from the standard P226's flush backstrap. Current production models are optics-ready with a SIG-LOC PRO mounting system. The P226 Elite has remained one of the most popular variants in the P226 lineup for over 15 years.
Background
The P226 Elite emerged as SIG's response to shooters who loved the P226 platform but wanted modern ergonomic refinements without jumping to the premium-priced Legion line. The Short Reset Trigger became so popular that it retroactively became available as an aftermarket upgrade for standard P226 models. The extended beavertail, originally an Elite-exclusive feature, proved so successful that it influenced the design of subsequent SIG pistols including the P229 Elite and later the P226 Legion.