I have used SIG Sauer products over the course of four decades. Reliability, accuracy and longevity are a given with these handguns. It is difficult to pin down a favorite handgun from such a prestigious maker. Below is an overview of some of the best SIG guns for concealed carry.
*Note: The P365 would be top of this list, but it was very recently reviewed. Learn about the many iterations of the SIG P365 here.
P226R SAO Legion
The SIG P226 is a double-action first-shot handgun. The single-action-only version features a single-action trigger and manual safety. The whole Legion series features upgraded sights, grips, finish and frame checkering. The Legion guns are affordable though certainly not inexpensive.
SIG’s P226 is a high-end handgun by any standard. It has endured grueling institutional testing, from the famous Ohio State Patrol to French police and military. All confirmed the reliability the SIG P series. Originally intended to offer life-saving accuracy in a rescue situation, the pistol balances accuracy and reliability. This was one of the first service handguns to embrace the doctrine of simplicity of movement. There was no manual safety, only safety features.
This 17-shot 9mm is a credible service, home-defense and concealed carry gun. Unlike earlier P series pistols, this P226R (Rail) will accept a weapon light.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 8 inches
Barrel length: 4.4 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 34 ounces
Average Cost: $999
P229 RX
SIG handgun P229 is a highly developed compact version of the SIG P226. With a shorter slide and barrel, plus a corresponding short grip, the P229 is among the best-balanced and fastest-handling double-action first-shot pistols in the world.
SIG offers many excellent handguns. Left is the P226R Legion. Right is a P320X.
The action is smooth, allowing a fast shot from short range. But the approximately 12-pound double-action first-shot trigger allows carrying the pistol without a manual safety. The single-action trigger breaks at a consistent 4.25 pounds, allowing the shooter to fire accurately at extended range.
Arguably, the P229 is superior on some counts to the larger P226. The RX is an optics equipped pistol — among the first offered by SIG. A reliable SIG red dot atop the P229 makes for real efficiency and fast hits.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 7.4 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Height: 6.4 inches
Weight: 31 ounces
Average Cost: $1,600
SIG P320X Compact
The popular 320 compact version is well suited to personal defense. But be certain you understand the trigger action! The trigger action is controllable, and the piece handles well. Reliability is confirmed by a U.S. military contract. The ability to mount a weapon light, SIG X-Ray sights and a generous magazine capacity make this 9mm handgun a winner.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 8.5 inches
Barrel length: 5 inches
Height: 5.8 inches
Weight: 43.5 ounces
Average Cost: $640
SIG P210A and P210 C
The original P210 was among the most accurate military handguns designed. The modern P210A has a considerable advantage with a more ergonomic safety. This single-action pistol features a stainless steel slide with a rugged coating that makes the pistol as corrosion-resistant as possible.
The trigger action is superb. Some may question recommending a single-action single-column magazine pistol with eight-round capacity. Hit probability is high with this handgun. The P210 is simply a joy to fire. It is thinner than it appears in photos and handles quickly. Accuracy is excellent to target grade.
SIG’s P210C is the first compact version of the legendary P210. It offers a good balance of adhesion and abrasion.
The P210 C features a slide and barrel 1 inch shorter than the P210 A and an aluminum frame. This pistol is lighter, faster on the draw, brilliantly fast on target and nearly as accurate as the P210 A.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Overall length: 7.75 inches
Barrel length: 4.1 inches
Height: 5.63 inches
Weight: 29 ounces
Average Cost: $1,500
SIG 1911 Handguns
SIG’s introduction of the Granite series brought about a 1911 handgun with excellent quality and good features at a fair price. While some feature a slide similar to the P series, which require a special holster, the classic series is a round-top slide, common with the original 1911. The SIG Ultra series are among the only Officer’s Model 1911s with a sterling reputation for reliability.
SIG adopted an external extractor for these pistols, which almost never give any trouble. My favorite SIG 1911 is the two-tone
The Two-Tone 1911 is a modern classic. A hallmark of SIG 1911 handguns is reliability with diverse ammunition.
pistol, pictured to the left. This pistol features a round-top slide, and the slide features forward cocking serrations. SIG’s Reverse Two-Tone features a skeletonized hammer, upswept custom grade grip safety, target style trigger, extended slide lock safety, flat mainspring housing and a well-fitted barrel with a snug but finger-tight barrel bushing.
The pistol is the traditional Government Model height at 5.5 inches tall with an overall length of 8.7 inches. Weight is just under 40 ounces. The barrel is 5 inches, and the stainless steel slide is coated in black Nitron. The frame is forged stainless steel. Plus, the grips are nicely checkered and distinctive blackwood. Its front strap features 25-line-per-inch checkering, making for practically a nonslip surface. The pistol is supplied with two eight-round SIG magazines.
I have enjoyed excellent service with every SIG 1911 from the Nightmare Carry to the present two-tone. While you may pay more for a 1911, it is arguable you get more gun for the money. SIG pistols have earned an enviable reputation for reliability, ergonomics and accuracy. They are among my favorite concealed carry guns.
