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.
SIG Sauer has consistently produced some of the best SIG Sauer handguns for defense and concealed carry applications. Below is an overview of some of the top models that exemplify the company’s commitment to quality and performance.
*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.
P226R SAO Legion Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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.
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.
P229 RX Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Overall length | 7.4 inches |
| Barrel length | 3.9 inches |
| Height | 6.4 inches |
| Weight | 31 ounces |
| Average Cost | $1,600 |
SIG P365 Family
Left to right: SIG Spectre, SIG XL and the impressive XMACRO.
This is the one that pretty much kicked off the “micro-compact” craze. What started out as a polymer-frame, striker-fired 10-plus-one pistol that was almost pocket-sized has grown into an entire line of rugged, reliable EDC sidearms that continues to evolve and expand.
The original P365 Nitron Micro Compact revolutionized the concealed carry market by packing 10+1 rounds of 9mm into an incredibly compact frame. This groundbreaking design proved that shooters didn’t have to sacrifice capacity for concealability.
The family has since expanded significantly. The P365 XL Spectre Comp adds a compensator and longer slide for enhanced accuracy and reduced muzzle rise, while the P365 XMacro pushes capacity even further with its 17-round magazine capability in a still-concealable package.
For those seeking something unique, the P365 Fuse offers innovative features and modern enhancements to the proven P365 platform. Each variant maintains the reliability and shootability that made the P365 famous while addressing specific user needs.
For a comprehensive breakdown of how these models compare, our detailed P365 comparison guide examines the key differences, helping you choose the right P365 for your needs. Now available in both 9×19 and .380 ACP, the P365 family offers options ranging from ultra-compact pocket pistols to borderline-full-size profiles that rival traditional service pistols.
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.
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.
P210 C Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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. In the competitive field of best 1911 handguns, SIG has carved out a reputation for reliability and value.
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 pistol. 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.
