Debating on Getting Rid of my Brand New M&P9 in Favor of a Sig P226

[Joe Cool]

I know who's home turf I am on and I expect to get a fair amount of bias, but that is exactly why I am posting here.

Just over a month ago I purchased a brand new M&P9 Fullsize from a local gun shop. This was my second handgun purchase and it coincided with my submission of my Utah CCP papers, kind of a celebration. My first handgun was a Smith and Wesson SW9VE. I bought it when I was 19 and did so on the recommendation of a friend. It was a great first gun. It was simple, very reliable (never had one malfunction ever in over 800 rounds), and well manufactured. While I trusted it with my life, I knew that it was only the beginner's tier of handgun technology and features. I purchased my M&P9 under great impressions. I purchased the range and carry kit which comes with three mags, speed loader, Bladetech mag holster, Bladetech gun holster. The total with tax ended up approx $590.

Before purchasing the gun I did a fair amount of research between the other top polymer guns (Glock 17, Springfield Armory XD, Ruger SR9) and found the M&P to best suit my needs for various reasons. I originally had my heart set on the Springfield Armory XD9sc. I backed off on it for various reasons which are neither here nor there.

One of my best friends recently bought his first handgun, a Sig Sauer P2022. I had a chance to play around with it this weekend and I noticed a few things that I really liked about it when compared to my gun. The first thing I noticed was the weight. His gun is almost 3oz heavier than mine (both unloaded). While this is not substantial, it was notable to me. I also had the feeling that his gun was more solidly put together. The gun seemed more to me one complete piece of machinery. My gun felt more like there was a disconnect between the slide and the frame. While his is also polymer, it did not nearly seem as "plasticy" as mine. The weapon was just as comfortable as mine, if not more, despite M&P having a reputation for being highly ergonomic. I also like that his gun is DA/SA with an external hammer. I dry fired in both DA and SA and I found the trigger to be much more pleasurable than mine. I especially enjoyed the short travel and hair-trigger qualities of SA. I felt that I was able to control the trigger picture decently well with the DA despite being a 10 lb. affair. In all honesty it just felt like it was a much better made handgun. I know I paid so much more because I got a lot more accessories, and he only got one magazine, but I can't help but feel a bit ripped off.

In discussion he brought up how he would have preferred the P226, partially because it is all metal. A light went on in my head. I had never closely looked at all metal guns. I am not a gun nut by any means, just a hobbyist and an exerciser of rights. In my mind, all metal guns were 1911s and revolvers. Those were not the kinds of guns I wanted as my primary defense weapon, for whatever the reasons. Suddenly I thought of Berettas, CZs, and, of course, Sig Sauers. I really enjoyed the feeling of a heavier handgun. All metal sounded better all around. Stronger, sturdier, a more effective melee weapon, durable, etc. It is this thought that cannot escape my mind. The grip of the M&P is plastic. It looks like plastic, weighs like plastic, feels like plastic. I feel like it is a reliable weapon and it is trusted by numerous law enforcement officials and civilians alike to protect their lives. I have no doubt that if called upon it would do the same for me.

But for me, my gun fills many needs and desires. Among them it is also somewhat of a showpiece and a pretty thing to look at. I am not saying that the M&P is ugly, no, quite the opposite. The M&P is a handsome, classy looking gun. The slide serrations are mature, the engravings and emblems on the gun are professional and very businesslike. The profile and frame are large and capable, the gun is serious and draped in black. I think many people would be and are proud to show off the M&P. My desires are just greater and different. For me, metal represents longevity and serious investment. A metal gun is one you keep for life and pass down. A metal gun is one that outlasts anything else. A big part of this may be that my father is a metal fabricator and I have always grown up knowing metal is just about as permanent as it can get.

However, my affinity is deeper than materials and appearance. There are numerous things about my gun that I love and, similarly, numerous things that I do not love. With the P226 being a more expensive gun, I believe you get what you pay for. It is my understanding that the P226 was Sig Sauer’s entrant in the military trials to replace the 1911. That speaks volumes to me. While the M&P is no doubt a capable sidearm, I do not believe it was created with such a noble or strenuous purpose in mind.

There are many things I like about my M&P9:

• Lack of external safety
• Lack of magazine disconnect
• Picatinny rail
• Personal experience with S&W handguns
• Reputation and popularity with law enforcement/military organizations
• Simplicity
• High capacity (17+1)
• Durability
• Stainless slide
• Three dot iron sights
• Aggressive slide serrations
• Interchangeable grips
• Overall ergonomics
• Fits well in my hand and goes to natural point of aim
• Low bore axis
• Very hefty and well built magazines

There are a few things I don't like about my M&P9:

• Stock trigger pull is gritty
• Stock trigger has long uptake
• Stock trigger has no audible or tactile reset
• Stock trigger is double jointed
• (despite these flaws I have recorded over 2,000 dry fires and consider myself to be quite capable with trigger control on this gun)
• It is a polymer framed gun
• Some aesthetic features such as rounded trigger guard
• The magazine slam issue (where the slide will go forward if a magazine is inserted quickly or forcefully)
• Slide wiggles around a tiny bit when gun is shaken
• When holding the gun up to light and viewing from the side there are several areas in which light escaps through directly and that seems a bit cheap to me. I would like the gun to be sealed up more tightly to keep the elements out, although I know this may be a bit counter-intuitive because you want things to fall out that may get into the gun. I believe that if they have no way to get inside in the first place you will have no worries about them needing to get out

While I haven't had time to fondle a P226 I will assume that it probably shares many things with the P2022 and is probably better than it in many respects

Things I like about the P226:

• SA is 4.4lbs
• SA has short uptake
• SA has smooth pull
• Full metal frame
• 4.4 inch barrel (longer than M&P)
• External hammer
• High capacity (15+1)
• No external safety
• MA/CA compliant (although this does not affect me, it is nice to have)
• Appears ergonomic, and if the P2022 is any indication, it is
• Single jointed trigger
• Stainless slide
• Three dot "combat" sights
• Picatanny rail
• Reputation and fact that it is carried by US Navy SEALS and Texas Rangers

Things I don't like about P226:

• Perhaps the DA/SA/external hammer I have not had enough experience with it to know if I would dislike becoming accustomed to two different actions
• Possibly questionable when it comes to concealability/comfort
• Not American made
• Seemingly weak slide serrations
• Removable grips (via screwdriver) sound like one more thing to come loose or fall off
• Magazines do not seem as hefty as M&P's mags and the bottom part is either a very, very flimsy plastic or a thin metal, I am assuming it is metal I have not seen them for myself

I have looked at several other manufacturers and I just have a hard time finding anything without an external safety. The entirety of my handgun experience has been using pistols lacking external safety switches. I do not have such a reflex and I actually prefer it that way. When the trigger is pulled I expect the gun to fire and my habits are trained as such. I believe that a safety may induce a false sense of security, but that is another discussion for another time.

The closest I have come to the P226 in my search is a CZ 75 BD. I believe that the decocking system and lack of external safety works the same on this gun as it does on the P226, is this correct? Nonetheless, I feel that this gun is going to be a bit too long for me to comfortably conceal. If anyone has any recommendations from any manufacturer for a metal semi-auto with an external hammer and no safety, I will gladly hear them.

I know that there is something to be said about being original and different from your friends. I just cannot get these Sig Sauers out of my mind. I would like to get to the range and rent one to shoot. I also have interest in the dozen or so variants that Sig Sauer produces.

I'd like to hear advice, recommendation, constructive criticism, and thoughts when comparing these two firearms. Is the P226 worth the price difference? Why or why not? I would especially like to hear opinions of people who own both or have extensive experience with both. Are my perceptions incorrect or misguided? All thoughtful input is VERY much appreciated. This is a long post and if I can get some long, deep responses I would really love it. Thank you!

 

[derrelw]

The Sig Sauer P226 is one of the finest pistols ever made. I love Sigs and have "a few" I also have a few S&W M&P's in 9mm and think they are the best of newer generation handguns on the market today. I think you should see if you can fondle and at least dry fire if not live fire a P226. They make a GREAT range / home defense firearm. I have over 5000 flawless rounds through one of my P226's and have never had a malfunction with any of my Sigs. I do really enjoy my M&P's outfitted with Apex Tactical parts as they really help smooth out the trigger.

 

[conchmariner]

The Sig Sauer P226 is one of the finest pistols ever made.

I agree. My P226 Navy is quite simply awesome! Of course they are substantially more expensive than the M&P.

 

[chief63]

You won't find too many negative comments about the 226. Whole different price point.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[OKFC05]

Only problem I've seen with the SIG 226 in CHL classes has been shooters with very small hands, and little experience.
Had one a week ago that just could not take a proper grip on it, and it shoke stacked several times.
It was her boyfriend's pistol, and he had no problem with it.

An M&P with the small insert will accomodate very small hands.

In competition, you'll see a lot more M&Ps than SIGs, probably due to cost and lack of factory support in the US for SIGs.

Trying to decide "Is it worth it?" is highly personal, and depends on your finances and priorities more than the gun itself. If you have the $, buy both.

 

[growr]

Keep your M&P and then add to the stable. I have a Sig 229, 6-7 CZ's, a number of 3rd gen. S&W's as well. All of the choices you mention are great guns.

You might also give serious consideration to a S&W 5906/5904 if you like all steel. They also have the S&W lifetime warranty as well.

Just MY thoughts......

Randy

 

[mg357]

I suggest you keep the M&P and save up for the sig p226

 

[steamloco76]

The Sig P-226 and the CZ pistols are superb handguns, you won't go wrong with either.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Keep the M&P and get the apex parts, and try it out, the kit costs under $100 or so and it may change your feelings on the trigger. If still not happy sell it, trade it or just save for the 226

 

[jpwhel]

I have quite a few Sigs in 9mm, 45ACP and .380 and they are all fine handguns. The grips on the double stack guns are a bit wide but still manageable. Go to a LGS and fondle the P226 and see if you like it.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Let me start of with I have owned mine for over a decade and still think of it as my hands down favorite 9mm auto that I own even more so than my Beretta 92FS, Glock 17, or even my BHP. Since the first time I shot this handgun, I have been able to shoot this one better than anything I own. You would think the higher bore axis would mean more recoil, but those crafty Europeans made it feel like something it isn't. You would think with the Glock's lowest of the low bore axis that it would feel better. The Sig can run cicles around the Glock as far as feel of recoil in the hand. There is nothing weak about the slide's serrrations. They offer plenty of grasp and even on hot and humid Florida summer days with sweaty hands I have never lost my grasp on it. The magazines are stamped steel and of no superior build than any other. Some of them have poly bottoms and some are stamped steel. I'm still using the same mags a decade later, but I also found some by MecGar that are 17 capacity and still fit flush. They have been excellent range mags and I wouldn't hesitate to load them up for serious use should I ever need to do so. MecGar makes a lot of OEM mags for various brands and for all I know also makes them for Sig. The trigger on my older model has a decent hook to it that doesn't allow the finger to slip off it. It is very solid feeling with very little side to side wobble movement. The sights on mine are what I have seen described as a bar dot. You have a standard white dot front but the rear only has a white square block at the bottom of the sight. You see target, ball, block, squeeze trigger, and make a hole in your target. I think it's better than standard three dot sights and is very fast and easy to see. The plastic grip panels do have a slight bad rep for coming loose but a tiny dot of thread lock on the screw and that is solved. I said tiny dot, never go nuts with thread lock. For them being cheap mass produced plastic, they are very ergonomic and the molded in checkering on mine is still very grippy in the hand. The latest models have an even better more ergonomic feel to them. The double action on them is very smooth and while not exactly like a double action revolver, they don't have that stacking and crunching feel of most double action autos. The single action on it is just heavy enough to not be a sneeze and it shoots type of trigger on a gun but are very easy to shoot for accuracy. They have offered several different versions of this gun with DAO and other triggers but I love my standard DA/SA gun with decocking lever. But I wouldn't hesitate to snap up a good deal on a used DAO or other version. If I had to throw Sig under the bus on one issue, it's that they are very proud of their product and the price tag refects that. But you get one solid and high quality gun for what you pay for. This may be the only alloy frame auto that I truly love. If I had the money to tie up in so few guns then I would own all the different sizes they offer from the 229 to the newest 224 in 9mm, .357 Sig, .40SW and a 220 in .45 ACP. I have read that during the XM9 trials that the Army chose the P226 but Sig couldn't meet the spare parts contracts so Beretta snagged the deal. True or not, the Sig P226 is an amazing auto that has just grown better with few refinements like adding a railed front end and changing the grips and trigger. If it just weren't for that darn price tag I would be a much bigger fanboy of them. But Sig collecting will make you gun poor in a hurry.

 

[Mudcat]

From a former Sig owner why the fascination with an external hammer? I could go for one on a range toy but see no need to have one on a fighting pistol. All metal gun for a carry or fighting pistol? I prefer a lighter gun for daily carry.
I had both 226 and 220 for many years and they were fine for going to the range with and playing but I did not see the attraction over say a Glock or a M&P. I sold all my range toys about 4 years ago and bought more good training and ammo among other things. A more expensive gun with a lighter trigger pull will not make you a better fighter with your gun. It will just make you wallet lighter and your holster heavier. Both bad things.
Give the M&P a chance take it out and maybe take a good class with it run a few thousand rounds through it, go to a few IDPA matches with it. See what needs more work you or the gun.
Having more expensive guns will not help to save your life.

 

[clcdawg]

I have always wanted a sig but can't make myself spend the extra money when I can get just as reliable weapon for a few hundred dollars less. Maybe when some bills get paid off I can add one to my collection but I really love my M&P 9.

 

[kbm6893]

Anybody who sees a hammer fired gun as a disadvantage in a fighting gun is someone whose opinion I wouldn't much value. Only mall ninjas do that. face it, self defense situations are extremely rare. You're not gonna feel the differece in a SIG trigger pull over an M&P if yo're being mugged. However, reholstering a striker fired gun after a SD shooting is quite different. If you place your thumb on the hammer as you holster, the gun cannot fire if the trigger snags. The NYPD allwed the SIG, S&W 5946, and the Glock 19. No negligent discharges with the Smith or SIG. Every one with a Glock.

 

[Dean1818]

I had a 226 and absolutely loved it.

I did my CCL testing with it

On the range, it is a marvel

If you live in an open carry state, you are in luck using the P226.

But..... The P226 is NOT a good choice for IWB CCW.

(Unless you are a giant)

I sold mine

I love my M&P 45 Compact.... Its one of my never sell guns.

I did the DIY "Burwell" trigger job and the trigger was very good
when I finished.

After many rounds it went from very good, to excellent


I have come to believe that shooting 1000 rounds through it will also
give you a much smoother trigger as well.

I was looking at "well shot" 9mm M&P at a gun range (rental)
and the trigger was outstanding

 

[FDE]

+1 on getting apex parts (maybe their FSS trigger if you like the Sig SA feel). And if you still want an all metal DA/SA gun look more closely at the CZ line of handguns. The compact models are shorter than the fullsize 75 yet very shootable, amazingly accurate, great value, and 14+1 rd capacity.

 

[retarmyaviator]

I have four P226s and until recently shot a West German P226 in matches however in December I bought a M&P 9mm and since then the SIGs have all stayed in their boxes. Much prefer the M&P as far as shooting goes.

 

[GKC]

I've owned both (M&Ps and SIGs) in various models, and in both 9mm and .45ACP. I am definitely a fan of both.

SIGs are generally excellent pistols, and are almost all 100% reliable...and so are M&Ps. To me, they each have their place and role. The SIG is an amazing pistol for the range and for HD, IMO. Some find the transition from DA to SA hard to master (I like it, myself.) The M&P is much lighter for carry, and has two advantages for me in the car or carry: it can get some "wear" and it won't concern me as much; and, if it is stolen or confiscated, it won't concern me as much (but still a lot) as if it was a SIG. SIGs are much more expensive, and magazines for them are about twice the cost of the M&P magazines. Either one is easy to maintain, although it is easier to detail strip an M&P.

I would encourage you to have both, if at all possible, and enjoy both in their various roles and ways they can be used. They are both great pistols!

 

[raylo]

I have owned a p226 9mm for over 14years and a 229 40 for about 5. Both are awesome guns. I carry one or the other 40hours a week. the 226 is a da/sa and the 229 is doa. In Range Quals most shots are 2-3 at a time. I was tired of the 10lb trigger pull then the 4lb pull. The second shot is much harder to place on target quickly. When shooting more then 3 the sa pull was like butter. due to this i went to the DAO model. Hate it. pull is about 7-8lbs and it is loooooong! Barely feel the reset and it is still looooong. both are heavy guns and when its on your side for 10-12hrs you feel it. Due to this i'm giving the M&P a chance. I just ordered the 9c.

My 226 was $900 at the time. My 229 SAS DAK trigger with wood grips was $1000. The M&P 9c was $400. If you have the money why not.

I'm not selling my sigs but they are not perfect. Different guns for different uses. I could never conceal a sig. I have a S&W air weight for that. Choose wisely, if not, just buy more guns!

 

[derrelw]

I carry a Sig P6 (P225) IWB often and it is a fine single stack 9mm frikkin laser beam of a handgun. I love it.