Just got my P-226 back from an E-squared conversion...

[aterry33]

I've had this P-226 for some time. Although I am basically a Glock and 1911 guy when it comes to semi-autos, the P-226 is my favorite DA/SA auto.

I do not have small hands (many of my N Frames wear large Pachmayr Presentation Grips). However, I have always felt that the SIG was a little fat in the grip, especially for a 9MM.

When I tried out the new E-squared, I liked it a lot, and decided to have my P226 converted. While the E-squared has been out since last year, it is only recently that SIG has begun doing conversions on old guns. This involves changing the mainspring, installing slimmer grips and a lower-profile slide release, and installing a short-reset trigger. I think the whole package cost about $100 excluding shipping and SIG turned it around in a week or two.

Overall, I'm very happy. The short-reset trigger makes it much closer to the Glock/1911 sort of trigger I prefer. The SIG no longer feels "fat" which is a problem that I have always felt plagued the P-226 and M9.

One thing I noticed, of course, was that the little plate on the bottom of the magazines extends a little further. I will see if this becomes a problem with extended shooting or cuts into the supporting hand at all. I wonder if anyone has had this problem? The old mags still work, though, and maybe I will get some new floor plates eventually for them...

 

[max]

I had the same thing done to my P229. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I like the way it feels.

 

[GKC]

I bought a P229 e2 version (not converted, has e2 on the slide) because it feels much more comfortable in my hand than the classic SIG grip. I do have small hands. After I bought it, I couldn't find it in the SIG website anymore, so I called SIG...they said the e2 model was being discontinued and that the e2 grip was going to become the standard SIG grip. The e2 designated model wouldn't be a separate, marked model anymore. They offered to sell me some of the e2 specific 15 round magazines at a good discount, so I got some of them.

I thought that maybe the e2 marked models are now going to be collectors items, but on the SIG forum so many people are complaining about the elimination of the classic grip that the e2 will probably be like the Edsel! Oh well, I like it...it fits my hand...and I bought it to shoot and enjoy, not to be a museum piece.

 

[aterry33]

I thought that maybe the e2 marked models are now going to be collectors items, but on the SIG forum so many people are complaining about the elimination of the classic grip that the e2 will probably be like the Edsel!

That surprises me. What is the chief complaint?

 

[GKC]

That surprises me. What is the chief complaint?

The ones complaining didn't like the smaller grip and shorter trigger...I don't know if any of those complaining have actually tried it, or are just complaining because it is a change, you know?

There was a lot of remarks about SIGs becoming Hobbit guns and pictures of "New Coke." The SIG rep I talked to said the new grip configuration had been very favorably received, and that is why they were going to it. Of course, time will tell. It works for me...but as I said, I have small hands, so I assume I'm in the minority of SIG buyers.

 

[azasadny]

Very interesting! I have a Sig P226 in .357Sig and .40S&W, i bought it with both barrels and 4 mags as a LEO "trade in" and it's like new except for minor holster wear on the front of the slide. I sat next to a MI state trooper at a fund raiser last night and he told me they carry the Sig P226 in .40S&W as their main sidearm and a S&W .38 J-frame revolver as their back-up gun.

 

[Badkarma 1]

I've been looking for the new E2 guns myself! The original 226 grip IS a little on the big side and I like the looks of the new grip. It remiss me a little of the Hi Power.
Hope the naysayers over at the SIG site don't have to much sway with the company! Dale

 

[aterry33]

Sometimes they can screw up a good thing. Did you see the original "rough texture" 4th Gen. Glocks? They were rough enough to take the skin off your hands. Glock realized that, and the permanent 4th Gen. guns are rough enough but not too rough IMHO.

I think the SIG board guys are wrong when they say these grips are only for "hobbit" sized hands--I don't have small hands and they feel much more ergonomic than the original grips. Then again, people probably think we're crazy for complaining about things like internal locks and MIM parts...

It's all a matter of preference I suppose.