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I need help P320 VS. P226 decision

89K views 73 replies 47 participants last post by  freediverdude 
#1 ·
I am looking at one of these fine pistols for my new home defense gun. The P226 is of course a legend for all the right reasons. Everything being written about the P320 is suggesting that over time it may prove to be the P226 striker fire equivalent. I love the P226 but am concerned that with the apparent quality of the P320 that spending that amount of money is simply unnecessary. One comparison I am curious about is felt recoil. I have watched plenty of videos of the P320 where the shooter is delivering lots of rounds real fast and accurate onto a target. But am assuming that the P226 would lend itself to be even better in that department considering its weight. Thanks for any input guys.
 
#2 ·
The 226 is significantly heavier so its not a EDC gun you will want to carry much. The P320 compact will be more versatile if you want to carry it. Recoil between the two with the 9mm isn't a issue. Accuracy isn't a issue at all either.
The 226/229 is the greatest DA/SA so you have to decide do you want a striker fire or DA/SA??? The P320 is cheaper and can morph into different calibers and frame sizes. That's a heck of advantage. There is no wrong choices between the two and I highly recommend both.
 
#4 ·
Videos of great shooters showing no recoil doesn't translate back to the average person. However 9 mm is low recoil and easy to shoot. P226 is a great gun. I have owned three. P320 I have to take what I've read which is good. Like mystro says they are very dissimilar. For the price of the 226 you can get the 320 and a caliber exchange kit.
 
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#5 ·
I would spend a few hundred more and get a traditional SIG 220/226/228/229.

A few years from now, you will feel good with your move. The money difference will be long forgotten.

All SIGs are really great guns. I, personally, have no desire to jump into the striker fired, polymer SIGs.
 
#65 ·
I would spend a few hundred more and get a traditional SIG 220/226/228/229.



A few years from now, you will feel good with your move. The money difference will be long forgotten.



All SIGs are really great guns. I, personally, have no desire to jump into the striker fired, polymer SIGs.


I would have to agree with this. I think the P229 is the best of both worlds. It's got the qualities of the P226 with the ability to carry if you had to that you would get from the P320. Can't go wrong if you ask me...

Good luck with your decision making, good news is that you can't really make the wrong choice, you win either way.
 
#7 ·
I have to agree that this is more about your preference of DA/SA or striker fired rather than p226 vs 320. Both are great, and both can be had for about $500 if you include used p226 and p229s.

You can also grab a sp2022 (also great) for about $400.

If you want modular and striker fired - get the p320. You won't be sorry.

If you want hammer fired get a p226...or if money is a big factor, get the sp2022. These are all very reliable, accurate, and easy to shoot.
 
#9 ·
Welcome to the forum!
I think that you are over-analyzing it. Both are great guns, accurate, reliable, and a good value in their own rights. Decide, preferrably with experience, which one suits you best- which system are you most accurate with and comfortable- and get that. You can find d CPO 226 in the ballpark price of a 320, so even price doesn't have to be a factor.
 
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#10 ·
You live in Maine...why do you think you need anything for home defense? :)

Hi, and welcome to SigTalk from Florida!

I think the real question here is which one would you like to buy first? Trust me, you'll not be stopping with one.

If money is tight, I'd think nothing of going with a used P226. Mine is almost 30 years old, and (IMAO) blows the doors off of any new normal production gun out there of any make...I'm sure it's a very nice weapon, but I doubt the same will be said of the P320 in 2045. But mine will be chugging along, although it probably won't be me shooting it!

You're going to own more Sigs than you realize, so you owe it to yourself to get the best one first. I promise you, the P226 will not disappoint.
 
#11 · (Edited)
This may not apply in your case and not everyone who it does apply to would admit it.

I would have an easier time convincing Mrs. TF to spend the lesser amount for the P320 after buying the more expensive P226 than the other way around. You probably want both of them (or will eventually), so think "strategically" and get the P226. Then getting the P320 will be an easier sell.
 
#12 ·
This may not apply in your case and not everyone who it does applies to would admit it.

I would have an easier time convincing Mrs. TF to spend the lesser amount for the P320 after buying the more expensive P226 than the other way around. You probably want both of them (or will eventually), so think "strategically" and get the P226. Then getting the P320 will be an easier sell.



Obviously, the mind of a married man!
 
#14 ·
Haven't had a chance to shoot the P320, but all I've heard are good things about it. If you can afford it I would go with the P226 it's a legend, as with all the other poly Sigs in a year or two the new will wear off the P320 and you should be able to pick one up pretty cheap.
 
#15 ·
If you want a striker fired pistol, get a Glock. The bore axis is much lower, which will make recoil control and follow up shots easier. The classic P series pistols have other benefits that make up for the shortfall of the SIG high bore axis. Frankly, not seeing those benefits in the polymer SIG pistols.
 
#16 ·
I have a Glock 26 and the Sig P320 striker fired, and the Sig is just as good or better. No need to get a Glock imo if you want a Sig striker fired pistol. The low bore axis of the Glock gives me no advantage in accuracy. That being said, I still want the Sig P226/MK 25 pistol for different reasons. The Sig P320 9mm SC is a CCW that can be used later on to make it a .45 if they ever start producing the x change kits. Anyway, the Sig P226/MK 25 is a home defense, collector, barbecue gun, etc. Just my two cents and nothing against a Glock, as I own Glocks.
 
#18 ·
I've got 3 Sig 226's, a TacOps, an Extreme and a Navy, all fantastic guns. I have two of the Sig 320c and they are great guns as well. Maybe you should try to shoot both at range if poosible but IMO, go with the 226. You don't have to buy the 226 TacOps to use the 20 round mags but it comes with 4 of them so that's nice but a bit pricey. But for a home defense handgun, I love my 226 TacOps with 20+1 rounds of 147gr HST (or whatever round you like) with a back-up 20 round magazine.

 
#19 ·
Like many of you in the forum I have many many guns
Glock 19 26 23 27 36 and a 30
Sig P220 220 carry 245 226 228 229 230
Not bragging Just explaining what I have
I also have the P320 compact in 9 and 40. I will sat the "hi bore axis" has NOTHING to do with recoil ( IMHO)
I have literally fired the G19 and the 320 side by side and could not tell the difference in recoil. I will say the 320 has all my glocks beat, by having a better trigger and being more accurate. I have also switched back from my 19/23 to the 320 for a month trying to decide which gun is more comfortable to carry. Again no Hugh difference. Used the same holster manufacturer for both. Either a kydex alpha concealment or a Mitch Rosen ARG. Both the Glocks and the Sig 320 ride the same and feel the same. Even on long car rides all guns are comfortable to carry.
But honestly the edge goes to my 320 In 40. It's laser accurate, great great 1911 like trigger and 1911 like grip. Currently packing this 320 under a long sleeve t shift (it's 23 degrees here in boston ) and more than comfortable.
It's really a great gun
That's my 2 cents
1SG
out
 
#21 ·
My G23 is almost the same physical size as my P224, and it's lighter. That's an advantage available in a striker and one that Sig chose not to incorporate into the 320 design. That difference may equate to bore-axis differences but it also makes a big difference in round count to overall height. Also, comparing the G23 that I've got 200 rounds through vs. my P229 I have thousands of rounds through, follow up is faster with the Glock.

So, if the question is which pistol should you get... whichever trigger you like the best is probably the right answer. If you were asking whether a G17 or P226, you would probably have to make a spreadsheet to weight the pro's/con's.
 
#35 ·
My G23 is almost the same physical size as my P224, and it's lighter. That's an advantage available in a striker and one that Sig chose not to incorporate into the 320 design.
What? Being lighter is something they chose not to incorporate? Lighter than what? It's certainly lighter than any of their metal framed pistols. Also, the P224 and the G27 are close to the same size. You can put the P229 next to a P224 and say they are close as well, just like the P226 is close to the P229. So? So what?

That difference may equate to bore-axis differences but it also makes a big difference in round count to overall height.
Not following you here, chief. Are you talking about the slide height differences? To be honest, what you wrote doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
 
#22 ·
To the OP, as one of your chief concerns was the felt recoil, I can hopefully offer some helpful insight.

I agree with that other poster that mentions how seeing a trained military vet turned instructor firing with ease at a 1-inch target with accuracy can lead to some misplaced trust. However, I'm a female, new to this gun world, and purchased the P320 Compact as my first pistol. The "felt recoil" is a non issue for me so hopefully that tells you something. I've shot the Glock, Beretta px4 storm and Springfield XDM. For me, the P320 was an easy shoot, not a lot of kick, and doesn't have any awkward angles for the grip or trigger to annoy me.

I can see how owning a firearm is a slippery slope now since I'm already thinking about how to add on to this purchase, so what the heck, just buy them both! :)
 
#23 ·
I had this conversation a few months ago

I have a P226 in 40 and a Barsto 9mm conversion barrel, along with a full size P320 in 9mm. Size wise, they are really close. I think the P226 with the E2 grips fills my hand better than my P320 with the medium grip module, but its close. The grip length is almost the same, the trigger reach is real close. Now to the workings, this is where I got hammered a bit before. The SA on my P226 with the SRT reset feature and the reset from the P320 are super close. For my first shot from either, I prefer the DA from my P226 over the P320, but the second shot is a toss up on which is better. This summer I plan on using my P320 at IPSC, Last summer it was my P226. Last summer the P226 proved its meddle to me, mags in the sand and grass, dirty and gritty, and it just kept shooting, 200-250 rounds a session and no hiccups. I don't have any reason to think the P320 won't do the same this year.
The P320 is my first and only striker fired pistol, so I can't give you a direct comparison. I love my P226, more so in 40 than 9 and I'm more comfortable with it than my P320, but that doesn't discount how I feel about it. I have no qualms about having either loaded up at bedside, just haven't torture tested the P320 yet. Buy one, Buy both either way you're a winner.
 
#24 ·
If you can, go shoot both. Each are great guns. I don't own a 226, but I have a 220 Scorpion and 320c. Recoil won't be an issue with either.

One thing I have noticed is I don't baby the 320 as much as the way more expensive 220. I know both can handle it and the 220 is about as tough as it gets, but replaceable polymer just doesn't have that character like the classic SIGs do. That can be a good thing.
 
#25 ·
Thanks for all the responses everyone. Everyone made some great points. One of the reasons I like the idea of going with the P320 is that I would get the sub compact as well as the compact. That way I could have a home defense system and carry system that would be super easy to manage. I would use the 15 round magazines in both and buy the grip extender for the sub compact. So same ammo, same mags. But man do I dig the idea of a P226 with 20 round mags like Bunk22 suggested. My only problem is I don't have access to a range with these guns for rent. I have owned a P245 and P220 so am familiar with the fire system and am fine with it. It's experience with the P320 that I am lacking. I have always preferred metal guns. So maybe that is my answer. Thanks for all the input everyone.
 
#30 ·
The modularity of the system is pretty cool so you can switch back and forth between a carry and bedside size. However, my view is that would become a PITA pretty quickly, sort of like if a pistol is a hassle to carry you probably won't carry it as often as you maybe should.

I'm sure it would work for someone else, but I couldn't see converting a pistol between compact and subcompact every morning after I get up and every evening when I got home. I'd prefer dedicated pistols for each task if you're going to go the compact/subcompact route.
 
#26 ·
The standard answer is to buy both! Seriously though, First, I would test for how they fit you. Can you operate all of the gun's controls without shifting the gun in your hand, what's the reach to the trigger like, the slide release, decocker, etc? Second, how to they balance in your hand or feel, will weight be an issue for you? Lastly, fire the guns as rentals or borrowed from friends if you can at a range. Then you'll be better able to make your decision on which to buy. You may get both!! :)
 
#29 ·
Sig does NOT make **** guns weather they are plastic or steel.
Same as Cadillac does not make **** cars weather they are luxury sedans or rough pick up trucks.
Sig is a Sig reliability and accuracy out of the box. The notion that because they make plastic guns is a little crazy to me. S&W did it H&K did it
1SG
Out
 
#32 · (Edited)
I own alot of various handguns and have owned at least 1 Glock since the introduction of the G17. My perspective is not unique when it comes to Glock and I can assure you many LE I shoot with share this particular view point.

The P320 is a Glock killer. I will say it again....The P320 is a Glock killer.
Lets not ***** foot around with even suggesting that Glock is keeping up with the current polymer handgun refinements because they are not. Nor are they that good that they don't need to.
Glock is about them and their way. You adjust to them and their grip angle and their system. This goes way back to Gaston Glocks ridged (my way or the highway) way of manufacturing a simple pistol.
Most all of the industry now makes a modern polymer striker pistol that is designed for the shooters needs without demanding they adapt their shooting style. Glocks reliability was established way back in the day when the standards were considerably lower than they are today. I personally had to send two different Glocks in for reliability issues so in my experience Glocks reliability is nothing more than average. We went though this reliability issue with frame flexing with Glocks and the Pa State police. All LE in my area has been moving away from Glock handguns for years now even though Glocks are THE cheapest per unit. This is a growing trend. The remaining LE and minute Military use will always be there because the Glocks significant price point discount per unit. Its hard for the bean counters not to like this dirt cheap handgun when parts are cheap and readily available. Glock is a discount handgun and there will always be a market for it.
The main redeeming quality of Glock these days is that they are established and parts are readily available. All the folklore behind Glock was established long ago in the days when standards and the competition was few to nonexistent. Its a new ball game and Glock has not evolved to the newer and more refined standards of the polymer pistol. Plastic U shaped sights, mushy triggers, with a blocky unique upward pointing angle isn't gonna cut it with guns like the PPQ, VP9, and P320 redefining the polymer handgun standards. Once innovative 33 years ago, Glock has become a stagnate design because they refuse to evolve into a better handgun. The latest Glock innovation the G42 is direct answer to S&W Shield except the Glock is still thicker and 2 years too late.
I will probably always own a Glock in 10mm but more as a antiquated woods gun representing the birth of the polymer pistol movement and where it all started commercially.
 
#49 ·
It is amazing how many people have replied to this thread. And this quote above addresses it well. I have owned Glock's, XD's, XDM's, M&P's and now the P320. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. However, though I feel the M&P has the advantage for grip adjustability with their pistol. The P320 has beaten them in everything else. They have even continued to improve the trigger system. I just checked out the version 2 of the trigger at Cabela's and found that it is even better than mine by a long shot. I can't wait to get another P320 with the version 2 trigger. This Along with their out of the box accuracy and pointability. Make them the best over all choice hands down. Get the P320.
 
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