She’s a Lady!
As the name suggests, this is a P226. SIG has offered various customizations for the 226 model over the years. Although you can still get a new 226 very similar to the original that came in 1985, this is the most customized model yet.
As SIG representative Chris Chang told Guns.com at the SIG Next event, this is the crème de la crème when it comes to the P226. The designers put a lot of thought into it, and perhaps even added a few features that weren’t necessary.
My friend hefted the XFive and called it a beast. I disagree! Although big and heavy in my hand, she is elegant and stylish. This P226 is black and polished to an amazing glow. I don’t believe there is a single piece of polymer on this gun.
As a result, it tips the scales at 48.1 ounces – that’s a touch over 3 pounds unloaded. With a fully loaded 20-round magazine, this gun would approach 4 pounds. It’s also massive at 6 inches high, 6.8 inches long and 1.7 inches wide. I don’t think this gun was meant to be carried.
SINGLE ACTION ONLY
Unlike the original P226s, this XFive version is single-action only. It does have a frame-mounted safety, and the trigger is spectacular. It’s one of the nicest standard triggers I’ve felt. When I say standard, yes, this is a SIG Custom Works gun, so it is customized – but it’s not an aftermarket trigger.
It breaks cleanly at a touch over 2 pounds, 12 ounces, and the reset is crisp and short. It is fully adjustable for length-of-pull, so you can customize it to your tastes.
COMPED SLIDE
The XFive Reserve has a comped slide, creating what is often referred to as an expansion chamber. The barrel is not drilled or ported. I don’t think a comp is necessary on a 9mm handgun that weighs as much as this, but SIG wanted to make the ultimate 226. As you can imagine, there’s almost no recoil. I could see this gun working very well for use in competition.
It has suppressor-height sights, but the barrel is not threaded. I’m not sure why. The gun is optic-ready with a Delta Point Pro plate, although for this review, I’m keeping it stock. The included XRay3 sights are excellent.
Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful crown on the barrel – it should help the gun be very accurate.
GRIPS & GAS PEDAL
One of my favorite features of this gun, both aesthetically and function-wise, is the grips. SIG teamed with Grid-Lok grips to create an all-metal geodesic texture. The mini-diamond angled surface allows for great purchase on this firearm, even with sweaty hands.
Another feature I love on this gun is what is referred to as a “gas pedal.” It is a purchase point for your weak-hand thumb, although on this gun it is a bit out of reach for my medium-sized hands. Those with big hands or longer fingers that can reach will find the gas pedal a great help in stabilizing the big pistol for the best accuracy.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Overall Length: 8.75 inches
- Height: 6 inches
- Width: 1.7 inches
- Barrel: 4.4 inches, stainless-steel
- Trigger: 2 pounds, 12 ounces; three-way adjustable overtravel
- Material: Stainless steel
- Sights: X-Ray3 day/night three-dot, adjustable for windage/elevation
- Optic-ready
- Safety: Manual, ambidextrous
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Magazines: Three 20-round steel mags included
SHOOTING TIME
My Area 52 desert location is a beautiful spot to shoot steel and 2-liter root beer jugs. The gun was very accurate at 10 yards, and I had no trouble hitting the target when I pushed it out farther to 25 yards. Although not the best pistol shot, I found the XFive controllable. When I do my part to squeeze through the shot, it will deliver groups on center.
As mentioned, I’ve put about 350 rounds through this gun of basic practice ammo: PMC Bronze, Winchester, and Sellier & Bellot. I haven’t had any jams or misfires. Most of this ammo uses 115-grain FMJ bullets, and I was concerned that these lighter bullets would not function or eject. My fears were unfounded, and this gun has been 100 percent reliable.
Shooting offhand, I was pleased with my results. With its amazing trigger, flared magazine well, 20-round magazines, and sight options, I think this gun would make an excellent competition handgun. Yes, it is pricey – but no more than many other high-end competition handguns.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highest quality
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Classy finish and overall appearance
- Best production trigger ever
- Solid steel throughout
- Excellent grip feel and texture
- Adjustable sights
- Optic-ready
- High-capacity steel magazines
- Expansion chamber with low recoil
- Collectible
Cons:
- Heavy
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Pricey
Final Thoughts
I think SIG Sauer makes some of the best quality guns on the market these days, and this SIG Sauer Reserve Collection P226-XFive is top of the line. If you get a chance to shoot one, go for it.
Whether you buy it to keep in a safe, shoot competitively, or simply take to the range, it will not disappoint. I feel lucky to be able to shoot this stunning piece of craftsmanship. She's a beauty.
