The discussion opens with a comparison between an older Sig P226 duty pistol and the newer Sig P226 XFive Legion. The older gun is described as a proven duty and battle-tested design, while the XFive Legion is presented as a more modern, competition-oriented variant. Both are all-metal pistols, consistent with typical Legion construction and the standard P226 platform. The goal is to see how the long-serving duty P226 holds up against the updated XFive Legion in terms of handling and performance, without assuming that newer features automatically make the competition model superior.
The classic Sig P226 shown does not have a manual safety but includes a decocker. The decocker allows safely lowering the hammer from single-action to double-action without manually riding the hammer down, reducing the risk of a negligent discharge. The hosts explain double-action/single-action operation: a heavier, longer double-action pull for the first shot, followed by a lighter, shorter single-action pull once the hammer is cocked. In contrast, the P226 XFive Legion in the video is a single-action-only model, oriented toward competition use. Both pistols share an all-metal frame, but their intended roles and fire control setups differ significantly.
The older P226 is a law enforcement trade-in with a three-dot sight system, likely using older Sig x-ray tritium inserts that may be dimming with age but still serviceable. The XFive Legion features fine rear sights and a very bright, prominent front sight designed for fast acquisition in competition. The hosts note a preference for an even finer front sight to match the rear. The XFive Legion slide is cut for a red dot optic, and Sig offers optics with integrated iron sights to allow co-witnessing, though mounting one replaces the factory rear sight. The Legion also includes a “gas pedal” thumb rest for the support hand, which is appreciated by shooters with larger hands, especially when not running a weapon light.
The P226 XFive Legion’s slide incorporates an integrated compensator, and the hosts plan to see on the range whether it meaningfully reduces felt recoil compared to the standard P226. They expect the heavier gun to recoil less, but want to confirm if the compensator adds a noticeable benefit. Control layouts differ: the classic P226 has a decocker and no manual safety, while the XFive Legion adds a manual safety and omits the decocker. The Legion’s slide release is very low profile and positioned close to the safety, making the area feel cramped for reloads. The older P226’s slide release is easier to reach, though it can rub larger hands. One host would prefer the grip angle and feel of the Legion combined with the simpler, decocker-only control scheme of the original P226.
On the range, the classic Sig P226 is fired first using 115-grain Federal 9mm ammunition. An initial failure of the slide to lock back is observed, along with a stovepipe malfunction that may be related to the mixed-condition surplus ammunition being used. After further shooting, the cause of the slide not locking back is identified as the shooter’s thumb riding the slide release, preventing it from engaging on an empty magazine. Adjusting the grip so the thumb rests on the knuckle instead of directly on the lever allows the slide to lock back properly. The hosts note that the P226’s magazines are compatible with the XFive Legion, and that the classic P226 fits a Sig P320 holster, which is seen as a practical bonus.
The P226 XFive Legion is then tested with the same general ammunition. The shooter notes that the pistol lacks an extended magazine release, making mag changes less intuitive at first, but still manageable. Ejection patterns differ from the older P226, with the classic gun throwing brass in a more erratic arc, even striking the shooter’s head once, while the Legion’s pattern appears more consistent. The XFive Legion begins to grow on the shooters as they run it more. They observe that the integrated compensator and overall setup may be contributing to a smoother shooting experience, though they want to compare it directly to the standard P226’s recoil and tracking.
Comparing both pistols, the hosts find felt recoil surprisingly similar, despite the XFive Legion’s integrated compensator. However, the Legion’s bright front sight and sight configuration make it easier to track the sights and shoot faster while staying on target. Both shooters feel they can run the XFive Legion more quickly and maintain accuracy, suggesting the compensator and sight setup offer some advantage. Reloads on the Legion require breaking the firing grip due to the large frame and control placement, but using the support-hand thumb to hit the magazine release, similar to a 1911 technique, works well. The manual safety on the Legion provides a natural thumb rest during shooting and reloads, while the low-profile slide release remains less convenient than expected for a competition-focused pistol.
In closing, the hosts emphasize that both the classic Sig P226 and the P226 XFive Legion have strengths and trade-offs in ergonomics and control layout. The older P226 offers a straightforward decocker system and a more accessible slide release, but can be affected by the shooter riding that control. The XFive Legion provides competition-oriented features such as a gas pedal, integrated compensator, bright front sight, and manual safety that doubles as a comfortable thumb rest, though its slide release and reload ergonomics are more complex. They stress that individual hand size and shooting style heavily influence which pistol feels better. The recommendation is to rent and shoot different pistols at a local range whenever possible, rather than choosing based solely on specifications or handling them briefly in a gun shop.
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