Observations on current production P226 Elite

[Podmonkey]

I used to own a P226 Legion, fantastic pistol but I had to sell it to raise some cash and I always regretted doing so. Lately I have had a desire for an all metal DA/SA and though I have a long list of firearms beeds that must come befor I have nevebeen mulling the various options out there. In the end I still think the SiG is the best DA/SA service pistol made.
What I have noticed is that current Production Elite modles seem to be using tge same frame as the Legion models, or at least have incorporated Legion features. The Elite has the same trigger guard undercut, beavertail and checkering on the front strap, under and in front of the trigger guard. Previous Elite modles had a different, slightly larger beavertail and no undercut. I am not sure about if the Eltie always had front strap checkering or just the standard vertical serrations though I am fairly certain there wasn't underside checkering of the trigger guard and there definitely wasn't an undercut.
The Elite is $300 cheaper than the Legion and lacks the cringy marketing so I think the Eltie is the best P226 model now.
Now Imagine a P226 Elite with rosewood grips and a skeletonized hammer and trigger from armory craft.

 

[Xae289]

The P226 series is awesome. If you plan to modify it, get the Elite. If you want to keep it bone-stock, get the Legion.

 

[Podmonkey]

The P226 series is awesome. If you plan to modify it, get the Elite. If you want to keep it bone-stock, get the Legion.

I didn't like the reduced controls of the Legion actually, the slide release in particular which digs into the thumb sharply after a few manipulations. I much prefer the standard controls. What I liked about the Legion was the exaggerated undercut, the G10 grips and all tge extra checkering. Now that the newest Elites have most of that I'd rather save the $300.
The Elite doesn't have those very nice Legion grips but I'd swap out for checkered wood grips anyway. I also probably wouldn't be putting a red dot on either for the sake of the retro vibe a wood gripped all metal DA/SA would have so I'd not want the slide cut for one.
With the Armory Craft components I think that we would have a very "business swanky" piece. Not over the top Gucci but slightly fancy classy.

 

[Beerman]

It’s SIG Day! SIG 226 promo, save $226

 

[Cooolone]

The trigger and reset on the Legion make it an awesome shooter!

My 229 .357Sig Legion is my best shooter, tack driver!!!

I've eyes the Elites, but bummer how Sig has abandoned their own most excellent caliber...

 

[Podmonkey]

Revisting this thread to demonstrate what I mean.

Here is a a P226 Elite prior to the current change:


Now here is the current iteration:



Pay close attention to the shape and size of the beavertail and the grip area immediately under the trigger guard, notice the undercut on the current version.

Now look at the Legion model:



The beavertail and grip are identical to the current Elite.

I am positive SIG has streamlined their P226 production by consolidating the Elite and Legion into the same frame.
To me this makes the current Elite the most desirable P226 model, it has the nice undercut and checkering of the Legion but lacks that model's uncomfortably reduced controls. All at a price several hundred dollars less! The Elite isn't much more expensive than a standard P226 either.

 

[Xae289]

The Elite is great, but the Legion has some nicer features. The grip panels are nicer – better texture, more svelte, and a nicer shape. The sights are better – night sights with a blacked-out and serrated rear and a green contrast front versus the Elite's white 3-dot night sights. Finally, the trigger is better on the Legion, whether the DA/SA where both models have curved triggers, or SAO where the Legion's trigger is flat.

If those upgrades are worth the money is all up to personal preference. I'm not in the market for either, but if I was, I'd normally save the extra coin for the Legion. The Legion green/gray finish or the coin and gun bag you can send for would have 0% to do with that decision for me.

The one thing important thing to consider from one vet to a brother: SIG Professional Program | SIG SAUER.
SIG's MIL/LE/FR program is available to veterans, which gives us discounts on certain guns on their list. Two versions of the P226 are on that list, the Elite and the Mk25. If you're looking for a P226, see if a local dealer can get it for you through Sig's Professional Program. If you're already thinking the Elite is right there with the Legion, the discount would only sweeten that pot for you.

 

[Podmonkey]

Well, again, I owned a DA/SA Legion and I do regret selling it. The G10 grips were fantastic but I would be putting some nicely checkered wood grips on the Elite so no advantage there. The Legion trigger isn't anything special either. The trigger bow itself is from Grey Guns but the internals are mildly worked over factory items. And the Legions sights are very nice yes. My point is that now the Elite shares the same frame with the Legion you can bring that Elite up to a similar spec for less and I prefer the standard controls ofnthe Elite and I think a black finish would go better with wood grips. To me the best thing about the Legion was the checkering on the front and rear strap and the scalloped undercut which the Elite now shares.
I'm not going to be getting a P226 anytime soon anyway. I have to get my 10/22 all setup and next time I have handgun money to burn it will be on a .357 revolver of some kind.
I just think a P226 Elite with rosewood grips and a skeletonized hammer would be a sexy piece.

 

[FP1201]

I have four of the P226's: An old bastard that had the dog shit shot out of it when I bought it...runs flawlessly.
Another one bought used of ~2000 vintage: fit, finish, functionality are 100% acceptable.
A DAO in .357Sig that formerly was an Under Sheriff's sidearm; it's a monster and must be treated as such.
A Legion that came from Gander Outdoors when they closed up: it is NOT quite as nice or well built as the 2000 one, but it IS fully serviceable...fuckers promised a Challenge Coin, Bag, Ammunition, and other swag but it never materialized (Nov. 2019) maybe it was because of covid?
IMHO "Legion" was just a marketing package to give the perception of getting something "elite" and better than the standard versions.

 

[Podmonkey]

I have the Legion soft case if you want it. And the coin might be in there too. I'll check when I get home.
I had a Made in West Germany marked 226 once with the old I dot sights, which I liked, and that was a very nice example of a p226. I liked my Legion too but had to sell it to raise some emergency funds. I love tge P226 but I can't seem to hold on to them. The marketing that went along with the Legion was indeed very cringe.