Just the other day I stumbled on a great find. The idea has been around for some time but I never put any thought or time or effort into it. Until now! I recently purchased a Sig Sauer P226-22 (for training classes). And after further deliberation, I hit the jackpot!
The P226 is a main staple of the Sig Sauer line up. It is used by agencies all over the world to include police departments and the US Navy. I too own a P226 Tac-Ops for duty and training purposes. I have owned many P226’s in the past and they have always been a “Go To” gun for me. So again, I’m a bit biased in all of this…
Enter the P226-22. The value behind this 22 is just that, IT’S a 22. The gun itself is built on a full size P226 frame and slide. Which means I can use all the same holsters and lights and accessories I would use with my Tac-Ops; which is HUGE. I don’t need to completely change out my kit if I want to use the 22. I saved myself hundreds of dollars right there (enter smiling accountant). And right in line with fiscal minded training, a box of 50 rounds of 22lr is about 2 dollars. The equivalent 9mm box of ammo is about 20 bucks give or take. That can really add up over time, so plinking and working on my fundamentals with a 22 makes SUPER sense to me!
But what would a good review be without the down side…
The P226-22 being just that, a 22, you lose the real world felt recoil. And for anyone that’s into competitive shooting, tactical shooting, or uses a firearm in the line of duty this can be a big issue. With less recoil and easier follow on shots the 22 can’t even come close to that of a 9mm, 40 S&W, or a 45 ACP. I’m not saying that you should NOT train with your duty ammo from time to time. But keeping all that in mind and being the professional that you are; take it upon yourself to discern between the two and do as I always say… PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Stay tuned for later reviews when I will talk about more of the nuts and bolts of the Sig Sauer P226-22. Until then…
Stay Safe.
Justin Johnson - Fat Man Lifting 