P226 or Beretta 92FS

[Pugster]

I went to the range to check out the P226 and I brought my G17 as a comparator. I really like the feel and trigger break (SA) for the P226. The DA trigger is a bit stiff but I am sure I can train myself to cock the hammer in a HD situation. My only gripe about the P226 is that it's a little wider than the G17 but it still fits my hand very well. The Sig P226 is a quality pistol and I can shoot very well with it.

I had the intent of renting out the Beretta 92FS but it was broken at the range (Cracked slide). Not sure if this may present a problem, but whenever I rack the slide on a pistol, I tend to grip the front end of the slide with my weak hand. I noticed that the 92FS/M9 has an exposed slide where you can see the barrel, has anyone ever had a piece of their hand get caught in that area? The idea of that happening seems very painful in my mind. Otherwise, there was a used Taurus PT99 for sale at the range and I was able to handle it a little. The PT99 seems a little slimmer than the P226 but the SA trigger seemed a little heavier than the P226 though. I think it's definitely worth my while to see how well the 92FS handles downrange.

Thinking a little further ahead, If I were to purchase the P226, I am thinking of going with the CPO pistols, anyone have any recommended vendors that you would do business with in confidence? For the Beretta, I will probably purchase it online from Buds.

[mds2004]

For the Sig, I would check what is for sale at Sigforum.com in the classifieds.

Hopefully I will see you there more often

[Ironchef]

I had the intent of renting out the Beretta 92FS but it was broken at the range (Cracked slide). Not sure if this may present a problem, but whenever I rack the slide on a pistol, I tend to grip the front end of the slide with my weak hand. I noticed that the 92FS/M9 has an exposed slide where you can see the barrel, has anyone ever had a piece of their hand get caught in that area?

I rack my 92fs from both the back and sometimes the front (grooves at the front of slide make racking easy with an underhand grip..if you have a 11# guide rod spring and D spring like I do. The threat of skin getting caught in the open barrel/slide area is pretty dang impossible..you probably shouldn't be gripping the thing so firmly to rack it anyway. Besides, the barrel goes with the slide for a little, then it separates when it's back and cocking the hammer.

I think it's definitely worth my while to see how well the 92FS handles downrange.

Couldn't agree more. Having shot sigs as well as my 92, I can't tell the difference in accuracy..doubt there's any that anyone could prove. The weight of the 92 might make it heavier..and it's a very manageable 9mm..with good safeties and rock solid reputation...if it weren't so, it wouldn't be the side arm given to our fighting men and women. Oh, and the 92 is 100x sexier than the ugly sig.

[Pugster]

I found out today that some of the CPO Sigs have some peeling/flaking issues with the finish, anyone experience this firsthand or have a buddy with this problem? Looks like it may make more sense for me to shell out the additional $200 for a NIB Sig with the limited lifetime warranty.

[hawk81]

I would say get a browning high power.

[FortCourageArmory]

This is the never-ending Ford/Chevy question of the pistol world. Which is better? Whichever one YOU can shoot the best with. We all have our opinions and each will be different based on a zillion different reasons. You have to shoot both and then decide which you like best.

Both guns field-strip easily and in little time.
Both guns are superbly accurate at normal handgun encounter distances.
Both guns are extremely rugged and reliable.
Both guns will handle just about any ammunition you feed them.
Both guns are available (everywhere but CA) with 15-round capacity mags.
Both guns have triggers with excellent resets making follow-up shots quick.

Now the differences. The Beretta feels fatter in the hand than the SIG. Not much of an issue with me (I'm 6'6" with very large hands), but the smaller folk will complain. The SIG has a better...i.e. smoother....DA trigger pull than the Beretta. That's just my opinion. The Beretta, having an open barrel/slide arrangement, is easier for me to clear the very occassional stovepipe. It happens with both guns, BTW.

So, what's my final choice? I cheated. I own both. Either one will serve you extremely well.

[Solidmch]

I owned both. I still have the sig.

[JohnJW]

I have seen locking block failure on the 92FS, but then more round are shot through 92FS than 226 in the US. 92FS is the standard issue sidearm of the army and quite a few large LE agencies. If you subject the 226 to the same abuse as the 92FS, something will probably fail as well.

I have both the 92FS and the 226(w/ stamped slide) and the DA trigger is smoother on the 226. 92FS DA trigger tends to stack up towards the end of the trigger travel. However, 92FS has shorter trigger reset travel for followup SA. Accuracy wise, they're very similar, I think 226 is slightly more accurate, but then I shoot the 226 far more often than the 92FS. On superficial level, 226 looks very utilitarian while the 92FS is IMHO, one of the best looking handguns.

Anyway, like others have mentioned, you can't go wrong with either. Just get one and start practicing with it. If opportunity arises in the future, pick up the other one.

[5968]

I am going to the range tomorrow to try out the P226 and 92FS.

I have done some research on the two and I heard the P226 is very accurate but has a very poor DAO trigger. As for the Beretta, people say it's very reliable but the locking block needs to be replaced every 5000/10000 rounds. I think the Sig is a fine pistol but I am under the impression you have to clean it everytime after the range.

I am leaning towards the P226 but what do you guys think? I know the Sigs go for 1.5X or 2X more than the Berettas but I am looking for a quality pistol that I can shoot accurately and use for HD. Is it a given to take the P226 over the Beretta 92FS?

Get the Sig and don't look back. The Sig is well worth the price difference. I find them to be more accurate then Berettas and as far as I'm concerned they are far better built. The Sig is just as easy to strip as the Beretta if not easier.

Sig also makes the P226 DAK which is DAO if you interested in a DAO. Just depends on what feels better to you and you can shoot accurately.

[liketoshoot]

I have a sig P226, G17, S&W .40 and love 'em all. the sig is my bedside piece the rest go with me, one at a time. I have never had a problem with the Sig and i have shot app 1000 rounds thru it, yes 1 or 2 stovepipes but I blame that on reloads. Get the Sig if you can afford it.

[Pugster]

I am trading my Glock 17 for a P226. I will have to post pictures of it later!

[MKE]

I am trading my Glock 17 for a P226. I will have to post pictures of it later!

Good move...though both are good guns. Be prepared to buy more SIGs - that 226 is going to start asking for company.

[Pugster]

I have already begun to set my eyes on the Beretta 92FS and M9....

[CaliGunOwner]

I prefer the Beretta. I have 2 Italian 92s and love'em -- Oh, and 12,000 rounds through both & all's well