gun review: Sig P226 SAO
destined to be a multi-role pistol and since I no longer actively work as a uniformed offi cer/Deputy, I made a few modifi cations to make the pistol fi t my needs. While the Siglite sights are great, I have found the fi ber-optic front sights and a “U” notch rear work well for my aging eyes. I installed a Warren Tactical rear and a Hi-Viz red fi ber optic front. Hi-Viz’s overmolded fi ber optic sights have proven themselves to be virtually indestructible. For this reason, I chose it over other fi ber optic sights.
For personal protection applications, a BLACKHAWK! Zyphos light and a Lasermax Guide rod laser were installed. T e Zyphos re- quires using a BLACKHAWK! SERPA level-two retention holster. For daily duty, a level three holster with a locking hood is also available. T e Zyphos mounts to the rail with a locking lever. T is lever adapts to a wide range of rails; not all light rails are truly MIL- STD-1913 Picatinny spec, so this light works like a champ. T e Zyphos is activated with a toggle; which also controls the output from momentary on, constant on, or strobe. I like the toggle because it does not require any pads or for me to change my shooting grip to operate the light. T is light has an output of 180 lumens for ap- proximately 90 minutes and it adds only about two and a half ounces to a pistol. T e MSRP of the Zyphos is $199.99, but it can often be found for less online.
My Sig P226 traditional DA and the new SAO ride in a SERPA Concealment L2 holster ($49.99), both with and without the Zy- phos light. I like the Serpa’s trigger-guard locking bar and fi nger release. According to Internet lore, there have been loads of negli- gent discharges from this holster. But, I have carried 1911s, Glocks, H&Ks, M&Ps, and Sigs in Serpa holsters since their introduction. It has been my duty holster, my CCW holster, and my competition holster. Another reason I chose the SERPA is the U.S. Army Special Forces Command picked the SERPA as its duty holster; so if it meets the demands of these troops, BLACKHAWK! must be doing some- thing right. No matter what holster you choose, dry-fi re practice will help you learn your gear.
With a quality light attached and fi ber optic sights, I also wanted a fast aiming system if the pistol was required for use in close quarters. For this, I installed a Lasermax. T is system replaces the factory guide rod and the takedown lever. T e Lasermax takedown lever activates the laser with a side-to-either-side push with the center position, keeping the laser off . T is system does not aff ect the size of the grip and there are no adjustments to make and the laser gives point of aim/point of impact accuracy out to 20 yards.
I have been fortunate enough to run Lasermax in several handguns
and they work as advertised. Currently one resides in my favorite P229 SCT and has had several thousand rounds fi red with the laser installed. T e laser is accurate and functions fl awlessly. What I like about this laser is the light blinks so your eye picks up the movement/twinkle of the light quickly. T is is important with red lasers in brighter light when they are less visible. T e Lasermax’s retail price will set you back $399, but if you look around, you will fi nd them for less. To make the pistol fi t better and to give a more secure purchase in any condition, I replaced the factory grips with Hogue’s G10 G- Mascus. T ese grips are a high-pressure thermoset plastic laminate consisting of multiple layers of woven fi berglass mesh cloth impreg-
19 The Police Marksman May-Jun 2014
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nated with an epoxy resin binder. T ey are nearly indestructible. To give the pistol character, a green chain link fi nish was chosen. T ese grips have large checkered sections, which give superior grip with gloves on or in the wettest conditions. T ey are not cheap at an MSRP of $119.95, but they’re worth every penny. While some agencies may not approve all of these modifi cations, some will. None of the extras aff ect the operation or factory safe- ties, which I do not advocate for duty weapons because of possible litigation. Better sights and fi t of the pistol to the operator will aid in increasing your performance.
It may seem like the P226 SAO is rather pricey with an MSRP of $1,218, but this is not a polymer frame pistol, but rather a precision shooting tool. Without any modifi cations, the Sig Sauer P226 SAO is a practically perfect pistol with its single-action trigger and high- capacity magazine. If your agency authorizes a single-action pistol, this one should be at the top of the short list. T e P226 SAO is accurate, reliable, and will perform well in whatever conditions you encounter on duty. PM
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