Small arms of the present: automatic pistol SIG-Sauer P226

The monk Bertoltz Schwarz, mixing in the mortar ingredients to produce gunpowder, discovered the propelling properties of this substance. But he did not know what his invention would result in. All the variety of small arms that the modern market boasts can be traced back to the mortar and pestle of the ancient monk. The article will consider one of the models of this arsenal.

History of creation

When in the distant 1981 the US Army announced a competition for the creation of a new nine-millimeter pistol (to replace the obsolete model), German-Swiss firm SIG-J.R.Sauer decided to join the fight for a delicious order. The commission was presented with a modified version of the pistol SIG-Sauer P220 already produced for the army of Switzerland . The new model received the designation SIG-Sauer P226. The tender was won by competitors (Beretta), but the event itself served as a good advertisement, and the special forces of the US fleet, as well as the FBI and other law enforcement agencies became interested in weapons. Soon the deliveries of these pistols to these organizations began. In addition to the special units of the US Army, Navy and Police, the SIG-Sauer P226 pistol was adopted by some European armies, including the legendary British Special Air Service (SAS).

Device and construction

Model SIG-Sauer P226 is considered a classic service-combat pistol "pre-plastic" times and is characterized by high reliability and accuracy of combat. The scheme of automation is based on the principle of a short stroke of the shutter. Locking is carried out with the help of a decreasing trunk (the so-called modified Browning scheme). The design of the shock-trigger mechanism is trigger, double action (self-cocking). An automatic fuse located on the frame blocks the hammer and does not allow a spontaneous shot to be fired before the trigger is pressed. The shutter casing, depending on the model, is made either by stamping out of black metal, or by milling in stainless steel. The frame is produced by casting from an aluminum alloy. Near the base of the trigger guard is a double-sided latch of the magazine, which makes it easy to handle with both right and left hands. Since February 2010, the new model SIG-Sauer P226 is produced, which differs monolithic structure of the handle and improved texture of its surface. As a result, the dimensions of the rear part of the handle decreased, which provided a more comfortable shooting from the gun. In the store the cartridges are arranged in two rows, which makes it possible to significantly increase the firepower of the weapon.

Being in constant combat readiness, having a sufficiently high stopping power of the ammunition, excellent reliability of operation in difficult and difficult conditions, simplicity and convenience in handling, safety and high accuracy of shooting and without significant drawbacks, the SIG-Sauer P226 at the time of its entry into the arms market was Recognized by experts as one of the best, and probably, the best nine-millimeter military pistol of the world.

Sports options

Several types of pistols are produced to participate in shooting competitions based on the base model. Two models are considered in this article. Below is a brief description of each of them. So...

SIG-Sauer P226 X-Five Allround

This version of the combat pistol is designed for practical shooting competitions. It is designed for high accuracy (at a shooting range of 50 meters the spread is less than 50 millimeters) and is distinguished by excellent quality of surface treatment and manufacturing of parts. All metal elements are made with the use of alloys based on stainless steel. The lateral surfaces of the shutter casing are characterized by a large inclined notch. A comfortable ergonomic grip provides comfortable retention, as well as a dense and deep fit of the hand. The design of the shock-trigger mechanism corresponds to the prototype model. The aiming devices are represented by a micrometric whole and a front sight that is fixed in a special groove shaped like a swallowtail. The magazine cover has a rubber coating. SIG-Sauer P226 X-Five Allround comes in a special plastic case and is equipped with an additional magazine, branded oil, a target and instructions.

Cybergun SIG-Sauer P226

And, finally, we turn to another model, which is based on a real combat prototype.

Cybergun SIG-Sauer P226 is a pneumatic sports pistol, which, like two drops of water, looks like a real one. Appearance, tactile sensations, weight and mechanics of action - everything is the same. The trigger force of this specimen is the same as that of the corresponding automatic pistol. With the preliminary cock plunging the trigger is very light and short. For weapons that shoot steel balls, accuracy is simply excellent. Excellent build quality, parts are almost all made of metal. When shooting realism adds a return. Energy for the production of a shot is provided by a high-pressure balloon with carbon dioxide. Of the disadvantages can be identified some complexity when charging and rapid consumption of CO ₂ , but these shortcomings are more than offset by its merits. In general, this gun is an excellent choice for improving shooting skills, and for entertaining shooting.

Production

The SIG-Sauer P226 gun is currently manufactured at SIG-Sauer plants in Eckernförde (Germany) and Exter (New Hampshire, USA). Under license, these weapons are also manufactured in China. The P226 pistol is armed with army and police units from many countries of the world, in particular the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh, Finland, the Netherlands, Indonesia and many others. It should be noted that the design of this model was so successful that countries such as Myanmar and Iran issued it without any license for their armed forces and police units.