Posted: 12/23/2012 6:18:43 PM EDT
| Alright you Sig experts: I purchased a used P226 a couple of weeks ago- an older model with no rails or anything.. It seems to be in really good shape- almost no holster wear or exterior wear to be seen. The barrel appears almost new as well- I'm estimating 3-400 rounds or so. The feed ramp doesn't even look like it's been used. I cleaned it thoroughly, using a combination of Sweets and Shooter's Choice- got almost no copper out of the barrel. The crown looks good- although I may look at it under magnification next just to be sure. Sorry to be so long-winded- here is the crux: No matter what load I try, factory or my own, 115 or 124 grain bullets, 25 yards off sandbags, every 5 round group I have shot has measured 4.5" I expected better- am I missing something? ( Other than the bullseye?!) Any advice would be appreciated. |
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do you own another pistol with better results? This is where I was headed as well. Are you use to DA/SA triggers? Perhaps you are slapping, not resetting or something else you might be missing due to what you have been shooting. Just thoughts. Tell us more. Sound like the gun is in good shape. |
| Most of my experience is with 1911s, but all the firing I've done from the bench with this Sig has been in single action mode. I haven't excluded the fact that it could be me, but my norm with my 1911 (and it's a Sarco parts kit on an Essex frame!) is groups in the 3" range. I reallly love the trigger on this P226. I am going to try 147 grain bullets next- hoping it displays a marked preference for them. Also, I checked out the thread "How old is my Sig?" and found out this pistol was made in 1987- I was really surprised! And thanks for the suggestions. |
| I will try some close cqb shooting next. I realize there are many factors that can be at play, but I figured shooting off the bags in single action mode would even the odds a bit- I definitely don't claim to be a crack pistol shot. And don't misconstrue this to be a bash thread- I love this pistol! It seems utterly reliable, and I wouldn't want someone shooting at me with it from 25 or even 50 yards. |
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After reading more and inspecting the barrel closer, it appears the barrel is worn more than the rest of the pistol. I can actually feel a "lip" on top of the barrel near the muzzle. Perhaps this is the source of the problem.
ETA: The lip is worn on the bottom of the muzzle. Anyway, I'm sending it to the factory for inspection and night sights. They will check it for me. |
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SIGs can be difficult to shoot well, they don't work for everyone. For twenty five yards your groups aren't great but I suspect SIG would tell you they're in spec. I doubt there is anything wrong with the pistol. +1 It's probably you. Has anyone else shot it? |
| No one else has shot it yet. I just sent it on its way back to Sig today. Curious to see what they find- but will be happy if they say it's in spec and all that. I appreciate all the advice! Now the long wait! They quoted me about three weeks for the current turn around time. I guess I will survive! I will post results when it comes back and I get to shoot it some more. |
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SIGs can be difficult to shoot well, they don't work for everyone. For twenty five yards your groups aren't great but I suspect SIG would tell you they're in spec. I doubt there is anything wrong with the pistol. Can you give me any idea as to what new owners have trouble with? It has a great trigger and great sights- can't imagine what I'm doing wrong. |
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SIGs can be difficult to shoot well, they don't work for everyone. For twenty five yards your groups aren't great but I suspect SIG would tell you they're in spec. I doubt there is anything wrong with the pistol. Can you give me any idea as to what new owners have trouble with? It has a great trigger and great sights- can't imagine what I'm doing wrong. I shoot primarily SIG P226 pistols. I have four that will shoot 1.5" at 25 yards, 5 shot groups. Problem is I can't shoot a 1.5" group every day. Last week I was testing a new gun for a friend and I couldn't get any tighter than 3". I pulled out one of mine and guess what, 3" was as good as I could do. I wouldn't be too worried about a 4" group at 25 yards, even from a bag. To be honest, I shoot better groups with the SIG standing at 25 yards than from a bag at 25 yards. I do not understand why. Perhaps you should try standing, two-handed grip without the bag. My bet is that your group size will not grow much if any. Joe |
I have bad days and I WANT to blame my gun....but I know my Sig shoots too good 
I will say, when I'm on a good day: my Sig .40 will do 2.5" groups pretty easily at 25 yards.....except once...... I have no clue how or why, but it was shooting bad, so I stripped it apart (ya know. to blame the gun)...I put on a new recoil spring, the problem went away....put the old one back on, it kept throwing an occasionall shot off. Did this with two other people who tried it as well. That one had my head-scratching, but I had 2 others in addition to myself try it, new recoil spring=no fliers. Old recoil spring back in=1 of 5 about was a flier. |
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I have about 1500 rounds thru my 226...I seem to have a tighter group when I squeeze off 3 or 5 rounds rather quickly versus slowly, but my Sig 1911 I can shoot fast or slow and get same results, just not with the 226....but I love that gun and it's coupled with a streamlight on my nightstand, I know it will never let me down and is the gun I choose to keep my family safe.
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I know you are going for marksmanship and all, but 4.5" at 25 yards isn't bad. Many may claim to get better, etc. I sure wouldn't want you shooting at me at 25 yards. I do pretty well freehand at 25 yards with my Sig, but it is a 226 X6 L1. I have never tried it from a sandbag, maybe I should. My thinking is if I can shoot well enough to defend myself, than I am good. I also have other DA/SA Sigs including a 226. All of them shoot pretty well and I bought most of them used. I think you are doing pretty well.
Have a Happy New Year & good luck with your 226! Mark |
With a whole bunch of practice and some warm up with a CZ in 22LR, here is what I was able to do with my lightly modified SSE on January 1, 2013...
I bet SIG will fix it right up if they find anything wrong with it. Two weeks ago all I could do was 2.5" groups with the same gun. When the groups grow, it's me. When they shrink, it's me. Love this pistol. Joe |
| Thanks for the input, Joe. Got it back today. The test target was 5 rds of Aguila 124 gr from 15 yards. Group measured 1.25". Not sure what type of rest. Just so happens I have a box of that particular ammo in the safe. I will try it out. They did replace the recoil spring, and the night sights are nice! |
| There is a tremendous variance in factory 9mm ammo...more than with any other caliber except...maybe...22lr. If you are shooting 'blasting ammo' like WWWB or Blaser Brass, etc. I am pretty sure that is at least part of your problem. Try some premium ammo in 147gr and see what you get. |