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Sig P226 Legion X5 Review

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The SIG Sauer P226 XFIVE Legion is a modern iteration of the P226, a pistol with a storied past that began in the early 1980s. Originally developed for the U.S. Army’s XM9 Service Pistol Trials in 1984, the P226 was an evolution of the earlier P220, refining its double-stack magazine design to offer higher capacity. Though it lost to the Beretta 92 due to cost considerations, the P226 gained a strong following, notably with the U.S. Navy SEALs adopting the MK25 variant. This military pedigree helped cement its reputation among law enforcement and civilian shooters alike.
The XFIVE (or X5) lineage traces back to SIG’s German Mastershop, where hand-fitted, competition-focused versions of the P226 emerged over a decade ago. These pistols, often stainless steel and single-action-only (SAO), catered to precision shooters and carried a premium price tag. In 2020, SIG Sauer reoriented its American-made lineup under the Legion banner—a series launched in 2015 to enhance existing models with upgraded features and a distinctive gray Cerakote finish. The P226 XFIVE Legion, introduced in late 2023, merges the X5’s competition heritage with Legion enhancements, aiming to blend tactical utility with range performance. Manufactured in New Hampshire, it reflects SIG’s push to elevate the P226 platform while keeping production domestic.

Specifications

The P226 XFIVE Legion is a full-sized, 9mm Parabellum pistol designed for single-action-only operation. Here are its core specs:
  • Barrel Length: 4.4 inches, featuring a slide-integrated expansion chamber (a compensator-like design to reduce recoil).
  • Overall Length: Approximately 8.6 inches.
  • Height: Around 5.9 inches.
  • Width: 1.7 inches, measured at the ambidextrous thumb safeties.
  • Weight: About 42.4 ounces with an empty magazine, due to its alloy frame with tungsten-infused TXG grip panels.
  • Magazine Capacity: Comes with three 20-round magazines (10-round versions available in restricted states).
  • Trigger: AX3 flat-faced, adjustable trigger with a pull weight around 3-4 pounds, offering three adjustment points for take-up, overtravel, and reset.
  • Sights: Suppressor-height XRAY3 front sight with a green tritium insert and an adjustable rear sight. The slide is optics-ready, compatible with SIG’s ROMEO series or other red dots via the RMR footprint.
  • Frame: Aluminum alloy with a Legion Gray Cerakote finish and custom TXG (tungsten-infused) grips for added weight and control.
  • Slide: Stainless steel, also in Legion Gray Cerakote, with front and rear serrations.
  • Additional Features: Ambidextrous thumb safety, flared aluminum magwell, oversized takedown lever (doubling as a gas pedal), and a Picatinny rail.
The slide’s integrated expansion chamber is a key feature, venting gas to minimize muzzle rise without an external compensator, keeping the barrel at 4.4 inches. The TXG grips add heft to tame recoil further, while the AX3 trigger—touted as SIG’s smoothest yet—caters to shooters seeking precision and customization.

Design and Performance Context

The P226 XFIVE Legion sits at the intersection of competition and duty use, though its heft and size lean toward the former. The expansion chamber and heavy frame make it exceptionally flat-shooting, a trait praised by range enthusiasts and competitive shooters. At 42 ounces, it’s heavier than a standard P226 Legion (34 ounces) but lighter than some all-steel X5 predecessors (46 ounces). This balance, paired with the gas pedal—a pronounced ledge on the takedown lever—enhances control during rapid fire, appealing to those running USPSA Limited or Limited Optics divisions.
Accuracy is a strong suit. The 4.4-inch barrel and adjustable trigger deliver tight groups—users report consistent 1-2 inch spreads at 25 yards with quality ammo like 124-grain FMJ or JHP loads. The high bore axis, a longtime SIG characteristic, is offset by the recoil mitigation features, though it may not feel as flat as a low-bore 2011 like the Staccato XC. The trigger’s crisp break and short reset stand out, often compared favorably to custom jobs costing hundreds more.
For practical use, it’s less suited to concealed carry due to its bulk—8.6 inches long and over 2.5 pounds loaded. However, its reliability mirrors the P226’s legacy; testing shows it cycles everything from budget FMJ to +P defensive rounds without hiccups. Law enforcement might opt for the lighter P226 Legion DA/SA instead, but the XFIVE Legion has drawn interest from shooters who value its blend of shootability and aesthetics.

Historical Evolution and Relevance

The XFIVE Legion builds on earlier X5 models like the German-made Classics and Supermatches, which were heavier and lacked optics cuts or Legion styling. Its American redesign reflects modern trends: a shift to 9mm dominance, optics compatibility, and hybrid grips that balance weight and ergonomics. The P226 itself has evolved from a military contender to a versatile platform, with the Legion series adding refinements like enhanced triggers and night sights since 2015. Introduced alongside models like the P320 XFIVE Legion, this pistol shows SIG’s intent to keep hammer-fired guns relevant amid striker-fired dominance.
Priced around $2,199 MSRP (often closer to $1,975-$2,000 street price), it’s a significant investment—roughly double a standard P226 Legion SAO. This positions it as a luxury option, competing with high-end 2011s or CZ Shadows, though its recoil management and trigger quality give it an edge for some. Its limited-run predecessors suggest potential collectible value, but that’s speculative.

Final Thoughts

The SIG Sauer P226 XFIVE Legion is a refined take on a classic, blending the P226’s robust history with competition-grade upgrades. Its 9mm chambering, integrated expansion chamber, and adjustable trigger make it a standout for precision and control, ideal for range days or competitive shooting. At over 42 ounces and 8.6 inches, it’s not a daily carry piece, but its reliability and accuracy uphold the P226’s reputation. For shooters who appreciate a hammer-fired pistol with modern flair—and don’t mind the cost—it’s a compelling evolution of a 40-year-old design, bridging SIG’s past and present with finesse.