At the start of our series on traditional double action/single action semi-autos, my plan was to try out a few of the most popular DA/SA platforms and offer my impressions on each. There really aren’t that many options to choose from, especially if you limit the choices to compacts suitable for everyday carry, so I didn’t think it would take too long to go through all the major contenders. Well, I was wrong. I started with some of Beretta’s offerings, and basically got stuck there for a few months, because, quite honestly, they were really working out well for me and I wasn’t in any hurry to change over to something new. On top of that, I wanted to make sure to cover some of the “software” issues related to shooting DA/SA as well as other self-defense topics rather than put out a long string of gear reviews.
For the time being, I will most likely be sticking with Berettas for carry and practice, splitting time between the PX4 Compact, Wilson Combat 92G Compact Carry, and full size 92G. That said, I’m still making room to try out some other double actions, though probably spread out over a longer period of time than I originally intended. Sig Sauer’s classic P220 series was next on the list of pistols to evaluate, and I went straight to the top shelf their product offerings with the Sig Sauer P229 Legion Series. Detailed video review below with full transcript following.
Transcript:
The Sig P229 Legion is one of three pistols that Sig Sauer introduced last year with the launch of the Legion series. These are factory semi-custom variants of classic Sig pistols with some premium features you don’t get on the standard models. Some of these features include enhanced front strap checkering, an undercut trigger guard, G10 grips, a modified action and trigger, low profile slide release and decock lever, and high visibility night sights. This is the 9mm version of the P229, but it’s also available in .40 S&W and .357 Sig.
Since I started my experiment with traditional double actions earlier this year, most of the guns I’ve been talking about here have been Berettas. So far, I definitely have a preference for Berettas, but there are some other good options. Sig Sauer is every bit the equal of Beretta in terms of overall quality and reputation and the P229 Legion is supposed to represent the best of what they have to offer right now for a double action carry gun.
These guns have been out about a year now, so there have already been plenty of other reviews and videos and online discussions, and one of the topics that keeps coming up is whether the Legion series is worth the added cost. This gun is roughly $300 more than the standard P229, so the Legion thing adds about 33% to the price tag.
That by itself has turned some people off, but what doesn’t help matters much is that Sig’s marketing for the Legion series is… a little over the top. They made a big deal out of this whole warrior lifestyle thing and the gun comes with a membership to the exclusive Legion club. Honestly, I think Sig might have underestimated the level of cynicism in the shooting community because it seems like a lot of people got the impression that “Legion” is just code for “overpriced”.
I can see why people would think that. It might cost a lot more than $300 to add all of these extra features to a standard Sig, but if you don’t really need or want those features, the Legion guns could seem like a ripoff. But I’m going to argue that, in spite of the self-indulgent marketing, the Legion pistols actually have some very well thought-out features that some people are really going to appreciate.
I’ve put about 1000 rounds through this Sig over the last few weeks, including my weekend at the Rangemaster Advanced Instructor Course in Texas. I’ve shot other double action Sigs in the past, but this is the first one I’ve given a serious evaluation. Coming from the Beretta pistols, right away one of the things I missed is the slide-mounted decocker. A lot of people dislike that Beretta design, but you can’t decock a Sig without breaking your support hand grip — I would prefer to have the ability to decock when I come off target and keep the gun at a low ready without disrupting my grip. So for me, that’s one small advantage of the Berettas.
Another one is that in my hands, the double action trigger on the Sig feels like it breaks just slightly farther back than on the Beretta. It’s not a major disadvantage on the P229 Legion, because it has a very smooth trigger, but I did have to take more care with my trigger press on targets beyond about 20 yards.
In all other respects, the trigger on this pistol is outstanding. The trigger itself is the Grayguns Intermediate Adjustable trigger and it also has the Sig short reset upgrade and a polished and tuned action. What this translates to when you’re actually shooting is easier trigger manipulation on strings of rapid fire. When you combine that with modest recoil and a bright green daylight-visible front sight, it shouldn’t take much for an experienced shooter to get quick, accurate hits with this pistol.
Bench rest accuracy was also really impressive. I fired some five-round groups at 25 yards and got the best results with 124 grain Federal HST and 115 grain Speer Gold Dot, and accuracy with everyday full metal jacket practice ammo wasn’t bad either.
Using this gun at the instructor class, the checkering on the front strap and the G10 grips offered a noticeable advantage when I was shooting with sweaty hands all day in the Texas summer heat. But I think a more useful upgrade is the undercut trigger guard. It allows for a slightly higher grip on the gun, and it’s also helpful in getting a consistent full firing grip before drawing it from the holster. That little recess gives you some tactile confirmation that your hand is up as high as it can go on the front strap.
The low profile slide lock helps to prevent an issue that’s common with the classic Sigs, where the strong hand thumb inadvertently rides the slide lock which prevents the slide from staying open on an empty magazine. I’ve had that issue with Sigs before, but it was not a problem with the P229 Legion. One side effect to watch out for is that the smaller lever is a little bit tougher to activate on a slide lock reload, so you might have to practice that until you get the hang of it, or just use the overhand rack method to release the slide.
The Rangemaster Instructor course was a great place to try out this pistol because almost all the shooting we did was either a test that was being scored or a practice run for a test. So I had plenty of opportunities to find out if this gun was going to do what I needed it to do. For the most part, I didn’t feel at all handicapped by using the 229 even though I hadn’t spent much time with it before the class. At the 25 yard line, I would have been slightly more comfortable with a Beretta, but at more typical self-defense ranges, the P229 Legion was a fantastic performer. The scores I got in that class are a pretty honest indication of where my skill level is right now, and I don’t think I could have done much better with any other gun.
So, I like the P229 Legion, but is it worth the extra cost? Well, really, that’s tough for me to say since I haven’t had a ton of prior experience with other double action Sigs. Whether or not these features are worth paying a price that’s a third higher than normal is going to have a lot to do with personal preference and your budget. But I will say this — if you can’t shoot now, dropping 1200 bucks on a Sig Legion isn’t going to change that. Some people have money to burn and they just want a nice gun for the sake of having a nice gun, and that’s fine. But if your resources are more limited and you’re hoping this gun is going to help you shoot better, these little extras and enhancements aren’t going to make a bit of difference unless you can already turn in a respectable performance with a plain stock pistol.
If you are a serious shooter and you like double actions, then you probably already have a good idea of whether or not the features that Sig is offering on the Legion series are things you might benefit from. For people in that camp, I feel comfortable saying that most of these features are really well executed. Personally, if I were going to invest the Sig platform, I might consider a Legion pistol just to get that undercut trigger guard — I really like that feature. The finish isn’t holding up quite as well as I would like, but otherwise, this is a pretty impressive effort for a factory gun with some upgrades that make a lot of sense.
I love Sig pistols. One problem that I’ve found with them is that when I’m shooting with the thumbs-forward grip, my right thumb can ride the slide lock and prevent the slide from locking back after the last round. I can prevent this by moving my thumb to another position, but it’s still irritating. It looks like the low profile slide lock was designed to alleviate the problem, so it must not be just me. Do you have the same problem? Does the new design help?
Yes, it helps. I addressed that in the video.
Sorry. I was having a short-attention-span day, so I must have skipped over that part of the video, and then just read the text. Thank you.
I was ready to fall for the marketing.
Just curious, but I would think that a Sig Sauer Pistol would have a trigger to match the rest of the pistol, a higher quality gun. I have a Sig Pro, and I have been doing all I can to smooth and work that trigger to a smoother, crisper break. So for an extra $300.00, you get a decent trigger, checkering and an undercut trigger guard. I like Sig pistols, carried one as a LEO years ago, and found the current one used with little use. So, how do we as the gun appreciating public, convince Sig to put out their line of pistols with a decent trigger without breaking the bank….
Oh, Chris, I think you are pretty brave or really confident to take a new pistol to an Instructor course without knowing how it shoots. (They have personalities, you know)
I think Sig is well aware that the vast majority of their customers rarely, if ever, actually shoot their guns, so I’m not sure re-working their manufacturing process to make all of the triggers better would be a financially attractive option for them. And if you think about it, good triggers have never been an automatic by-product of ‘premium’ brand pistols, anyway. Sometimes… but it’s not the norm. Take HK, for example. They enjoy a reputation for top shelf quality and reliability, yet the triggers on their DA/SA guns are mediocre at best.
And I doubt I’m as brave as you’re giving me credit for. I did *some* shooting with the Sig prior to the class, and I had a Beretta in my range bag ready to go just in case.
I have the 229 Legion in 9mm with a little over 1100 rounds through it. It’s also my EDC. I love it and prefer it over anything else Ive tried. Various calibers and brands. Also I have the 226 Legion in .357sig and have several hundred rounds through it. I actually shoot mine as much as possible.
They may be a bit pricey but to me they’re definitely worth the value. I don’t really care for all the special Legion gear but do love the pistols. I have an older 226 and to me there’s definitely a difference besides price.
Also bought one on gun broker for a good price, that was better than most of the local retailers. Definitely a nice EDC that I think can be appreciated by a serious shooter.
Maybe I’m perturbed that Sig doesn’t offer a better trigger for my 2022. At least, that’s what the website says….
The SP2022 has a fantastic DA trigger and the SA is more than acceptable. Maybe you got a lemon, but IMO the 2022 is the best pistol in SIG’s lineup. All it needs are decent sights.
I guess it’s a matter of relativity. In relation to the other firearms I’ve used, it could be better….definitely not the worst, though.
The Gray Guns trigger is an enhanced trigger and if purchased from Gray Guns has a retail of $325. Last year I sent a new M11-A1 to Sig’s Custom Shop for an ‘Action Package’, an E2 grip, and a reduced reach trigger. This is my wife’s carry gun. The work was worth every bit of the $375 or so spent with the Sig Custom Shop. That trigger is smoother and lighter than the one on my P226 TACOPS that has at least 1000 rounds through it.
The Grayguns P-SAIT trigger that is on the SIG Sauer Legions is not a custom action package. It is available as a separate part for $62.50 and can be installed in any P series SIG. Despite much comment to the contrary, the Legion does not have any internal hand polishing or tuning. The internal parts undergo some type of “automated polishing” but SIG is pretty closed-mouthed about exactly what this entails. The Legions also come stock with the SRT kit modified sear and safety lever, which again can be installed on any P series SIG.
unfortunately all of the DA/SA’s so far have been big and heavy, which (in my simple opinion) makes these autos very difficult to EDC as a civilian…staying with my Glock 26. Thanks for the review.
The Beretta PX4 Compact I reviewed a few months ago isn’t particularly heavy. If you’re looking for something the size and weight of a G26, there aren’t many DA/SA options, however. The sub-compact PX4 and the CZ RAMI are somewhat comparable in size, but they’re slightly heavier than the G26. My impression is that DA/SA actions simply occupy more space than a striker action, so it’s difficult to engineer a DA/SA pistol to be really small. Definitely a big drawback.
The SIG, good as it is, has two major demerits. My own history with the 229 involved the older now-called “Classic” that is discontinued.
First, it had a fantastic crisp 4.25lb SA pull. Its slide was the older narrow one and there was no rail. It was shootable enough without the SRT but of course that would help.
Second, there is no way to compare the weight between molded plastic and machined from billet aluminum for a receiver, and the SIG design has always been thicker than most. 229R models are especially so, considering it is marketed as a compact service pistol for plainclothes carry.
It is sobering to see a loaded weight of forty ounces on a thick pistol. At that point, even a steel 1911 isn’t much more, while if anything even more eminently “shootable” as well as possibly more comfortable to carry.
CZ P01 dimensions like G19 but a couple oz heavier.
I wish I could post pictures of the target from the first magazine fired from the PX4 Compact Carry. First shot went 1″ above the 8 oz plastic bottle. The second grazed the bottom flipping it straight up in the air. Shots 3&4 hit the bottle while it was still in flight. The 3rd shot sent it spinning off to my left, and the 4th sent it tumbling back to earth, where it landed between two piles of gravel. From there I peppered it 10 more times sending it tumbling up the piles of gravel. For THAT to be my first 15 shots with a gun I have never ever used before? WOW! Two hits in mid air on an 8oz plastic bottle at 10 yards+. I just NOT much of a striker fired fan, I guess. I am used to decocking my guns and throwing them to team mates in live fire exercises, and just never got into the whole Glock thing after 3 broken frames. Yes, Glock has fixed that problem, and it was fixed 27 years ago, but it sure soured me on Glock. I do own one now, but it took a while after 3 broken frames.
I have the Legion P-226 SAO and just love it! Enough that I went out and bought a second one.
I like the way you present information. Regarding the price difference, the amount spent on upgrading a standard SIG 229/226 with G10 grips and HD night sights alone get you right up there. I get not wanting to buy into SIG’s marketing here, but I do NOT get complaining about the pistol being overpriced.
I’ve been meaning to throw the CZ P-07 out there as a DA/SA G19 competitor. I figured I’d mention that little $470 gem here on the video with the $1200 Sig. I’d like to see what you think of it, especially considering the price. I like it, I’d like to see it featured here.
I’m planning to cover the P07 before the end of the year.
Chris, I really look forward to your follow-ups on this DA/SA series. Honest and not sugar-coated; and always emphasizing consistent training with whatever platform you’ve chosen. I’m especially looking forward to your reviewing CZ’s decocker DA/SA 9mm compacts: the CZ RAMI BD, P-01, and PCR are among the ONLY 14+1 pistols (10+ for CA) where the decocker can be easily thumbed from SA to DA without changing your grip (a benefit when holding a BG at bay) and the decocker is NOT a redundant manual safety like most Beretta’s. Again, great series and quite a few of us seem to be looking forward to your CZ reviews.
Just took my CZ 75DPCR to the range today I been using my Shield for so long I’ll have to practice more. It is a very smooth gun the only thing about that compact model is the guide rod which is polymer so I ordered a stainless steel which on a lot of forums people are doing . So if you ever do a review on the CZ compact see if you think the difference in guide rods gives it a little more edge on recoil rise . Thanks Bill Z.
I enjoyed your review. I have been a long-time Beretta shooter and own a 92FS and two DA/SA Beretta 8000 series Cougars. I more recently bought a non-Legion SIG Sauer P229R. I have dry-fired several SIG Legion 226 and 229 pistols, and shot one 9mm P229 Legion recently at a nearby range. In my opinion, the SIG DA/SA trigger is superior to that of the Beretta 92FS. My DA trigger was lighter and smoother than that of the 92FS with stock mainsprings. In fact, I think my P229 DA trigger was lighter than that of my 92FS even with the 16lb Beretta D spring installed. With a 19lb reduced power Wolff mainspring in my P229, there is no comparison. The SIG DA trigger is quite a bit better. The Beretta 92FS trigger has a pretty long reset with a lot of take-up compared to the P229 with the stock sear and safety lever. With the SRT sear/safety lever, the reset of the P229 is remarkably shorter than the Beretta. This might not be a huge issue for those adept at “riding the reset”. I personally prefer the frame-mounted decocker to the slide-mounted safety/decocker of the Beretta. The lever does not take up valuable real estate on the rear of the slide. I do like many of the features of the P229 Legion including the X-Ray sights, G10 grips, Grayguns P-SAIT trigger, and SRT kit. The front slide serrations I can take or leave. I don’t like doing press checks with my hand close to the muzzle. The slight frame relief under the back of the trigger guard, the front strap checkering, and the checkering on the bottom of the trigger guard are nice, but I did not notice them having a perceptible impact on how I shot the Legion at an indoor range. Some things about the Legion that I don’t care much for are the miniaturized levers which I find much harder to actuate. I never had any problem with the regular-sized P229 levers. I don’t care for the beavertail even though it is not as pronounced as that on the Elite model. It doesn’t add anything for me but more weight, more length, and more snagability. And finish irregularity and lack of durability has been an issue for a number of Legion owners. I don’t think the Legion is a ripoff if you value its particular features. In my case, I did score a new P229R at a good price, put in an SRT, a P-SAIT trigger, G10 grips, and X-Ray sights and still came out a bit cheaper than it would have been for me to buy a new Legion.
Hi, for your next Double Action gun review, I was wondering if you looked at either the USP compact or the P2000. Both very popular, compact DA/SA guns with an very good legacy. (p2000 being easier to carry, p2000sk even easier)
Another idea~~the Sig P226 Extreme: nice G10 grips, Tritium sights, Sig’s Short Reset Trigger in one package and less $$ than going full Legion. It is an impressive SA pull and reset. When other folks shoot a variety of 9mm platforms at the range (1911, G19, VP9, G17, S&W929), they always come back to the 226E as the nicest to shoot with confidence.
Part of it is obviously the weight of a full steel pistol, but much of it is the workmanship of the Sig system and a sweet SA pull and reset.
It isn’t in Sig’s 2017 catalog (the P226 Enhanced Elite looks the closest and includes a big bevertail) but they are still available online around $900 to $1,000. This is one you’ll keep, and hopefully shoot, and will regret if you ever sell!
I have no use for that extended beaver tail, or the ridiculous price. The trigger is an intermediate reset, Grey Trigger. I polished up the SRT parts, and plated my springs. I’ll put my OLD Swiss made P226 police trade ins against the Legion any day of the week. They were holster worn, and the night sights were dead. That was all easily fixed, added the SRT kits, cleaned them up, new SigLight sights, and they are just fabulous.
Mr. Baker I really enjoyed your video on the Sig Sauer P229 Legion. I had a few questions.
Are you still carrying it as a concealed weapon everyday?
What AIWB holster do you recommend for it?
Have you had any problems with it since your video?
Are you running a light on it? If so which one?
Anything you can add since the video?
Thanks
The P229 was a loaner from Sig, so I returned it after doing the review. For a holster, I like the AIWB options from JM Custom Kydex. I don’t usually run a WML, especially not on a carry gun.
I’m guessing it didn’t prompt you to go out and purchase a Legion P229 of your own?
No, but if I bought every gun I reviewed that I liked, I would be broke. For big metal-framed DA/SA pistols, I have a slight preference for Berettas, and although the P229 Legion is a very nice gun, there was nothing about it that made me want to change that preference.
I love the Langdon PX4! I have a well used, and cared for German made US Navy trials P228R that sort of became the P229R and M11A, 9mm. Sig went to machined stainless steel slides instead of the stamped steel slides used on the German Sig Sauers that gave the gun it’s reputation of excellence, over many years. This better suited these guns to shoot the .40 S&W round. I love the P228R. It is lighter than the P299s, made better, and works every single time no matter what, but I can just shoot the PX4 Storm Compact Carry much better, and faster than, well…….. uhm, pretty much ANYTHING ELSE, that is a decent carry gun. I have a $4 Chinese AAA powered rear push button flashlight. It goes with me EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME! My Surefires, & Streamlights are languishing in the safe now. Batteries go dead, but I am still shooting ammo that is over 50 years old. AAA batteries can be had anywhere. 2/3N or CR123 not so much. Lasers? I did great, long before those ever came along. They are neat, and they sure have a nice psychological effect, but so does muzzle flash, and a loud bang. I don’t like pointing a gun at anyone to use the flashlight. That is a situation I just do NOT need to explain to any cop, attorney, judge, or jury.
I have a P226 Legion in .357/40. Great pistol but went with the P229 Stainless Enhanced Elite in 9mm. Love the Rosewood grips and shoots great plus I saved money!
I have the P229 Alloy Stainless Elite in .40S&W and man, is it a fantastic gun. I don’t recall ever shooting another gun so well right out of the box. Makes me not really want to bother shooting any of my others anymore…
Chris – I learn a lot from your videos – they’re excellent. Would love to see a review of the Sig P225-A1 and/or the Sig M11-A1, and your thoughts of them as a potential carry pistol… especially for folks like me who prefer the DA/SA action.
Just a quick update on this series….IMHO the P229 LEGION RX is currently THE best factory set-up DA/SA CARRY-OPTIC handgun with excellent matching back up iron sights. Combining a Romeo1 RDS milled into the slide with perfectly positioned lower 1/3 X-Ray3 sights. In a few years, Red Dots on handguns will undoubtedly become as commonplace as scopes on rifles. After a short learning curve they’re simply faster and more accurate. Once again, SIG has proven leadership with their superb factory-ready CARRY-OPTIC handguns.