Over the last few months, SIG has been releasing a number of new firearm models varying from the P365 line with their new Macro pistols to the MCX LT series. SIG has decided to bring out something for the full-size metal frame handgun lovers. Traditionally, the XFIVE line of pistols was made in Germany, but now SIG has decided to build a fully American-made SIG P226 XFIVE. I was approached by SIG to get an early example to review and after almost 1,000 rounds through the gun, I have come to some conclusions about this heavy hitter. Let’s take a closer look at SIG Sauer’s New P226 XFIVE pistol.

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Specs

SIG took the overall idea of the P226 and turned it up to 11. The stainless steel finish paired with either G10 grips or wood grips makes it feel like a high-end firearm immediately with thought-out ergonomics. Chambered in the 9mm Luger with a 5″ barrel, the SIG P226 XFIVE is most certainly a full-size competition handgun. From the factory, SIG ships the P226 XFIVE with a SIG Custom Works lockable hard case with a custom foam insert to fit the pistol, challenge coin, as well as 2 spare magazines as standard. When it comes to the handgun, SIG put every option on this firearm.

As standard, the P226 XFIVE comes with adjustable target sights and the slide is cut for the addition of a red dot sight. The sights are a precision green fiber optic front sight with a completely blacked-out rear sight. SIG decided to keep the single action only trigger in the new American-made XFIVE. My example breaks at a clean 4lbs and has become even cleaner over the course of shooting 900 rounds through it.

Magazines and Accessories

The all-stainless steel flared magwell fits seamlessly into the overall design of the XFIVE offering a larger area for quick reloads on the range. Standard 18-round MecGar magazines do not fit in the P226 XFIVE, so it was very nice to have the 3 factory magazines with the X series base plate included with the firearm. One of the most surprising departures for SIG in my opinion is the inclusion of a gas pedal support. The takedown lever has a very pronounced shelf for your support thumb to push down on as you shoot. I believe this is the first model SIG has offered a gas pedal on as standard from the factory. The P226 XFIVE comes standard with a 5″ match-grade barrel with a high-quality nitride finish. MSRP on the new SIG P226 XFIVE is $2,199.99 and is out today!

Range Time

Throughout my travels and time working here, I have shot a ton of guns. I have shot everything from Hi Points all the way up to incredibly high-end 2011 precision-built pistols. Throughout my time, I haven’t really fired anything quite like the P226 XFIVE from SIG though. Having a full stainless pistol at the range does mean it’s heavy, but the extra weight means zero recoil when firing it. Throughout my time with the P226 XFIVE, it really felt like it was laser beam accurate. The short single action trigger made double taps and shooting quickly almost effortless. Since the new P226 XFIVE is single action only, the safety is definitely worth talking about.

The manual safety has a crisp audible click when engaging and disengaging it with your thumb. There’s no guessing whether or not the safety is on with the audible click which instills confidence when you are pulling from a holster and disengaging the safety as you present the firearm. If there is one feature on this gun that completely blows me away, it’s the inclusion of the gas pedal thumb rest. This support ledge for your thumb really does add a bit of leverage for your thumb which allows you to mitigate recoil really well. I was never a fan of the gas pedal support mod but after shooting this P226 XFIVE, I can most certainly see the reasoning behind it. It allows you to put downward pressure on the gun which helps keep recoil down to absolutely zero.

Accuracy and Reliability

When it comes to accuracy, I am truly impressed with the P226 XFIVE. The overall weight and gas pedal addition make shooting the XFIVE accurately incredibly easy. At 15 yards, there were multiple times I had one ragged hole without concentrating really hard. SIG’s new XFIVE just feels like it fits perfectly into the hand and overall makes shooting accurately less of a challenge. Typically, it’s possible to shoot tight groups if you really slow down and concentrate on your trigger control and sight picture. This is one of the first times I could shoot fairly quickly and still land every shot of mine in a tight group without putting a huge amount of concentration on it. Call it a match-grade handgun or just dark magic, but this XFIVE is one of the most accurate pistols I have ever tested in my time as a writer.

When it came to reliability, the SIG P226 XFIVE was flawless through all 900 rounds. For the test, I decided to use Federal American Eagle 124gr, Blazer Brass 115gr and LAX Factory new 115gr ammo all with 100% reliability. Typically, with high-end race guns like this P226 XFIVE, there’s a bit of a break-in period, but thankfully, this example was completely reliable right out of the box without cleaning. In most cases, having a hand-built race gun like the P226 XFIVE will lead to a higher maintenance schedule, but with this example, I ran the 900 rounds with no malfunctions or hiccups. For comparison, that was 150 rounds more than the CZ Shadow 2 Orange and 200 rounds more than my older 2011.

Is the XFIVE Worth The Price?

The number one question that will come up is whether it is worth the price. For someone who is just getting into shooting and only has a set budget for shooting I would say no. If you’re someone like me who loves firearms and shoots a fair amount in general, I would say this is absolutely worth the price of admission.

I’ve always been a fan of the P-series line but this P226 XFIVE is the ultimate version of a fantastic modern classic. Having a high-end gun to really enjoy at the range truly is a special feeling. Some may treat this like a safe queen but this XFIVE is too good of a shooter to just have it sit in the safe. It deserves to be taken out to be used and abused. It’s a rather high entry fee but when you push a high-end gun like this, it’s just more satisfying compared to regular production guns.

Overall Thoughts

So after firing 900 rounds through this P226 XFIVE, what are my thoughts on it? It’s an incredibly large handgun and you won’t be concealing it but that’s not what it’s designed for. This firearm is unlike the majority of firearms. It’s an experience to shoot and with all the additions to this pistol just bring it over the top. The gas pedal, magwell, and tuned trigger turn this P226 up to 11 to the point where the gun just runs and runs. Out of everything I have shot or reviewed in 2022, this P226 XFIVE is hands down my favorite pistol of the year despite the price and limited availability. This isn’t a gun for everyone but once you shoot it, you’ll start to see this is a very different animal from run-of-the-mill handguns. I can say I 100% will be purchasing this example and it will be in my collection for the long haul. If any of you know me, then you know there isn’t much higher praise than that!

What do you guys think about the new American-made P226 XFIVE? Is it worth picking up over the standard models or is it too fancy for your blood? Let me know in the comments below. I know this gun won’t be for everyone but I’d love to hear what you guys have to say about it. If you have questions about this XFIVE or guns in general, feel free to shoot me a message on my Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next time!