1. Sig Sauer P226 DAK – 9mm (Switzerland/Germany)
The P226. Now I said Sig Sauer is one of the best firearms companies in the world. Now how did it get that reputation? Well in Europe they had a very good rep already thanks to the rich Swiss tradition of arms making. But they really hit their mark in part with the P226 in the US. The US Army was in the market to adopt a new standard sidearm. And in the early 80’s the “wonder nine” idea was still pretty hot. For those who don’t know the “wonder nine” was a term coined to describe new handguns that were in 9mm, had high capacity magazines, and could fire the first round double action, and follow up shoots would be single action.
And in 1982-1984 they US Army held trials of various firearms manufacturers who entered their guns in hopes of getting a fat government contract. And in the end, only two firearms passed all the technical tests set forward by the Army: The Beretta 92 FS and the Sig Sauer P226. Both were fit for the job, but the Army chose to adopt the Beretta as the new M9 pistol. Not because the gun was any better, but because the Beretta was cheaper, and the Army always goes for the lowest bidder.
So Sig Sauer loses out on a huge Army contract. But it then became adopted by many a law enforcement agency. Now Glock is still the most used handgun in law enforcement, but Sig Sauer is the very easy number 2. And again, Glock people can keep their gun with crappy grips, I will stick to the Sig Sauer. Sig has contracts to deliver handguns to agencies and departments across the nations and in many different calibers. One such department is my own. I was issued a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol when I was at the academy. Mine is the P226 DAK model. This is the double action kellerman model with a two stage double action trigger. While many civilian models will have the first shot fire double action and the rest of the following shots will be single action. I myself have learned to love and appreciate this trigger design and have become quite adept at shooting it. Now this is in part because of frequent range trips and dry fire exercises, but also just good craftsmanship. The pistol fits perfectly in my hands and the gun is ridiculously accurate, even at the 25 yard line. It is my favorite gun to shoot. It is also the most important gun I shoot.
When I am on duty, this is the weapon I carry. The only modifications I have made to the weapon is the instillation of night sights and the addition of a weapon mounted light. Because if I am going to pull the trigger I want to know what the hell I am aiming at. With proper care, this gun should last a 25-30 year career. And it is my most favorite gun.