How to Shoot a Sig Sauer P226

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The Sig Sauer P226 is a semi automatic handgun chambered to fire a 9 mm round of ammunition. Originally designed by the company for units of the United States military, the Sig 226 has found favor with many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Sig 226 is designed for straightforward, accurate operation right out of the box. Basic shooting skills, combined with the accuracy of the gun, will produce accurate results down range.

Items you will need

  • Hearing protection

  • Eye protection

  • Firing range

  • Back stop

  • Target

  • 9 mm ammunition

Put on hearing and eye protection before shooting the P226. Place a target down range in a location with a secure back stop. Remove the clip from the gun, if necessary, and verify that the gun is unloaded and safe to handle.

Load 9 mm ammunition into a clip designed for use with the Sig P226.

Hold the Sig P226 with your dominant hand. Position the grip of the gun in the V of your hand between the thumb and index finger. Wrap your fingers and thumb around the grip so that the index finger can easily reach the trigger. Keep the finger away from the trigger until ready to shoot.

Insert the clip into the handle of the Sig 226 until it snaps into place. Continue to hold the gun securely with the dominant hand and pull the slide back with the opposite hand to load a single round of 9 mm ammunition into the firing chamber.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Slide the right foot back until the toes are even with the heel of the left foot, if you are a right hand dominant. Reverse the stance if left handed. Open your hips so they are at a 45-degree angle to the target.

Cup the bottom of the Sig and side of your dominant hand holding the gun with the palm of your free hand. Wrap the fingers and thumb of your free hand around the dominant hand for support. Squeeze the gun grip until your hand begins to slightly tremor and then relax the grip slightly for a firm grip.

Raise the muzzle of the Sig until the target is visible in the notch of the rear sight and is just above the front blade sight. Position the gun so the target is centered from side to side in the notch of the rear sight. Raise or lower the muzzle as necessary so the target appears to rest on the top of the front blade sight.

Move your index finger to the trigger, take in a breath and hold it. Roll the index finger across the trigger to fire the P226. Avoid pulling or jerking the trigger to fire.

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