Sig Sauer P226 MK25 Combat Pistol

The Sig Sauer P226 MK25 is well known as the gun of Navy Seals. Sig Sauer submitted the P226 to U.S. military trials during the 1980’s. The military was working to replace the 1911.

Several gun companies wanted to get the government contract and submitted firearms for testing. The military tests came down to two top contenders, the Beretta M9 and the Sig P226.

The higher cost of the Sig was one of the main reasons why the military decided to go with the M9 as their standard issue side arm.

Sig Sauer is used by many agencies.

Sig Sauer is known for making quality firearms. Many Sig firearms are used by various federal agencies including Border Control, the Secret Service and others.

Originally, the Navy Seals adopted the Beretta M9 as their sidearm along with the rest of the military. Seal teams are specialists in close quarter combat. A demonstration of those skills soon led to seals demanding a new sidearm. According to an article in The National Interest:

In 1986, a SEAL demonstrating the Beretta for a visiting VIP was injured when the rear portion of the pistol slide broke off, sending the slide crashing into the sailor’s face. Although the injury was relatively minor and only a few pistols showed signs of slide cracking (a deficiency Beretta later fixed), the SEALs wanted a new pistol.

Recently, the US Military switched from the Beretta M9 to the Sig MK17 which is a variation of the Sig P320. Several police departments have changed to the P320 also as their standard issue sidearm.

Sig Sauer P226 MK25 is a must have for gun enthusiasts

Gun enthusiasts like myself are usually fascinated by the weaponry used by various militarizes. I know of gun collectors who would build collections based on a particular war. Collectors will spend hours researching history and the weapons used to learn the smallest details.

I wanted a Sig Sauer P226 MK25 for several years due to the notoriety of it being used by the Navy Seals. The Navy Seals recently adopted the Glock 19 as their standard issue sidearm but various units still use the Sig MK25.

Trips to gun stores were my opportunity to handle one of them. They felt great in my hand and I dreamed about taking one home with me.

The excitement of owning the Sig MK25 was realized when I picked mine up from my local FFL. I immediately took my new gun to the range to try it out. There is a big difference in handling the MK25 in a store and actually shooting one.

Why I chose the MK25 over the standard P226.

The Sig Sauer MK25 has a few differences over the standard Sig P226. Sig Sauer added some features to the Navy issue P226 MK25 including special coatings to protect the gun from corrosion. These coatings were necessary because of the Navy Seal’s work in harsh environments including salt water.

Sig’s standard P226 is a great gun and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. The reason I decided to get the MK 25 instead of the standard model is because the price difference was so small.

The MK 25 comes with three magazines and night sights. The standard P226 only comes with two magazines and standard sights. I looked up the cost of Sig magazines and the upgraded sights. By the time I ordered additional magazines and replaced the sights I had bought the MK25.

The additional internal coatings were an added benefit but did not have much effect on my decision to buy the MK25. It came down to simple economics.

First trip to the range with my MK25

I didn’t waste any time at the range and quickly hung a new target and loaded the magazines. After I cycled a round into the chamber and hit the decoker to allow the hammer to fall to double action mode. I holstered my freshly loaded gun and put my eyes on the target.

Drawing a pistol from it’s holster is an essential skill that must be mastered. This skill should be practiced with a new gun and especially a gun you carry concealed.

After a brief pause, I drew my new gun from it’s holster and took aim for the first time. Placing my finger on the trigger I began to press the very first shot. The double action pull of the first shot was very smooth and follow up single action shots are extremely crisp.

The pistol sights were right on target with every shot. The accuracy of the Sig Sauer P226 MK25 is unquestionable.

I own several different brands of firearms. Occasionally I will add a true classic to my collection and this time it was the Sig Sauer P226 MK25.