The LEGION series for Sig Sauer first debuted in October 2015. It took the form of a quasi-members-only club that offered exclusivity to those who purchased the line of handguns marked with the LEGION regalia. In those eight years, Sig has released over a dozen models within the LEGION line (actually, quite a bit more than a dozen). However, it is in the present, where Sig has reached the pinnacle in terms of quality and craftsmanship. This has taken the form of Sig’s flagship competition model the P226 XFIVE LEGION.

Under the Hood

Like a car enthusiast, Sig Sauer has taken the base model P226 and upgraded it with all-new performance parts. For starters, the XFIVE receives the standard LEGION upgrades and regalia that are synonymous with the product. This includes the LEGION Gray slide and LEGION pattern black TXG grip panels as well as three 20-round magazines with alloy basepads. I am a fan of the TXG grip panels. They are aggressive enough to ensure a positive grip, even as your palms become sweaty (knees weak, arms are heavy—I’m sorry I couldn’t help myself, IYKYK), but not overly so that shooting is uncomfortable. Sig Sauer also includes a magazine well to aid in faster reloads, but to also give the aesthetic that this gun is built for shooting fast.

The additions mentioned above are nice and offer an upgraded look to the classic pistol, but they aren’t the performance enhancers that set this gun apart. It starts a slide with an integrated “blast chamber.” Essentially, this is a compensator. Unlike most compensators that are attached via a threaded barrel, this one is integrated into the slide. The idea is that there is less interference on a barrel and performance isn’t sacrificed. In my experience with the Sig MACRO and P320 AXG LEGION that have this blast chamber, it has minor effects on recoil management with 115gr ball ammo, but with 124 or heavier, there is a noticeable difference. This has more to do with generating enough pressure to actuate the comp. Furthermore, Sig Sauer also added a takedown lever that doubles as a gas pedal to aid in flat shooting.

Next, the slide is fitted with a suppressor height front sight and an adjustable rear. And like most modern pistols the gun is optics ready. Presumably, it will fit Leupold Delta Point and Trijicon RMR footprint optics. However, to mount the optic, the rear sight must be removed. But with a taller front sight, a permanent reference point will always be present.

Finally, the most important upgrade—the trigger. While other single-action-only (SAO) P226 LEGIONs have fine triggers, the one on the XFIVE LEGION is truly remarkable. First off, it is flat-faced and sits a bit more vertically than most. But that angle is adjustable to a user's preference via an Allen screw. It has a short take-up, a very clean and crisp break, and a positive reset. Without a gauge handy to measure in the short time I was able to handle the gun, I’d say it’s in the 3lb range. All but the purest 1911 shooters out there will swoon over the XFIVE’s trigger.

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, this gun will shoot flat and fast. As it should. Sig Sauer built this gun to compete with stalwarts such as the CZ Shadow 2 and TSO, the Dan Wesson DWX, and the Staccato XC and XL. I think Sig’s pedigree shows that it will match the above-mentioned models. Its only detractor is price—$2199.99. At that price, a user should expect near perfection. But this is the pinnacle of the LEGION line—it shouldn’t disappoint. The P226 XFIVE LEGION will be hitting dealer shelves very soon.