Once referred to as the “Poor Man’s P226” the SP2022 became a popular household name even reaching the Top 20 on Cheaper Than Dirt’s bestselling list. Coming in at a completely affordable starting price of $568 M.S.R.P. Seriously though, why would you not want one with a name like Sig Sauer and a price like that. Offered in the “base” model Nitron, Two-Tone and FDE, chambered in 9mm and 40 S&W this Sig is a great choice for anything from sport shooting to personal defense. At almost half an inch shorter in length compared to the big brother P226, the SP2022 is also a good concealed choice.
Functionality
Functionally the same to its prestigious brother, trigger feel and single-action/double-action are identical. Sig seemed to even go as far as taking styling cues from the P226. Of course, not everything can be copied. While the P226 offers a hard coat, anodized alloy frames the SP2022 comes with a polymer one. Now you see where that price break comes in. Also making it a whole heck of a lot lighter than that last-ditch boat anchor big brother. Another plus to the polymer is the improved grip which could be compared to 80 grit sandpaper. I do not suggest that however unless you plan to do some stipple work.
The slide
Moving up to the slide which is of course made of steel or it would be nothing more than a toy that would melt after one shot. The rails are also metal which Sig presses into the grip. Wonder why that slide stop is so long? This Sig has a 1911 like system holding it all together. That pin holds the stop and keeps the barrel link and the slide together. Much like the 1911 you must line up the right hole to push out the slide stop pin when breaking down.
The decocker
Compared to the first generation the decocker is much quicker and shorter on the newest version. So short and easy even the lefties of the world won’t have an issue. Right below that is a nice triangular magazine release instead of the standard circle. There is a Picatinny rail up front too of course. That leads us to the trigger… Not exactly the strong point. Especially since it has more slack than a high school dropout. While not a major detractor it could use some improvement.
This “Poor Man’s P226” now seems to be more a “Smart Man’s P226”. It is lighter, looks just as good and still shoots great with all that trigger slack. Even compared to other polymer handguns. After two years of ownership, the only complaint I really have is that the aftermarket selection is lacking for something that seems so popular and as with all polymer-framed handguns it is a little top-heavy. For the money, this Sig Sauer beats out the likes of Glock and is for sure one of the best handguns on the market.
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Disclaimer: The content in this article is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of US Patriot Tactical.
