How to Get the Hammer to Stay Out on a SIG Sauer P226

Although SIG Sauer introduced the P226's prototypes in 1980, the gun was always intended to be a semiautomatic, single-action/double-action pistol chambered for 9 mm, .357 SIG and .40 S&W. Because the gun was designed to be fired in either single action or double action, there are two different methods for keeping the hammer of the gun pulled back. Once a gun owner understands how these methods work, he can confidently handle the P226's hammer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Become familiar with the P226 by reading the gun's manual and inspecting it unloaded first. Before you even begin inspecting the hammer and surrounding components, make sure the gun is unloaded.

    • 2

      Pull the slide back and release it to cycle a round into the gun. This will allow the gun to fire in single action. The hammer will be all the way back, cocked and the trigger pull will be short. This will allow the hammer to stay back until all bullets are emptied from the magazine.

    • 3

      Carry the gun cocked and in single action. The hammer will remain pulled back, but because of no external safety and a light trigger pull, you should use caution when drawing or handling the weapon.

    • 4

      Cycle a round and uncock the pistol. This is an alternative method of keeping the hammer back, although it will appear that the hammer is flush with the slide. The gun's uncocking lever lowers the hammer into the gun's safety intercept without your having to touch a trigger.

    • 5

      Carry the gun uncocked. Uncocking the pistol allows the user to carry the gun with a round in the chamber and the hammer slightly back without worrying about accidental discharge or a lighter trigger pull.