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1/14/2026 11:25:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Zeebz][Edited]
Looking for a high-end handgun as an HD/bump in the night gun and for general fun shooting.  I don't like optics on handguns - they slow me down a lot and I am way faster with irons.  Plus this being an HD gun means I wouldn't have to take a shot more than like 10 yards anyways.  Just need to be able to mount a light on it.  The gun would be kept under the bed in a safe with biometric unlock.

The reason I am settling on these is I like metal guns and I really enjoy the ergonomics on them.  I've handled the P211 and X-Five Legion and really liked both and am having a hard time deciding which one to get.  My favorite in terms of looks is the X-Five Classic, but I've heard the P211 and X-Five Legion are faster guns.

So curious what you guys would recommend.  Again, I am having a hard time choosing between these 3.
1/15/2026 12:07:37 AM EDT
[#1]
I have not shot a P211 GTO yet.
I own a P226 X - 5 (West German from 2013) and a P226 X-Five Legion.

The X-5's are spectacular to shoot.

Honestly, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the above.
1/15/2026 1:18:30 PM EDT
[#2]
I've been in a very similar boat.

Given the price range, I'd change up the selection a little.

P211
CZ TS2
P226 X-5 (classic)

The x5 legion wouldn't be considered - the slide comp is just not worth it.

Regarding red dots, I've also been in the same boat. I tried them out in the late 2000s, thought they were accurate but slow and weird. Revisited several years later and received training on how to use them. Now they're significantly faster and more accurate at all distances 5yds+ (<5yd basically being point shooting). I've seen them elevate mediocre shooters into decent shooters. I'm no grand master, but it's improved my shooting quite a bit too.

1/15/2026 2:43:57 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By leelaw:
I've been in a very similar boat.

Given the price range, I'd change up the selection a little.

P211
CZ TS2
P226 X-5 (classic)

The x5 legion wouldn't be considered - the slide comp is just not worth it.

Regarding red dots, I've also been in the same boat. I tried them out in the late 2000s, thought they were accurate but slow and weird. Revisited several years later and received training on how to use them. Now they're significantly faster and more accurate at all distances 5yds+ (<5yd basically being point shooting). I've seen them elevate mediocre shooters into decent shooters. I'm no grand master, but it's improved my shooting quite a bit too.

View Quote


I do have a TS2 already.  Love that gun.  In the meantime I did eliminate the X-5 Legion just because I am leaning more towards a steel frame so now it is between the X-5 Classic and the P211.
1/17/2026 1:13:29 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Zeebz:


I do have a TS2 already.  Love that gun.  In the meantime I did eliminate the X-5 Legion just because I am leaning more towards a steel frame so now it is between the X-5 Classic and the P211.
View Quote


A man of fine taste.

Then it's up to you. Do you already have a bunch of P226 or P320 magazines that might sway the choice? My personal preference would still put the P226 X5 Classic above the P211.
1/17/2026 1:39:05 PM EDT
[#5]
I rented a GTO at my local shop on Thursday, it was pretty damned awesome
 It shot super fast and flat, very accurate.  That being said, the recoil plug is freaking PLASTIC..on a $2000+ gun.  Absurd.

I still prefer my X-Five Legion as it fits my hand better.
1/17/2026 6:30:27 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Zeebz:


I do have a TS2 already.  Love that gun.  In the meantime I did eliminate the X-5 Legion just because I am leaning more towards a steel frame so now it is between the X-5 Classic and the P211.
View Quote


P320 XFive SXG has a steel frame.
1/17/2026 7:34:53 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WTFShane:


P320 XFive SXG has a steel frame.
View Quote


And the same trigger and loose slide/frame tolerance of every other pP320. For the X-Five premium it just isn't worth it.
1/18/2026 4:41:52 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By leelaw:


And the same trigger and loose slide/frame tolerance of every other pP320. For the X-Five premium it just isn't worth it.
View Quote


Just throwing the suggestion out there for OP.
1/18/2026 2:49:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: crosseyeshooter][Edited] [#9]
P211 and just announced GT5 are 2011s that take P320 mags. X5 is a P226.  Seems like there should already be a preference in there somewhere.

When I wanted a 2011, I wasn’t looking at a P226 and when I had P226s, I never thought about 2011s.

For a fun range gun to impress your friends, I’d vote P211, but you may want to play with recoil springs to get acceptable reliability for your intended HD role.

The new P226X Legion shoots very similarly to the X5 Legion but achieves it with a bull barrel instead of a compensator.  The may eventually come out with a steel frame version.
1/18/2026 4:39:07 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WTFShane:


Just throwing the suggestion out there for OP.
View Quote

Yeah, I should have qualified that a bit more. It wasn't intentionally pooping on your suggestion as much as it was verbalizing my frustrations with the P320 series, the slide/frame slop and POA shift during a trigger press that's persistent over every variant, and that aside from the trigger shoe shape they all basically feel the same. For the X-Five variant of any SIG, I expect something more refined, fitted, and tighter and they do that to everything.... other than the P320.
1/20/2026 1:33:48 PM EDT
[#11]
Thanks, guys!  Appreciate all the insight.  Decided to go with the Sig P226 XFive Classic.

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