Sig Sauer P226

During the Daniel Craig era, from Quantum of Solace and SPECTRE to No Time to Die, James Bond is armed with the Sig Sauer P226 in conjunction with his preferred carry handgun, the Walther PPK. The handgun is carried in both the standard and railed models throughout these films.

The Sig Sauer P226 was originally designed for entry into the XM9 Service Pistol Trials held in 1984 by the United States Army as they sought out a replacement handgun for military service. It is a hammer fired, double/single action alloy framed handgun, famously used by elite units such as the US Navy SEALS, as well as the SBS and SAS.

In Quantum of Solace (2008), Bond is seen recovering this handgun off of a MI6 agent while escaping his arrest in Bolivia. The firearm is clearly visible and is used as Bond and Camille attack the Perla de las Dunas hotel in the climax’s action sequences. The P226 is also seen in behind-the-scenes photos of Daniel Craig test firing the handgun while on location and in costume.

In 2015’s SPECTRE (2015), James Bond gives Madeleine Swann a P226R to protect herself, offering to teach her how to shoot it. Swann then efficiently unloads the handgun, and articulates her understanding and experience with small arms due to a Beretta left under the sink in her childhood home. This story is of course fleshed out and seen on screen during the pre-title sequence of No Time to Die.

Most recently, in No Time to Die (2021), Bond carries the P226R while in the commando outfit in a drop leg nylon holster. It should be stated that this handgun is also used frequently in the earlier sequences, such as the Cuba fight scene while Bond is in his black Tom Ford Atticus dinner suit. It is also the preferred firearm of both Spectre and Safin’s henchmen, as we see Bond recover the same handgun or magazines off of them during the action sequences.

The P226R is also prominently featured in the updated No Time to Die character posters. The P226R was added in over the PPK in these posters after the original version was mocked online due to the large and empty drop leg holster (which many wrongly assumed was for the PPK, rather than the larger P226).

Walther PPK (left) and SIG Sauer P226 on the No Time To Die character posters

The P226R is now offered on the SIG Sauer website as the P226 Nitron Full Size, sku 226R-9-BSS-CA. Currently, this new production P226R has Sig’s E2 grip (see it on the SIG Sauer website), which is a single piece textured grip. This model grip is not screen-accurate, but the screen-accurate two piece grips which bear the model number P226 in their center are available separately here.

Technical Data
• Type: Hammer fired, Single Action or Double Action
• Caliber: 9mm
• Length Overall: 196mm (7.7 in)
• Mass: 964g (34 oz)
• Capacity: 15+1

Airsoft Models and toys
There are some airsoft P226’s available, typically secondhand, as Sig Sauer is not currently producing a licensed P226 airsoft pistol. These can be found online, and are either spring or gas operated. Warning: Air Pistols are a detailed replica for adult collectors only, and are NOT A TOY. Before use, please read the instructions carefully. It is recommended to wear safety goggles when using BB guns or Air pistols.
Find Sig Sauer P226 models on eBay

With many thanks to CommandoBond (@commandobond and commandobond.com) for this in-depth article