SIG Pistols & Hand Size

The Double-Stack Grip Problem

The SIG Sauer P-Series pistol (P220, P226, P229, etc.) is an exceptional handgun — strong, reliable, highly accurate. SIG stands out from the crowd and is used by a multitude of law enforcement agencies across the nation. Like many other high-capacity pistols, SIG uses double-stack magazines in most of its pistols. This can cause a problem for some shooters because the wider magazines require a larger grip, and folks with medium to small hands often have trouble reaching the trigger.

In fact, many shooters have to twist the gun slightly to the right (or left if left-handed) to get a better finger position on the trigger. This can affect accuracy and recoil control because the gun is no longer lined up with the shooter's wrist and forearm.

How to Check Your Grip Fit

To see how well a gun fits your hand, first unload your gun, release the slide, and de-cock the hammer. Then push the grip into the web of your hand, make sure your wrist is straight, and put your finger on the trigger. If the trigger is centered on the first pad of your finger, that's a good fit. If you have difficulty reaching the trigger because your trigger finger is too short or your hand too small, then the grip is too big — and this is where SIG engineers have come up with two solutions to better fit the gun to your hand.

Solution 1: The Short Trigger

The first modification was to shave off the inside radius of the trigger, making it easier to reach. This is called a "short trigger" — referring to people who have a short reach due to shorter fingers or smaller hands. By reducing the trigger thickness by just 0.4 inches (10mm), many shooters have reported a better grip and more comfortable finger position. Since they no longer have to twist the gun in their hand, accuracy and comfort improve, and it's easier to control recoil. This trigger can easily be installed by a certified SIG armorer.

Solution 2: The E2 Enhanced Ergonomics Grip

A second modification developed by SIG engineers was in the grip itself. By reducing the circumference of the grip — especially on the back strap where the web of your hand fits — this enables your trigger finger to reach further forward and secure a better position on the trigger. SIG calls this the "E2 Enhanced Ergonomics Grip" and it replaces the two grip panels currently on your SIG.

This grip must be installed by a certified SIG armorer, because a special hammer strut, mainspring seat, mainspring, and decocking lever are required. Other than the mainspring, all of these parts are included with the SIG E2 grip kit. Depending on the length of your fingers and the size of your hand, one or both of these modifications may be needed. Both are made by SIG Sauer and certified under their warranty.

What About Larger Hands?

What about shooters with exceptionally large hands? In doing the grip test, if your trigger finger extends through to the first joint, the grip is too small. The solution is to buy an oversize grip. SIG makes a beautiful rosewood grip which is oversized for larger hands. Hogue makes an excellent rubber grip with finger grooves which is very comfortable. VZ makes a variety of grips using the revolutionary "G10" material. Check the Internet for these and other custom grips made for SIG pistols.

One Size Does Not Fit All

It's common knowledge that a one-size gun won't fit all shooters. By installing these upgrades, you can adjust your SIG pistol to your personal requirements — and that's what makes SIG Sauer the world-class company that it is. Once the gun is configured to your grip, your accuracy, speed, and confidence will improve. Now all you have to do is practice with the darn thing.