Athlon Outdoors is proud to unveil the winner of the 2025 Ballistic’s Best Full-Size Handgun category, the Sig Sauer P226-X Legion SAO. A refinement of the iconic P226 platform that rose above a fiercely competitive field of nine elite pistols.
This year’s Full-Size Handgun evaluation, led by longtime firearms writer and industry veteran Todd Burgreen, brought together a diverse panel of experienced shooters. Over thousands of rounds, the evaluators pushed every pistol through structured drills, steel challenges, and free-form shooting designed to expose strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance.
In a category dominated by striker-fired designs and innovative compensated models, the P226-X Legion SAO stood out immediately. Its premium trigger, remarkable shootability, and Legion-grade enhancements made a decisive impact across nearly every judging category; ergonomics, trigger performance, recoil control, accuracy, reliability, and overall value.
“The SIG Sauer P226-X Legion SAO earned its spot at the top because it delivered the kind of refined performance that seasoned shooters immediately recognize,” said Todd Burgreen, lead evaluator of Ballistic’s Best Full-Size Handgun. “Its single-action trigger, excellent ergonomics, and the confidence it inspires on the firing line made it clear this handgun wasn’t just participating, it was leading.”
“Full-size handguns continue to evolve,” Burgreen added. “This year’s field showcased the best of modern striker-fired engineering and innovative compensated designs. But the P226-X Legion SAO proved that a well-executed single-action system still has the ability to dominate.”
About Ballistic’s Best
Ballistic’s Best is Athlon Outdoors’ annual awards series, evaluating more than 100 firearms and gear entries across multiple categories. Each product is subjected to real-world range testing, judged by veteran shooters, and scored on a detailed 0–5 scale across performance, ergonomics, value and more. The winners represent the best-of-class for 2025, the firearms world’s equivalent of a heavyweight championship.
About Bleecker Street Publications
Bleecker Street Publications is a leading digital media company covering firearms, survival, tactical gear, outdoor living, and skill-building for enthusiasts and professionals. Since acquiring Athlon Outdoors in 2023, Bleecker Street has continued expanding its portfolio with powerhouse brands including Athlon Untamed, RottenGunReviews.com, Athlon Outdoors,Ballistic,Tactical Life, Personal Defense World, Combat Handguns, and GAT Daily.
Whether it’s expert gear reviews, hands-on training guides, breaking industry news, or beginner-friendly resources, Bleecker Street Publications delivers trusted content for the modern firearms community.
To learn more visit www.BleeckerStreetPublications.com or follow Athlon Outdoors and Bleecker Street Publications on Facebook, Instagram, and Open Air Media.
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