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Sig Sauer X5

The original pistol and history

The X-Series was launched in 2013. It is a redesign and expansion of the SIG Sauer competitive models, consisting of the X-Short (Barrel lengths comparable to the standard P226) and updated versions of both the X-Five and the X-Six. All three barrel lengths are available in Classic, Match and Supermatch configurations.

The SIG Sauer P226 X-Five is a competition only variant of the P226 with a 5.0 in slide and barrel, beavertail grip, and an adjustable rear target sight. Intended for IPSC Wa1500, bullseye and other centre-fire competitive shooting, the X-Five is hand-fitted and assembled in Germany, and its resulting accuracy accordingly rivals the SIG P210.

The Sig Sauer X5 Supermatch pistol

TV & Film

As it was a competition model there are no TV or film references for this firearm that I can find.

Specifications

  • Action: Single action only
  • Calibre: 9mm
  • Capacity: 19 rounds
  • Length: 223mm
  • Weight: 1.3kg

The CO2 replica

The CO2 X5 replica was my first purchase, I saw it in a shop, tried it for feel and bought it. The replica is very closely based on the X5 “Supermatch” competition model. From what I can discover, this line has been discontinued so details are a little patchy.

As can be seen, I have mine fitted with a little laser under the front of the barrel, the fitted sights are good but the laser adds a little more fun. It is a 20mm “picatinny” rail.

The CO2 powered Sig Sauer X5 left side
The CO2 powered Sig Sauer X5 right side

It is a single-action only pistol – these types require the top slide to be racked (pulled back) to cock the hammer and load the first round into the chamber. Successive trigger pulls are fully self-cocking via the slide blowing back when the cartridge is fired. On the replica the slide simply cocks the hammer each time as the pellets are fired directly from the top of the magazine.

Realism level is boosted massively by the slide on the replica being a “blowback” design – this makes the pistol feel very much like the real firearm albeit with only a tiny amount of recoil of course. The X5 is not field-strippable – this is common with many replicas that have ‘stick’ type magazines.

The magazine, opened

The ‘stick’ type magazine (above) holds 20 .177 pellets in a rotating chain system, loading it is quick and easy. A single CO2 cartridge will give up to 60 full powered shots. There is a working magazine release catch on the side of the grip. The safety is very positive and ambidextrous.

CO2 loading is inside the grip

The CO2 loading system is one of the best I have ever seen – no tools needed, open the rear flap in the grip, slot in the 12gm CO2 cartridge and press the flap shut smartly – job done and ready to go.

As you can see from the specifications, this is a full-sized pistol, it’s heavy and very well built, no rattles and my one has had hundreds of pellets through it now, all without a single issue. I use wadcutter (flat topped) pellets. Accuracy is average but plenty good enough for tin-can smashing at 6-10yds.

Specifications

  • Action: Single action only
  • Calibre: .177 pellet
  • Capacity: 20 pellets
  • Length: 220mm
  • Weight: 1.25kg
  • CO2 usage: 50-60 shots