Verified answer

The P226 was SIG Arms response to the XM9 US military trials for a new 9mm pistol. Both the Beretta 92F and the SIG P226 performed comparably excellent, but the contract went to Beretta because they offered a cheaper package (but that's debatable).

The P226 was built off the P220, but was augmented to hold a double stack 9mm magazine, rather than the single stack 45ACP magazine associated with the original P220. Both pistols are quite comparable in weight, length and feel, but the P220 is a bit slimmer in the grip. The P226 can be had in 9mm, 40 SW and .357 SIG, while the P220 can be had in 9mm, 45ACP, with some semi-rare factory runs chambered in obsolete odd-ball calibres. SIG pistols do not have conventional thumb safeties, but use a de cocking lever. Frankly, I love having a de cocking lever on my handguns. You can prove the gun is clear, pop a magazine in and use the de cocker to lower the hammer without having to touch the trigger. It's really wonderful for competition. When the hammer is de ******, the gun must be fired in double action mode, which is a very stiff 12 lbs (compared to 4.5 lbs in single action for both P220 and P226). Both pistols are considered excellent in terms of precision and machining and most people who shoot a SIG don't go back to shooting anything else.

The Para Ordnance LDA are 1911 variants that incorporate Para Ordinance's Light Double Action trigger system. There are many designs from Para Ordnance that incorporate this technology. Pistols can typically be had in 9mm, .40SW and 45ACP calibres from Para Ordnance. I personally have never shot a Para Ordnance pistol, but I own an STI Ranger II, as well as a Chinese knock-off of a Colt Combat Commander, and I can say that the 1911 design is a very comfortable and well regarded pistol design. If you're keen on the LDA, you should really shoot one first to make sure you like the trigger weight and pull before you purchase one. Other than that, the Para Ordnance LDAs are just another fine example of well made 1911 pistols.

As for pricing, that depends where you're located. I'm in Canada and could give you Canadian prices, but I'm assuming you're in the USA. I would recommend a google search to get an idea what's out there, then make comparisons between retailers.

As for other pistols to consider, you should also take a look at the Beretta 92FS or 96D series as well. These pistols have thumb safeties and are very rugged. They can be had in 9mm and 40SW calibres, respectively. Also, I suppose you should handle a Glock as well. Everyone and their grandma has one, but personally I find them awkward to hold and they feel just plain wrong in my hand. Not to mention, there's a saying in our household about something that looks truly hideous "Ugh! That's glock ugly!"

well all of those are nice but if your looking for a good pistol go with a springfield 1911 series for a 45 caliber range. but if your looking for a 9mm range go with a berretta 92fs or the m9 its a decent litte pistol for a 9mm but if youre looking to go smaller go with a walther pk 380 its good. and also for a 9mm for a good one go with a walther p99. but i hope i helped u out some