SIG P220
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| SIG P220 | |
|---|---|
 Original production SIG P220, features a 'heel-mounted' magazine release |
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| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |  Germany Switzerland |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1975- |
| Used by | Swiss army, Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Papal Swiss Guard |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Swiss Arms AG (formerly SIG Arms AG |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 800 g (22.21 oz) (1130 g in stainless steel) |
| Length | 198 mm (7.79 in) |
| Barrel length | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
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| Cartridge |
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| Action | Recoil |
| Feed system | 7, 8, or 10-round (extended) detachable box magazine (in .45 ACP); 9-round magazine in other calibers |
The SIG P220 is a semi-automatic pistol designed in Switzerland by Swiss Arms AG (formerly SIG Arms AG, distributed in United States by SIG Sauer). It is manufactured in Eckernforde, Germany, by J.P. Sauer und Sohn GmbH.
The SIG P220 also comes in P220R and P220ST versions. The base and R models have an aluminium alloy frame with a stainless steel slide (if made by SIG Sauer in the US; German made versions still use stamped blued steel slide); the ST model has a stainless steel frame and slide. The R and ST models also have a Picatinny rail, beneath the slide and barrel, allowing for fitting of accessories such as tactical lights or laser aiming aids. The P220 was initially imported to the United States as the Browning Double Action (BDA) and then as the P220. It was offered for sale in 9 mm, .38 Super (a rare model), and .45 ACP. However, all modern P220 variants are only available in .45 ACP.
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[edit] History
The SIG P220 was developed for the Swiss Army as a replacement for the SIG P210, which had been developed during World War II; in service it is known as "Pistole 75" (P75). For development of the P220, SIG collaborated with J.P. Sauer & Sohn of Germany, thus, the P220 and all subsequent pistols from SIG are properly known as SIG Sauer pistols. The P220 operates by the locked breech short-recoil method pioneered by John Browning.
In 1975, Switzerland became the first nation to officially adopt the P220 as the "Pistole 75" (P75) chambered in 9 mm Parabellum. Other nations to adopt it for military use include Japan and Denmark. It was succeeded by the SIG Sauer P226.
Upon completion of their military service, members of the Swiss armed forces can obtain ownership of their P220 service pistols by paying an administrative fee of thirty Swiss francs. [1]
[edit] Variants
The original SIG P220 had a 'heel-mounted' magazine release located behind the magazine well, but a design revision on newer SIG P220s moved the magazine release to the left-side of the grip, behind the trigger. The P220 was then later modified again with a redesigned slide, grips, and other minor changes to the frame. Even more recently was the addition of a Picatinny rail to the the dustcover as standard.
Until recently, all SIG P220s were DA/SA and featured a de-cocking lever (and no external safety) just forward of the slide catch. This has changed with the introduction of DA only, DAK, and SA only models. The DA only and DAK models do not have a de-cocking lever or safety, and the SA only models only feature a M1911 style external safety. SIG has also introduced the SAS (SIG Anti-Snag) model - which is dehorned, has no accessory rail, and is designed for concealed carry - and the Elite model, which includes the new short-reset trigger, a beavertail grip, front strap grip checkering, and front slide cocking serrations.
[edit] P220 Rail
The P220 Rail (or P220R) is effectively the same as the P220, but it has a Picatinny rail on the dustcover. The P220R usually represents the more recently produced P220s, and has now become the standard P220.[2]
[edit] P220 Carry
A new P220 with a shortened barrel (3.9") and slide, but a full-sized frame. It is available in double action/single action (DA/SA), single action only (SAO), and DAK double action variant. All models with the exception of the SAS concealed-carry version come with an accessory rail.
[edit] P220 Compact
A new P220 variant recently released. It features a beavertail on the grip, a shortened slide, and a compact frame. It is essentially a replacement for the discontinued P245, and is meant to address complaints about the P220 Carry's full-size frame in a concealed carry pistol.
[edit] P220 Combat
The two "Combat" models, the P220 Combat and P220 Combat TB (Threaded Barrel) are available in DA/SA or DAK. Their frames are colored "Flat Dark Earth" in compliance with the Combat Pistol program. The Combat model comes with night sights, a Nitron-finished slide and barrel, phosphated internals, and a Picatinny rail. The TB model features an extra 0.6" on the barrel, and external threads to accept a suppressor. The P220 Combat is only chambered in .45 ACP, and is supplied with one 8 round magazine and one extended 10 round magazine.[3][4]
[edit] P220 ST
A version of the SIG P220 handgun made by SIG Sauer with a reversible magazine release, stainless steel slide, and stainless steel frame. Changing to a stainless steel frame from the lighter alloy frame normally used is meant to reduce felt recoil. The ST models are typically bare stainless (all "silver"), though SIG Sauer has produced Nitron finished (all "black") ST versions for police department trial and evaluation (T&E) guns.
[edit] P225
The SIG P225 is a more compact version of the SIG P220 utilizing a single column magazine holding eight 9 mm rounds and having a 3.9 in. barrel. The pistol was developed to comply with the new German police standard in the mid-1970s, and was adopted by many German state police forces as the P6. Many Swiss police forces also use it, as well as the Swedish Police. Also, it is the main sidearm carried by boarding parties in the Canadian Navy. German police pistols can be identified by the hammer, which is designed to bend on impact with the ground. Some Swiss police pistols have a different magazine release, similar to that from the P220. A new police standard was adopted in Germany in 1995, and the P225 is in the process of being replaced. Many of these surplus German police pistols have been imported into the U.S. recently and while most exhibit much in the way of exterior holster wear, they usually tend to be in excellent mechanical condition.
[edit] P245
The SIG P245 variant is chambered only in .45 ACP (hence the name) and was developed primarily for the US market as a civilian's concealed sidearm, or as a police backup weapon. The SIG P245 has a reversible magazine release giving the user the choice of operating it with their left or right thumb.
It normally takes 6 round magazines, but can also accept the 7, 8, or 10 round magazines designed for the P220. A grip extender is available for use with these longer magazines.
The P245 is no longer manufactured by SIG, having been replaced by the P220 Carry and, more recently, the P220 Compact.
[edit] Images
 The P220, like this Swiss military model, does not feature an external safety. |
 Firing of a military P220 |
[edit] See also
| Full size SIG P210 | SIG P220 | SIG P226 | SIG Pro series (2009, 2022, 2340) | SIG GSR | SIG Mosquito |
[edit] References
- ^ Stefan von Below. "Ein Gewehr kostet 60 Franken und fünf Kreuze", Der Bund, 19 October 2007, p. 21.
- ^ P220 page from 'www.sigsauer.com'
- ^ P220 Combat page from 'www.sigsauer.com'
- ^ P220 Combat TB page from 'www.sigsauer.com'
[edit] External links
