SIG P220
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| SIG P220 | |
|---|---|
 Swiss Army SIG P220 Pistol. |
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| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Design: Switzerland, Production: Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1975- |
| Used by | Swiss army, Japanese Self-Defense Forces |
| 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 and manufactured in Switzerland by Swiss Arms AG (formerly SIG Arms AG (distributed in United States by SIGARMS).
It also comes in P220R and P220ST versions. The base and R models have an alloy frame with a stainless steel slide (if made by SIGARMS 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 an accessory rail along the top of the frame, beneath the slide and barrel, allowing 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.
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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 Modell 75" (M75). 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 Model 75 (M75) chambered in 9 mm Luger (Parabellum). Other nations to adopt it for military use include Japan and Denmark. It was succeeded by the SIG-Sauer P226.
[edit] Variants
The original SIG P220 had a magazine release located behind the magazine well, as opposed to the newer SIG P220 which has a magazine release located behind the trigger. Until recently, all SIG P220s were DA/SA and featured a de-cocking lever just forward of the slide catch. This has changed with the introduction of DA Only, DAK, and SA Only models. Sigarms has also introduced the SAS, or SIG Anti-Snag P220, which is dehorned, has no accessory rail, and is designed for concealed carry.
[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 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, phosphorus coated internals and a Picatinny rail. The TB model features an extra 0.6" on the barrel, and external threads to accept a suppressor. Chambered for .45 ACP.
[edit] P220 ST
A version of the SIG P220 handgun made by SIGARMS 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 SIGARMS has produced Nitron finished (all "black") ST versions for police department trial and evaluation (T&E) guns.
[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 220. A grip extender is available for use with these longer magazines.
The P245 is no longer manufactured by SIG, having been replaced by the 220 Carry.
[edit] Images
 The P220, like this Swiss military model, does not feature or need 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] External links
