General Facts
- TYPE
Pistol - ORIGIN
Switzerland - NICKNAMES
Pistole 75 (Swiss military designation for P220)
M11 (US military designation for P228)
Minebea P9 (Japanese production) - DESIGNED
Early 1970's - DESIGNER
SIG Sauer - PRODUCTION
1975 - present - PRODUCERS
Germany - SIG Arms
Japan - Minebea
United States - SIG Sauer - QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
$ 1.050 for P220 in 2010 - CHARACTERISTICS
High production quality
Good accuracy
Expensive
Heavy due to steel frame
Introduction
The P220 is a late Cold War era pistol of Swiss origin. It was designed by SIG in the early 1970's for the Swiss military as a less expensive, yet very high quality alternative to their earlier P210 pistol. The design proved to be a success and over time new models were added to the lineup and older models have been steadily improved. Despite being over 30 years old the P220 series remains among the top of the line pistols.
Design
The P220 is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. It features a full metal frame, slide and barrel. This makes the P220 rather heavy, but also very rugged. The P220 models are available with a variety of trigger setups, ranging from single action to double action only. From the P220 model a wide variety of models were derived. These models mainly differ in size, caliber and magazine capacity. Due to the all metal design and high quality production the P220 series is known as a high quality pistol. Despite being cheaper than the P210, the P220 is still more expensive than the average pistol. For civilian and sporting use a wide variety of P220 variants is available and may include features such as longer barrels, other calibers, compensators, adjustable sights and different finishes.
Firepower
Depending on model the P220 series is available in several calibers and varying magazine size. All SIG pistols are semi-automatic and known for their good accuracy. For military and law enforcement use 9x19mm NATO, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 Auto are available. In Europe the 9x19mm models are most prominent, while most US law enforcement agencies have switched to the .40 S&W.
Users
The P220 series is a widely used weapon and very common for civilian, law enforcement and military use. They are most common in Europe and the USA and can also be found in Asia, the Middle East and South America.
P220
The P220 is the first pistol of what would become the P220 lineup. The P220 is available in 9x19mm and .45 and features a single stack magazine. Nowadays only the .45 version is produced since the 9mm version has been replaced by the double stack P226. The original versions had a bottom magazine release. For the US market the P220-1 was produced that featured a standard left side frame release. The latest version is the P220R which has a Picatinny rail under the barrel. The P220 Carry has a shorter barrel and slide but retains a full size frame. The P220 Compact also has a smaller frame.
- Specifications:
- P220 (9mm)
- P220 (.45)
- P220 Carry
- P220 Compact
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 9 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 112 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 196 mm |
| Width | 36 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.75 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, 160 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine | 8 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 112 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 196 mm |
| Width | 36 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.86 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 160 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine | 8 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 99 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | 36 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.86 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine | 6, 8 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 99 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | 36 mm |
| Height | 127 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.84 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
P225
The P225 is a compact version of the P220 and is only produced in 9x19mm. It was developed for German police use and adopted by several German states and other police forces. The P225 is more suitable for police use due to its reduced size and weight. Early versions had a bottom magazine release, later versions a conventional one.
- Specifications:
- P225
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 8 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | ? |
| Height | 131 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.740 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
P226
The P226 is a high capacity model of the P220 that was developed for the US trails that ended up in the selection of the Beretta 92F as the new service pistol. Besides being a high capacity model it is completely similar to the P220-1. At first it was only available in 9x19mm, but over time .40 S&W and .357 SIG versions were added. The latest version is the P226R which has a Picatinny rail under the barrel. Threaded barrels are available for mounting a silencer.
- Specifications:
- P226 (9mm)
- P226 (.40)
- P226 (.357)
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 15, 20 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 112 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 196 mm |
| Width | 38 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.885 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, 160 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W |
| Magazine | 12 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 112 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 380 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 196 mm |
| Width | 38 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.96 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 160 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 SIG |
| Magazine | 12 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 112 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 196 mm |
| Width | 38 mm |
| Height | 140 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.96 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 160 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
P229
The P228 is a compact version of the P226 and can be viewed as a high capacity P225. The P228 has a shorter barrel and slide and is not as tall as the P226. As with the early P226 it is only available in 9x19mm. The P229 is an improved version of the P228 with a heavier slide. It was developed for the US market and is available in 9x19mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. They replaced the P228 on the production line. The latest versions are designated P229R and feature a Picatinny rail under the barrel. Threaded barrels are available for mounting a silencer.
- Specifications:
- P228
- P229 (9mm)
- P229 (.40)
- P229 (.357)
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 13 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | ? |
| Height | 136 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.830 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 13 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | 37 mm |
| Height | 136 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.865 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W |
| Magazine | 12 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 380 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | 37 mm |
| Height | 136 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.905 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 SIG |
| Magazine | 12 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 98 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 180 mm |
| Width | 37 mm |
| Height | 136 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.905 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 145 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
P239
The P239 is a development for the US market. The P239 is a single stack version of the P229. This makes the P239 more suitable for concealed carry and for civilian use which restricts civilian use of high capacity magazines.
- Specifications:
- P239 (9mm)
- P239 (.40)
- P239 (.357)
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 8 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 92 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 172 mm |
| Width | 32 mm |
| Height | 130 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.790 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 136 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W |
| Magazine | 7 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 92 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 380 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 172 mm |
| Width | 32 mm |
| Height | 130 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.830 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 136 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
| Type | Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 SIG |
| Magazine | 7 rounds |
| Operation | Short recoil, locked breech |
| Fire selector | 0-1 |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 92 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 406 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | ? |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 172 mm |
| Width | 32 mm |
| Height | 130 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.830 kg incl empty magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, 136 mm sight radius |
| Remarks | - |
SIG Pro
The SIG Pro series are of similar design as the P220, but feature a polymer frame. The Pro series was introduced as a less expensive and lighter alternative to the P220 series.