View source for SIG Sauer P220

{{Short description|Swiss-German semi-automatic pistol}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= SIG Sauer P220
|image= File:SIG220-Morges two sides.jpg|caption= Original production SIG Sauer P220, features a "heel-mounted" magazine release lever. Two views of the same [[Swiss Army]] pistol, on display at [[Morges]] castle museum.
|type= [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|service= 1975–present
|wars= [[Lebanese Civil War]]
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=Walter Ludwig, Hanspeter Sigg, Eduard Brodbeck
|number=
<!-- General specifications -->
|length={{convert|196|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|height={{convert|140|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|width={{convert|38|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|action= [[Recoil operation#Short recoil operation|Short recoil operation]]
|image_size=300
|origin= West Germany<br />Switzerland
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|used_by=See ''[[SIG P220#Users|Users]]''
|design_date= 1975
|manufacturer=[[SIG Sauer]]
|production_date=
|variants= See ''[[SIG P220#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight=
* {{convert|862|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
* {{convert|1130|g|lbs|abbr=on}} stainless steel
|part_length={{convert|112|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|crew=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=
* [[9×19mm Parabellum]] (discontinued)
* [[7.65×21mm Parabellum]] (discontinued)
* [[9mm Steyr]] (discontinued)
* [[.38 Super]] (discontinued)
* [[10mm Auto]]
* [[.45 ACP]]
* [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 LR with conversion kit]]
|caliber=
|rate=
|velocity=
|range=
|max_range=
|feed= 6-round (compact "CCW" models), 7-round (flush to grip), 8-round (current extended basepad for full size P220 models), or 10-round (extended with sleeve) detachable box [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] (in .45 ACP); 9-round magazine in other calibers with the exception of .22lr conversions utilizing a 10-round magazine.
|sights=
}}
[[File:SIG P226 IMG 3053-labels.jpg|thumb|Detail of the controls and parts on a [[SIG Sauer P226|P226]], which are identical to most variants of the P220: 1. Ejection port/locking lug, 2. Rear [[Iron sight|sights]], 3. [[Hammer (firearm)|Hammer]], 4. Takedown lever, 5. [[Decocker]], 6. [[Slide stop]], 7. [[Trigger (firearms)|Trigger]], 8. [[Magazine release]] (on some P220s this is located at the bottom of the [[pistol grip|grip]]).]]

The '''SIG Sauer P220''' is a [[semi-automatic pistol]] designed in 1975 by the [[Swiss Arms|SIG Arms AG]] division of [[Sig Holding|Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft]] (now SIG Holding AG), and produced by J. P. Sauer & Sohn, in [[Eckernförde]]. It is currently manufactured by both [[SIG Sauer]] companies: SIG Sauer GmbH, of [[Eckernförde]], Germany; and SIG Sauer, Inc., of [[New Hampshire]], United States.<ref name="PDW-Sig Sauer P220">{{cite web|title=Sig Sauer P220|url=http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2012/11/sig-sauer-p220/#220r-45-eq_phatchfinal|website=personaldefenseworld.com|date=26 November 2012 |access-date=25 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226130917/http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2012/11/sig-sauer-p220/#220r-45-eq_phatchfinal|archive-date=26 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Arthur|first=Gordon|date=|title=Weapons of the JGSDF|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/weapons-of-the-jgsdf/|access-date=|website=Small Arms Defense Journal}}</ref> 
== History ==
Not to be confused with SIG P210 series, which licensed the Petter-Browning system from SACM of France in 1938 {{cn|date=July 2024}}, the [[SIG Sauer]] P220 was developed for release in 1975 for the [[Swiss Army]] as a replacement for the [[SIG P210]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=W.H.B |title=Book of Pistols and Revolvers |date=1968 |publisher=Stackpole |pages=706–708 |edition=7th}}</ref> which had been developed during World War II; in service it is known as "Pistole 75" (P75).  For the commercial production and distribution of the P220, SIG partnered with [[Sauer & Sohn|J.P. Sauer & Sohn]] of Germany, thus, the P220 and all subsequent pistols from [[SIG Sauer|SIG]] and [[Sauer & Sohn|J.P. Sauer & Sohn]] are properly known as SIG Sauer pistols.<ref name="PDW-Sig Sauer P220" />

In 1975, Switzerland became the first nation to officially adopt the P220 as the "Pistole 75" (P75) chambered in 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum.  Other nations to adopt it for military use include Japan (general issue) and Denmark (which has the earlier P210 in general issue) only to special forces. It was followed by the [[SIG Sauer P226]], incorporating a double stack magazine.

Upon completion of their military service, all Swiss soldiers can obtain ownership of their ordnance weapon for a nominal fee; in particular commissioned officers and soldiers of the medical forces of the [[Swiss armed forces]] can obtain ownership of their P220 service pistols by paying an administrative fee of thirty [[Swiss franc]]s.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 October 2007|publisher=[[Der Bund]]|title=Ein Gewehr kostet 60 Franken und fünf Kreuze|author=Stefan von Below|page=21|url=http://www.espace.ch/artikel_434460.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024103504/http://www.espace.ch/artikel_434460.html|archive-date=24 October 2007}}</ref>

In the United States this handgun was originally sold in a modified form as the '''Browning BDA''' from 1977 to 1980.<ref name="Cabelas-Browning BDA 45">{{cite web|title=Browning BDA .45 ACP by Sig Sauer|url=http://www.cabelas.com/product/Browning-BDA-ACP-by-Sig-Sauer/2050604.uts|website=cabelas.com|access-date=25 February 2017|quote=This Browning Model BDA was made for Browning by Sig Sauer from 1977 - 1980 and is the same model as a Sig Sauer 220.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226050102/http://www.cabelas.com/product/Browning-BDA-ACP-by-Sig-Sauer/2050604.uts|archive-date=26 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==
The P220 was developed in 1975 by SIG and produced and distributed by J.P. Sauer & Sohn.  A new locking system which is known as the [[SIG Sauer system]] was introduced as well as a number of other innovations. This nomenclature is found on the Browning BDA version of the P220 sold from 1975.

The SIG P220 is recoil operated using the [[SIG Sauer system]].<ref name="Ammoland-P220">{{cite web|last1=Searson|first1=Mike|title=Sig Sauer P220 Pistol Review + Video|url=http://www.ammoland.com/2015/05/sig-sauer-p220-pistol/#axzz4YdPxLGKO|website=ammoland.com|date=29 May 2015|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214182157/http://www.ammoland.com/2015/05/sig-sauer-p220-pistol/#axzz4YdPxLGKO|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead of the locking lugs and recesses milled into the barrel and slide of Browning-derived weapons such as the [[Colt M1911A1]], [[Browning Hi-Power]] and [[CZ 75]], the P220 variants (and many other modern pistols) lock the barrel and slide together using an enlarged breech section on the barrel locking into the ejection port. After firing the round, the slide and barrel move back a few millimeters together, then the chamber is pulled downwards by the cam surface and thus unlocked by the slide, which covers the remaining distance on its own due to its inertia. The recoil spring moves the slide forward again, inserting a new cartridge from the magazine into the chamber and cocking the trigger. The barrel is lifted out of the control gate and locks in the case ejection port.

The slide of the P220 series is a heavy-gauge sheet metal stamping with a welded-on nose section incorporating an internal barrel bushing. The breech block portion is a machined insert attached to the slide by means of a roll pin visible from either side. The frame is of forged alloy with a hard-anodized coating.  The SIG P220 series incorporates a hammer-drop lever to the rear of the trigger on the left side, which first appeared on the [[Sauer 38H]] before World War II. After chambering a round, the hammer will be cocked, so for safe carriage the hammer drop is actuated with the thumb, dropping the hammer in a safe manner.<ref name="Ammoland-P220" />

The [[double action / single action]] (DA/SA) trigger design of the P220 is also a SIG Sauer innovation similar to the J.P. Sauer & Sohn 38H pistol. Further design refinements include a hammer [[Decocker|decocking lever]] and positive firing pin block safety.<ref name="Ammoland-P220" /><ref name="Handgunsmag-38H">{{cite web|title=Handgun of the Fallschirmjäger|url=http://www.handgunsmag.com/reviews/featured_handguns_sauer38_082306/|website=handgunsmag.com|date=24 September 2010|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214183142/http://www.handgunsmag.com/reviews/featured_handguns_sauer38_082306/|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The P220 also features an automatic firing pin block safety which is activated by the trigger mechanism, similar to the one used in the Czech CZ-038 from the period after the Second World War.  The pistol may now be holstered, and can be fired without actuating any other controls. The first shot will be fired in [[double-action]] mode, unless the user chooses to manually cock the hammer. Double-action trigger pressure is measured at approximately 12–14 pounds, with subsequent shots being fired in [[single-action]] mode with a lighter trigger pressure of approximately 6 pounds. There is no separate safety lever to manipulate; the hammer drop is the only manual safety device. As with other double-action pistols such as the [[Walther P38]] and [[Beretta 92F]], some training is required to minimize the difference caused by the different trigger pressure between the first double-action shot and subsequent single-action shots when the hammer is cocked by the rearward movement of the slide.<ref name="Ammoland-P220" />

SIG Sauer refers to their safety systems as a Four Point System. The four types of safety are:

# the de-cocker, which allows the shooter to lower the hammer safely, while there is a round in the chamber. When the de-cocking occurs, the hammer is lowered but it still stays away from the firing pin.
# the safety notch, prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin accidentally.
# the firing pin has its own safety, which makes sure that the pin will not move forward. That is, until the trigger is pulled, at which time the safety is removed and the pin is pushed forward to meet the cartridge's primer. This third safety is also the gun's drop safety. Even when dropped from a reasonable height, with a round in the chamber, the gun will not fire.
# the slide has a notch, which separates the firing pin from the cartridge. Unlike the aforementioned firing pin safety, this one is there to make sure that the gun does not accidentally discharge a round while it is cycling. This is called the "trigger bar disconnector".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gunivore.com/pistol/sig-sauer-p229-review/|title=SIG Sauer P229 Review|date=17 May 2016|access-date=7 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607000929/http://gunivore.com/pistol/sig-sauer-p229-review/|archive-date=7 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite these safety measures, the Sig Sauer P220 has been cited in accidental fatalities. One example is the case of Officer Jesse Paderez of the San Fernando Police Department, California. On 17 July 2002, he was "accidentally shot and killed when his Sig P220, .45 caliber service weapon, fell to the ground and discharged, striking him in the head. He had gone to the police station to pick up a patrol car...as he walked across the parking lot, his weapon, still in its holster, fell to the ground and discharged when the hammer struck the pavement."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.odmp.org/officer/16325-officer-jesse-kenneth-paderez|title = Officer Jesse Kenneth Paderez}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Browning BDA 45.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Browning BDA 45, an early American import of P220 sold by Browning Arms Company, with "SIG Sauer System" on the slide]]
[[File:Browning BDA Left Side.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Browning BDA .45 ACP caliber left side showing Browning branding]]

The original 1975 SIG Sauer P220 had a 'heel-mounted' magazine release lever located at the rear of the magazine well and a lanyard loop which was typical of handguns made for police and military purposes. Newer SIG P220s utilize a push button magazine release to the left side of the grip, behind the trigger and do not have lanyard loops. The P220 was then later modified with a redesigned slide, grips, and other minor changes to the frame.

In 2007, a [[Picatinny rail]] was added to the frame under the barrel as standard on all models whose number ends in R.  The major difference in slide design, between the older model SIG pistols and the current production, is that the older model slides were stamped whereas the current production models are milled on a CNC machine.  The stamped models have an end piece at the muzzle end which is welded in place, to complete the slide.  Additionally, the older stamped slides feature a removable breech block.  This breech block is pinned to the slide with two hollow roll pins, one pressed inside the other, with their split ends opposed.  The newer milled slides are a one-piece unit and do not have a removable breech block.

The SIG P220 also comes in P220R and P220ST versions. Also in 2019 a new variant is available called the P220R Hunter that is chambered in 10mm and factory coated with a KRYPTEC camo pattern. The base and R models have an aluminum [[alloy]] frame with a [[stainless steel]] slide (if made by SIG Sauer in the US; German made versions still use a blued, stamped [[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 lights or [[Laser sights#Laser sight|laser sights]].

Originally, all SIG P220s were DA/SA and featured a decocking lever (and no external safety) just forward of the slide catch. This changed with the introduction of [[double-action only]] (DAO), [[Double Action Kellerman]] (DAK), and [[single action]] (SA) models. The DAO and DAK models do not have a de-cocking lever or safety, and the SA models only feature an [[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 in the United States|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.

All modern P220 variants are available in .45 ACP and, as of January 2015, [[10mm Auto]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/01/daniel-zimmerman/new-sig-sauer-four-new-p220-10mm-pistols/ |title=New From SIG SAUER: Four New P220 10mm Pistols |date=13 January 2015 |publisher=thetruthaboutguns.com |access-date=2015-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007032925/http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/01/daniel-zimmerman/new-sig-sauer-four-new-p220-10mm-pistols/ |archive-date=2015-10-07 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2024}}

===Browning BDA (early American import)===
 {{Distinguish|FN HP-DA|Browning BDA 380}}
The P220 was initially imported to the United States as the [[Browning Arms Company|Browning]] Double Action (BDA){{efn|name="BDA"|At the time SIG Sauer did not have a presence in the USA}} and then as the Sigarms P220. The P220s sold under the Browning Arms Company marque in the United States {{circa|1977}}–1980 had the heel-mounted magazine release lever until Browning discontinued it from its product line in the early 1980s; the discontinuation from the Browning product lineup was due to its poor sales and its then-'space age' appearance (similar to the [[AR-15]]/[[M16 rifle|M16]]). 

These particular P220s (or Browning BDAs) will have the stamping scroll which reads 'Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah and Montreal PQ' on the left hand side of the slide and 'SIG-Sauer System Made in W. Germany' on the right-hand side with the serial number scrolled beneath. 

The Browning version has the sides of the slides polished and blued. The frame is aluminum. The handgrips have Browning on the right side only.  On the right side of the slide is the serial number.  The Browning BDA 45 shown in the photographs has a production series number starting with 395. The RP that follows shows that this particular handgun was manufactured in 1977.

It was offered for sale in [[.45 ACP]], [[9 mm]], [[.38 Super]] (a rare model) and [[7.65mm Parabellum]] (an even rarer model).
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=385|title=SIG-Sauer P220 (Pistole 75 / Model 75) Semi-Automatic Pistol}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2012/11/sig-sauer-p220/|title=Sig Sauer P220|date=26 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.collectorsfirearms.com/?category=927&subcategory=1090&category=&product=pr12813|title=Collectors Firearms Archives - Home|first=SOURCE Web|last=Solutions|access-date=2020-11-21|archive-date=2020-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612232901/http://archives.collectorsfirearms.com/?category=927&subcategory=1090&category=&product=pr12813|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2009/7/13/sig-sauer-p220/|title=SIG Sauer P220}}</ref>

Some units were adopted by Huntington Beach Police.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

===P220 Rail===
The P220 Rail (or P220R) is effectively the same as the P220, but comes with an accessory rail located on the forward end of the frame of the firearm for accepting accessories such as a weapon light or laser. While the provided rail is similar to the Mil-STD-1913 [[Picatinny rail]] design, as implemented by SIG for this gun it has a proprietary cross-section form that conflicts with some early design Picatinny-compatible equipment. The P220R with its rail became the standard configuration of most recent and current production P220s which are no longer differentiated by the "Rail" or "R" designation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-p220.aspx |title=P220 page from |publisher=sigsauer.com |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125134417/http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/pistols-p220.aspx |archive-date=2012-11-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== P220 Carry ===
A P220 with a shortened barrel (3.9") and slide, but a full-sized frame that accepted 8-round magazines. It was available in DA/SA, SA, and DAK variants. All models, with the exception of the SAS concealed-carry version, came with an accessory rail. A Legion Series version was also offered. As of 2023 the P220 Carry is discontinued.<ref>{{cite web |title=P220 Legion Carry SAO |url=https://www.sigsauer.com/p220-legion-carry-sao.html |website=Sig Sauer |access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref>

=== P220 Compact ===
A P220 with shortened barrel and slide (3.9") and compact frame that accepts 6-round magazines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sig Sauer P220 Compact .45 ACP |url=https://www.iammo.com/sig-sauer-p220-compact-45-acp-6-1-3-9-pistol-in-black-nitron-siglite-night-sights-220cor45bss.html#full-description |website=iAmmo |access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref> It is possible to use the 8-round magazines of the P220 and P220 Carry which give it an 8+1 capacity. Adapters are available to cover the portion of the magazine which protrudes from the bottom of the grip.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://x-grips.com/products/sig2.html |title=XGRIP : Sub-Compact Handgun Magazine Adapters : Product List |publisher=X-grips.com |access-date=2012-03-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301060530/http://x-grips.com/products/sig2.html |archive-date=2012-03-01 }}</ref> It was offered in four versions: blued with beavertail, stainless (two-tone) with beavertail, blued with rail (no beavertail) and stainless with rail (no beavertail). It served as a replacement for the discontinued P245 and addressed complaints about the P220 Carry's full-size frame in a concealed carry pistol. The 220 Compact has since been discontinued.

=== P220 Combat ===
The two "Combat" models, the P220 Combat and P220 Combat TB (Threaded Barrel), are available in DA/SA only.  Their frames are colored "Flat Dark Earth" in compliance with the [[Joint Combat Pistol|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 chambered only in [[.45 ACP]], and is supplied with one 8-round magazine and one extended 10-round magazine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=155 |title=P220 Combat page |publisher=sigsauer.com |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113082050/http://sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=155 |archive-date=2010-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=156 |title=P220 Combat TB page |publisher=sigsauer.com |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125132747/http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=156 |archive-date=2010-11-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 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.

===P220 Classic 22===
This model's primary purpose is as a practice or range pistol.  The Classic 22 model replaces the typical [[stainless steel]] [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] [[Pistol slide|slide]] assembly with a lighter [[aluminum]] [[Rimfire ammunition|rimfire]] slide chambered in [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 LR]].  The Classic 22 also has a different [[Gun barrel|barrel]], guide rod, and recoil spring than the larger caliber models.  It incorporates the same [[Receiver (firearms)|frame]] and operation as centerfire P220 models. The Classic 22 model is available as a stand-alone firearm or as a conversion kit to an existing centerfire P220.  Likewise, conversion kits (the SIG Sauer X-Change Kits) exist to convert a .22 LR P220 into [[.45 ACP]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigsauer.com/products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=262 |title=Product page for the P220 Classic 22 |publisher=Sigsauer.com |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113080922/http://sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=6&productid=262 |archive-date=2010-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The conversion can be accomplished by field stripping the firearm and replacing the slide assembly and [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]]—a process that can be accomplished in minutes.

The Classic 22 use a 10-round polymer magazine in lieu of the steel magazines used by the centerfire models and conversion kits.

The P220 Classic 22 should not be confused with the [[SIG Sauer Mosquito]] .22 LR pistol.  The Classic 22 is a full-sized P220 while the Mosquito is modeled on the [[SIG Sauer P226|P226]] but is 90% of the size.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigsauer.com/products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=30&productid=98 |title=Mosquito product page |publisher=Sigsauer.com |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524075132/http://www.sigsauer.com/products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=30&productid=98 |archive-date=2010-05-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Another difference is that the Classic 22 is manufactured by SIG Sauer while the Mosquito is made under license by [[German Sport Guns GmbH]].{{Citation needed|reason=News to me, though it would explain why they suck so hard.  Google doesn't turn much up other than forum posts.  Anyone wanna email SIG Sauer and find out? :P|date=July 2010}}  The size difference means that the Mosquito cannot be converted "up", and full-size SIG Sauer pistols cannot use the Mosquito's slide assembly.

=== P220 Legion ===
A variant offered in SIG's high-end Legion Series, the P220 Legion features several improvements and upgrades over the base model including signature Legion gray PVD coating, G-10 grips with Legion medallion, low profile controls, X-RAY3 sights, and an optics-cut slide for mounting a red dot sight (in later production). The frame is modified from the base model with a reduced and contoured beaver tail, an undercut trigger guard, and front slide serrations. The P220 Legion is offered in DA/SA and SAO.<ref>{{cite web |title=P220 Legion Full-Size .45 Auto |url=https://www.sigsauer.com/p220-legion-45.html |website=Sig Sauer |access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref> Beginning in 2017, a 10mm version is also offered.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Annette |title=Range Review: SIG Sauer P220 Legion |url=https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/range-review-sig-sauer-p220-legion/ |website=Shooting Illustrated |publisher=National Rifle Association |access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref> A limited edition P220 Legion Carry SAO was released in 2020, but was only produced in small numbers before being discontinued.<ref>{{cite web |title=New for 2020: SIG Sauer P220 Legion Carry Limited Edition |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/new-for-2020-sig-sauer-p220-legion-carry-sao-limited-edition/ |website=American Rifleman |access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref>

=== P225 / P225-A1 ===
{{anchor|P225}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = SIG Sauer P225 / P225-A1
| image              = SIG 225.jpg
| caption            = SIG Sauer P225 pistol
| type               = [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| service            =
| wars               =
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           =Theobald Förster, Jürgen Baumann
| number             =
| spec_label         =
| length             = {{convert|6.9|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=P225A1spec>{{cite web |url=https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/SIG-SAUER/Pistol/P225-A1/9-mm/Variant-1 |title=SIG Model P225 A1 9 mm |website=genitron.com |access-date=March 8, 2020}}</ref>
| width              = {{convert|1.26|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=P225A1spec/>
| height             = {{convert|5.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=P225A1spec/>
| diameter           =
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| action             = Mechanically locked, [[Recoil operation#Short recoil operation|recoil-operated]] ([[DA/SA]])
| image_size         = 300
| origin             = Germany, Switzerland (P225)<br>United States (P225-A1)
| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history --> P225 until 2010
| used_by            = See ''[[SIG P220#Users|Users]]''
| design_date        = 1978 (P225)
| manufacturer       = SIG Sauer, Eckernförde, Germany<br>SIG Sauer Inc. Exeter, NH, USA
| unit_cost          = <!-- n/a, discontinued -->
| production_date    = 2015–2019 (P225-A1)
| variants           = P6 ([[West Germany|West German]] police variant)
<!-- General specifications -->
| weight             = {{convert|30.5|oz|abbr=on}}<ref name=P225A1spec/>
| part_length        = {{convert|3.6|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=P225A1spec/>
| cartridge          = [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
| cartridge_weight   =
| caliber            = 9mm
| barrels            =
| rate               =
| velocity           =
| range              =
| max_range          =
| feed               = 8-round [[Box magazine|magazine]]
| sights             = Siglite
}}
The SIG P225 is a more compact version of the SIG P220. A new German police standard issued in the mid-1970s prompted SIG-Sauer, Heckler & Koch, and Walther to develop new pistols that met the standard: the [[Walther P5]], the SIG-Sauer P225 (known as the P6) and the [[Heckler & Koch P7]]. (In addition, Mauser had a design, the HsP, that never went into full production.) Walter Ludwig was involved in the design of the Walther, SIG-Sauer and Mauser entrants in the German Police selection. Each German state was free to buy whichever pistol it wanted to. Initially, the P220 was submitted; the P225/P6 was a revision created to conform with the mid-1970s West German police requirements for its standard service pistol. The SIG-Sauer P225 was the least expensive (due mainly to the inventive design) and received the majority of the orders. To be able to manufacture that many handguns, SIG acquired a controlling interest in [[Sauer & Sohn|J. P. Sauer & Sohn]] in Eckernförde, Germany to manufacture parts for the P220. This is also where all P225s were manufactured. The only difference between the P6 and P225—the P225 (which was adopted by US civilian law enforcement) has a lighter trigger pull, whereas the P6's trigger pull is heavier. The P225 has tritium fixed sights; P6s had fixed sights only. Genuine P225s manufactured for the West German Police will have a "P6" stamp on the right side of the slide.<ref name="Keepshooting-P6">{{cite web|title=Sig Sauer P6|url=http://www.keepshooting.com/sig-sauer-p6.html|website=keepshooting.com|access-date=2017-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214184114/http://www.keepshooting.com/sig-sauer-p6.html|archive-date=2017-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

A new police standard was adopted in Germany in 1995, and the P225 is in the process of being replaced.{{when|date=March 2020}} German police pistols can be identified by the hammer, which has a small "ear" or "hook". According to section 7.7 of the German manual, the cutout is the ''Deformationssporn'', which means "deformation spur". This was a requirement of the [[Federal Police (Germany)|West German Police]] for all their P6 pistols,  to alert police armorers if the pistol was dropped on its hammer. Many of these surplus German police pistols were imported into the United States.<ref name="Keepshooting-P6" /> Because of its compact size, the P225/P6 is quite readily usable for [[concealed carry]]. In states with limits on magazine capacity, the P225/P6 was usually in high demand. Most have a push button magazine release located behind the triggerguard, though they (but not the later P225-A1) were also available with a heel-mounted magazine release lever as used on the original P220, which was not a popular feature in the American marketplace as it makes magazine changes slower even though it greatly reduces the chances of an accidental magazine release. The heel-mounted magazine release lever also reduces the incidence of lost magazines in combat as a result of speed reloading magazines, as is common with the push button magazine release which only requires the user to push this button to eject the magazine rather than drag it out by hand as one must do with the heel-mounted magazine release lever.

;P225-A1
P225-A1 was introduced by SIG in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=P225: Return of the King|url=https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p225/|website=sigsauer.com|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312070930/https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p225/|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It was based on the P225, with a number of refinements.  Notably, the place of origin on the slide was [[SIG Sauer Inc.]] of [[Exeter, New Hampshire]]. There was a new contour to the frame, a short reset trigger, a milled slide (the earlier one was stamped), and two barrel lengths (one standard and the other threaded for a suppressor). The suppressor model came with high sights.<ref name="ModernFirearms - P225">{{cite web|title=SIG-Sauer P225 pistol (Switzerland)|url=http://modernfirearms.net/handguns/hg/switch/sig-sauer-p225-e.html|website=modernfirearms.net/handguns/hg/switch/sig-sauer-p225-e.html|date=22 October 2010|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312053841/http://modernfirearms.net/handguns/hg/switch/sig-sauer-p225-e.html|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Range365 - P225-A1">{{cite web|last1=McHale|first1=Tom|title=Sig Sauer P225 A1: Gun Review|url=http://www.range365.com/sig-sauer-p225-a1-gun-review|website=range365.com|date=31 August 2016|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119151537/http://www.range365.com/sig-sauer-p225-a1-gun-review|archive-date=19 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The P225-A1 was discontinued in late 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://osagecountyguns.com/blog/%CAtegory%25/sig-2020-releases/ |title=Sig 2020 New Releases and Discontinued Models |website=osagecountyguns.com |access-date=March 8, 2020}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name="ModFA-P245">{{cite web|title=SIG-Sauer P245 pistol (Germany)|url=http://modernfirearms.net/handguns/hg/switch/sig-sauer-p245-e.html|website=modernfirearms.net|date=22 October 2010|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214182901/http://modernfirearms.net/handguns/hg/switch/sig-sauer-p245-e.html|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 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. One of the major differences in construction between the P245 and the P220 Compact is that the P245 was only built using the older stamped steel slide design with a removable breech block, while some of the later P220 Compact variants were available with an extended grip tang.

The P245 is no longer manufactured by SIG, having been replaced by the P220 Carry and the P220 Compact.

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*{{flag|Canada}}: P225 variant is used by the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] and the [[Canadian Forces Military Police]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mpmuseum.org/securweapon.html |title=Canadian Forces Military Police Branch Weapons |publisher=Mpmuseum.org |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327153308/http://mpmuseum.org/securweapon.html |archive-date=2012-03-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Denmark}}: P220 variant<ref name="Wiener 1987">{{cite book|title=The armies of the NATO nations: Organization, concept of war, weapons and equipment|series=Truppendienst Handbooks Volume 3|year= 1987|first=Friedrich |last=Wiener |page=428|publisher=Herold Publishers|location=Vienna}}</ref>
*{{flag|France}}: P220 variant<ref name="Wiener 1987"/>
*{{flag|Iran}}<ref>{{cite book|last = Jones| first = Richard| title = Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009–2010 | publisher = Jane's Information Group| year = 2009| isbn =978-0-7106-2869-5  | page =896}}</ref>
*{{flag|Japan}}: Adopted by the [[Japanese Self-Defense Forces]] in 1982 and made under license by Minebea as the Minebea P9.<ref name="miller2001">Miller, David (2001). ''The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns''. Salamander Books Ltd. {{ISBN|1-84065-245-4}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Arthur|first=Gordon|date=|title=Weapons of the JGSDF|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/weapons-of-the-jgsdf/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406235506/https://sadefensejournal.com/weapons-of-the-jgsdf/|archive-date=6 April 2022|access-date=6 April 2022|website=Small Arms Defense Journal}}</ref> 
*{{flag|Serbia}}: Some number in arsenal of [[Gendarmery (Serbia)|Gendarmery]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://specijalne-jedinice.com/Srbija/Zandarmerija.html |title=Specijalne-jedinice.com &#124; Žandarmerija Republike Srbije |access-date=2017-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202075408/http://specijalne-jedinice.com/Srbija/Zandarmerija.html |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Sweden}}: Standard service handgun of the [[Swedish Police]].<ref>[[SIG Sauer P220#P225.2FP6]], [http://www.lba.admin.ch/internet/lba/de/home/themen/ausrue/pers0/bewaffnung/pist75.html lba.admin.ch]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117164553/http://www.lba.admin.ch/internet/lba/de/home/themen/ausrue/pers0/bewaffnung/pist75.html |date=2008-01-17 }}</ref> They are being replaced by [[Glock]] pistols starting in 2022.<ref name="Sig Sauern ska bytas mot Glock - PolisMagasinet">{{cite web|title=Sig Sauern ska bytas mot Glock|url=https://polistidningen.se/2022/01/glock-blir-polisens-nya-tjanstevapen|website=polismagasinet.se|access-date=30 January 2023}}</ref>
*{{flag|Switzerland}}: Standard service handgun of the [[Swiss Army]], designated ''Pistole 75''.<ref name="MilitaryFactory - P220">{{cite web|title=SIG-Sauer P220 (Pistole 75 / Model 75) Semi-Automatic Pistol|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=385|website=militaryfactory.com|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615063718/http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=385|archive-date=15 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The P225 is also used by various police forces.
*{{flag|United States}}: The P220, among other pistols, is used by the park rangers of the [[National Park Service]] and some local and state police departments, such as the [[Irvine Police Department]] and the [[Connecticut State Police]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/index.htm?type=Announcements&id=9635 |title=National Park Service Firearms Announcement |publisher=Nps.gov |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108222816/http://www.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Announcements&id=9635 |archive-date=2012-11-08 |url-status=live }}</ref> The P225 is used by various police departments.<ref name="modernfirearms">{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg56-e.htm |title=Modern Firearms – SIG-Sauer P225 |publisher=World.guns.ru |access-date=2012-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117164553/http://www.lba.admin.ch/internet/lba/de/home/themen/ausrue/pers0/bewaffnung/pist75.html |archive-date=2008-01-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{flag|Uruguay}}<ref name="gander1995">Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996''. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-1241-0}}.</ref>
*{{flag|Vatican City}}: ''P75'' (P220) is used by the [[Swiss Guard]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2111117/Pope-Benedict-XVI-sets-up-anti-terrorist-squad.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Malcolm | last=Moore | title=Pope Benedict XVI sets up anti-terrorist squad | date=11 June 2008 | access-date=2 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406102307/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2111117/Pope-Benedict-XVI-sets-up-anti-terrorist-squad.html | archive-date=6 April 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|West Germany}}: P225 variant was used by the West German police as the P6.<ref name="miller2001"/>

== Images ==
<gallery>
File:Pistolet-SIG-p1000491.jpg|The P220 (P75 in the picture), like this Swiss military model, does not feature an external safety.
File:Pistolet-SIG-p1000504.jpg|Firing of a military P220 (P75) 
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons|SIG P220}}
* {{official website|https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p220/}}
* [https://www.snipercountry.com/sig-p220-review/ Product review] at snipercountry.com
{{SIG Sauer semi-automatic pistols}}

[[Category:Cold War weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:9mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.45 ACP semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols of Germany]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols of Switzerland]]
[[Category:7.65×21mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.22 LR pistols]]
[[Category:SIG Sauer semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:10mm Auto semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.38 Super semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1975]]