SIG Sauer P210
SIG Sauer · Pistol · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: Pistole 49, P49, SP47/8, M/49 Neuhausen, SIG Neuhausen P210
Overview
The SIG Sauer P210 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by SIG Sauer since 1949. Featuring a 8-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 970 g (34.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1130 g (39.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 215 mm (8.46") |
| Barrel Length | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 16 N (3.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 335 m/s (1099 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 418 J (308 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- 7.65x21mm Parabellum — also known as .30 Luger, 7.65mm Luger, 7.65mm Para
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Internal Slide Rails, Target Grade Trigger, Walnut Grips, Fixed Sights, Machined Steel Construction, Petter Browning Locking
Variants
- SIG P210-1 — Commercial
- SIG P210-2 (Pistole 49) — Military
- SIG P210-3 — Police
- SIG P210-4 — Military
- SIG P210-5 — Target
- SIG P210-6 — Sport
- SIG P210-8 — Deluxe Sport
- SIG Sauer P210 Target — Target
- SIG Sauer P210 Carry — Compact
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1949 · as Pistole 49
- Danish Armed Forces · adopted 1951 · as M/49 Neuhausen
- German Bundesgrenzschutz · adopted 1951
- Swiss Cantonal Police · adopted 1951 · as P210-3
- Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Monaco)
- Kazakh Armed Forces · adopted 2007
- Latvian National Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Cold War (1949-1991)
- Various UN Peacekeeping Operations (1950-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 350,000 · Production years: 1949-2005, 2018-present
Approximately 350,000 units of all variants produced by Swiss Arms AG (1949-2005). Swiss Army models serialized A 100001 to A 213110. German border guard models serialized D 0001 to D 6500. Modern SIG Sauer US-made P210 Standard and Target models have been in production since 2018-2019.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Charles Gabriel Petter
Notes
The original Swiss P210 was produced from 1949 to 2005 by Swiss Arms AG (formerly SIG). SIG Sauer reintroduced an American-made version in 2018-2019 with stainless steel frame and slide. The P210's internal slide rail design is the inverse of most pistols and is a key contributor to its extraordinary accuracy. Swiss military serial numbers run from A 100001 to A 213110. The P210-5 target variant features an extended 150mm barrel protruding from the slide. The P210-2 was the standard Swiss military issue with plastic grips and bead-blasted finish. The P210-4 was produced specifically for the German border guard (Bundesgrenzschutz) with a loaded chamber indicator. The Danish military used the M/49 designation for over 60 years before replacing it with the SIG Sauer P320. The P210 was replaced in Swiss military service by the SIG P220 (Pistole 75) starting in 1975.
Background
The P210 is often called the 'Rolls-Royce of pistols' due to its exceptional fit, finish, and accuracy. Its unique internal slide rail design -- where the slide rides inside the frame rather than outside -- was considered revolutionary and contributes to its legendary precision. Swiss military pistols shipped with a 50-meter test target showing groups under 50mm, a standard most modern pistols cannot match. Original Swiss P210s command premium prices on the collector market, with rare variants like the P210-5 heavy frame National Match pistols (only 46 produced in 1966-1969) fetching extraordinary sums. The design originated from Charles Petter, a French officer of Russian extraction who designed the Modele 1935A pistol for France before SIG acquired the license in 1937.