SIG P210-4
SIG Sauer AG · Pistol · Discontinued · 1951
Also known as: SIG P210-4 BGS, SIG-Neuhausen P210-4
Overview
The SIG P210-4 is a Swiss-made, single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, a service variant of the renowned SIG P210 produced specifically for the West German Federal Border Guard (Bundesgrenzschutz). Delivered from 1951, it retained the P210's celebrated inside-the-frame slide rails and target-grade accuracy while adding a loaded-chamber indicator and an adjustable front sight regulated for 50 metres. Roughly 5,000 pistols were built in the initial contract, with a small later batch produced for the civilian market.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 885 g (31.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 985 g (34.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 215 mm (8.46") |
| Barrel Length | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Sight Radius | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 340 m/s (1115 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 430 J (317 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Loaded Chamber Indicator, Adjustable Front Sight, Target Grade Accuracy, Slide Rides Inside Frame Rails
Base model
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Border Guard (Bundesgrenzschutz) · adopted 1951 · as P210-4
- Bundeswehr
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,500 · Production years: 1951-1966, 1995
Approximately 5,000 delivered to the Bundesgrenzschutz plus a small 1955 supplementary order; a later batch of 500 (D 6001-D 6500) was made for Frankonia-Jagd in 1995.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Charles Petter
Discontinued: 1966
Notes
The first 500 pistols were fitted with cross-grooved wooden grips before the change to black plastic panels. Serial numbers used a 'D' prefix (D 0001 onward); a supplementary batch (D 6001 to D 6500) was produced for Frankonia-Jagd of Wuerzburg in 1995. Prized by collectors for its precision fit and finish.
Background
The P210 lineage traces to the French Modele 1935A designed by Charles Petter; SIG licensed and refined the design into the SP 47/8, adopted by the Swiss Army as the Pistole 49. The P210-4 carried that Swiss precision into German border service, where its cost far exceeded domestic alternatives yet its accuracy justified the expense.