The SIG P210-4
History And Specifications
The SIG P210-4, designed for the German Federal Border Guard, is a self-loading pistol renowned for its precision, durability, and craftsmanship. As a variant of the iconic SIG P210 series, it holds a unique place in firearms history due to its limited production, specialized features, and fascinating distribution story.
Prototype Series
The initial prototypes of the SIG P210-4 include serial numbers:
- P 50758
- P 50759
- P 50897
These prototypes had no official German designation but were classified as the SIG Type P 210-4. Each prototype featured consistent numbering across the slide, frame, barrel, and lock housing, showcasing SIG’s attention to detail.
Production and Serial Numbering
- Main Production: Serial numbers ranged from D 0001 to D 5000. Early pistols featured wooden grip panels before transitioning to plastic grips.
- Secondary Batch: In 1995, a supplementary batch numbered D 6001 to D 6500 was produced for Frankonia-Jagd, Würzburg.
Key Features
- Construction:
- Sandblasted slide and frame for durability.
- Early models included wooden grips; later replaced with plastic panels.
- Design Details:
- Lanyard loop.
- Loading indicator.
- Ribbed slide catch and manual safety lever.
- Hammer with safety notch.
- Sights:
- Adjustable front sight (height: 5.1–5.9 mm).
- Sighted for 50 meters for precision shooting.
- Markings:
- The serial number and SIG logo are on the slide.
- Matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, and lock housing.
German Federal Border Guard Delivery
Approximately 443 pistols from the D 0001 to D 0443 range were sold to the German Federal Border Guard. Additional pistols were delivered to international buyers, police forces, and private customers.
The “Cuba Legend”
SIG manufactured an extra 1,500 pistols (serials 5001 to 6500) for potential orders that never materialized. While rumors of Cuban interest sparked the “Cuba Model” nickname, no P210 pistols were ever delivered to Cuba. Instead, these pistols were distributed to Denmark, the USA, and other buyers:
- USA Export: Serial numbers 6467–6479, 6487–6490.
- Police Use: Basel Police received several pistols as replacements for defective models.
- Private Sales: Final units sold through dealers like Gustav Bürgin (Basel) and Hoffmann & Reinhart (Zurich).
Double Numbering
An interesting quirk of the P210-4 series involves serial overlap with the Swedish SIG models, including:
- Sweden: Serial range 6061–6540.
- P210-4: Serial range 5001–6500.
Except for minor differences like the absence of a lanyard loop and Swiss cross on sight, these Swedish pistols shared the core features of the P210-4.
The SIG P210-4 remains a collector’s dream, blending historical significance with superior engineering. Each pistol tells a unique story, whether as part of Germany’s post-war rearmament, international exports, or the enigmatic “Cuba Model” narrative.
The Specs and information on the different gun models listed below are based on Das Grosse Buch der SIG-Pistolen, “The Big Book of SIG Pistols,” by Lorenz Vetter.
SIG P 210-4
Pre-Series, 1950
- Weapon Number: P 50897
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version, sandblasted, blued, with loading indicator and Swiss crest
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
This pistol served as a prototype for the German Federal Border Guard. The weapon number is stamped on the slide, grip frame (small script), and barrel (under the ejection port).
SIG P 210-4, 1951
Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 0031
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para and KK (small-caliber) system with the same weapon number
- Breech: 1st version P 210, front tapered, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Polished steel, blued magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, No. 0031
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Wooden grips with grooves, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
KK (small-caliber) system with the same weapon number, D 0031 (rare), flat 1st version. The weapon was delivered in 1951 and belongs to the 1st version of the P 210-4.
SIG P 210-4, 1951
Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 0063
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version P 210, front tapered, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, proofed with “D” on the slide and grip frame
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, polished
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, full weapon number stamped
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Walnut wooden grips, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Loading indicator, hammer with safety notch, designed for the German Federal Border Guard. This pistol belongs to the first version with walnut wooden grips.
SIG P 210-4, 1951/52
Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 4156
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version P 210, front tapered, blued, with loading indicator, sandblasted
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, blued, sandblasted with “D” proof mark
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, complete number 4156 stamped
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Slide and safety lever with grooves, a magazine with a brushed finish, loading indicator, black bluing. 1st version with plastic grip panels.
SIG P 210-4 Federal Border Guard
(Upgraded Version)
- Weapon Number: D 4395
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version P 210-1, front tapered, blued, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, proofed with “D” mark on the left side
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, full number 4395 stamped
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
On the left side of the slide, “9 mm Para” with various proof marks is engraved. This upgraded (fully overhauled) version can be classified as the third version of the P 210-4 (D.B.G.).
SIG P 210-4
Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 4999
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version P 210, weapon number 4999 without “D,” with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version P 210, blued, marked “D 4999,” proofed with “D” mark
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, full number 4999 stamped
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
A penultimate number of this Border Guard series, serial numbers range from D 0001 to D 5000. Still a new weapon, unused.
SIG P 210-4
Remaining Stock Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 5003
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para and .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Breech: 1st version, front tapered, polished, blued, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, reddish blued, stamped with “BP”
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, rear edge
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Prototype weapon for the German Federal Ministry of the Interior from the remaining stock for the Federal Border Guard, equipped with a .22 l.r. (5.6 mm) conversion system. Right side without SIG logo. Pistols in the serial number range 5000 to 5024 were assembled according to customer requests, resulting in differences. Holes for a lanyard loop are present.
SIG P 210-4
Remaining Stock Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: 5005
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version, front tapered, blued, polished, without loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, reddish blued, polished, stamped with “BP,” number 5005 inside
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel, right side with number 5005, left side engraved with “9 mm Para”
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 1st version, full number 5005 stamped, side-mounted screws
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Prototype weapon for the Federal Ministry of the Interior from the remaining stock for the German Federal Border Guard. The grip frame includes two holes for a lanyard loop. Without the “D” prefix before the weapon number.
SIG P 210-4, 1951–1966
Double Number
- Weapon Number: 6491
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version, sandblasted, blued, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 2nd version P 210, rear straight, number 6491
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
Double number with SP 47/8. On the slide is the Swiss crest, marking the first serial number of the so-called “Cuba Model” (serial numbers 6491 to 6500). These 10 pistols were delivered to the firm Hofmann & Reinhart, Zurich.
SIG P 210-4, 1951–1966
Double Number
- Weapon Number: 6500
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: 1st version, sandblasted, blued, with loading indicator and Swiss crest
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: 2nd version P 210, rear straight, number 6500
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
Double number with SP 47/8. The number is on the slide’s left side and grip frame. It features a loading indicator, a Swiss crest on the slide, and is the last serial number of the so-called “Cuba Model.” On the left side of the grip frame is a “BP” stamp.
SIG P 210-4 HT, 1983
- Weapon Number: HT 6950
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG/Hämmerli, Tiengen
- Caliber: 9 mm Para and matching-number .22 l.r. system
- Breech: 1st version, sandblasted, tapered, without proof marks, with loading indicator
- Grip Frame: 1st version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Both magazines lightly brushed finish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (both magazines)
- Slide: 1st version, reddish bluing, number 6950 stamped
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Slide catch and safety lever with serrations, “TIENGEN” engraved on the trigger guard. Slide and grip frame sandblasted and blued. Magazine is lightly brushed and matched to the serial number. On the left side, marked: “.22 l.r. system, SP 47/8, Hämmerli TIENGEN, Cal. 22 l.r. and SIG logo.” Final assembly by Hämmerli, Tiengen. All parts are original SIG P 210. This pistol was manufactured for the Hofmann and Reinhart company in Zurich.
SIG P 210-4
Reorder in 1995 by Frankonia-Jagd
- Weapon Number: D 6002
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Breech: New version P 210-4, sandblasted, blued, with loading indicator, left side marked with number D 6002 and SIG logo
- Grip Frame: New version P 210-2, sandblasted, blued, right side above the trigger guard marked with eagle proof mark, “D” proof mark, and date code KF; left side marked with number D 6002 and BP proof mark
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, tilting barrel, rear without edge
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand twist, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Slide: New version, rear without edge or number, not screwed in place
- Front Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Rear Sight: Slide-in, standard issue
- Grip Panels: Walnut grips with grooves, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
This pistol was a special reorder made in 1995 by Frankonia-Jagd. It features new design elements such as the updated slide and grip frame, including proof marks and date codes. Walnut grips add to its refined appearance.
