The SIG P228
Specifications and Features
The SIG-Sauer P228 is a compact, mechanically locked, recoil-operated pistol chambered in 9mm Para caliber, renowned for its exceptional performance and versatility. Designed with both concealed carry and ease of use in mind, this firearm is particularly well-suited for users with smaller hands or those requiring a more compact sidearm without sacrificing functionality or reliability.
Key Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm Para
- Magazine Capacity: 13-rounds (compatible with 15- and 20-round magazines from the SIG-Sauer P226)
- Operation: Double-action
- Safety Features: Automatic firing pin safety ensures enhanced protection, keeping the firing pin largely blocked even when decocked.
- Magazine Release: Ambidextrous (can be mounted on the left or right side)
- Construction: A largely enclosed design resists external contamination, ensuring dependable operation in adverse conditions.
- Magazine Base: High-quality, durable plastic for extended service life.
Versatility and Compatibility:
One of the standout features of the P228 is its compatibility with a range of parts and accessories from the SIG-Sauer P225 and P226 models. This interchangeability includes:
- SIGLITE Night Sights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Sports Sights for improved precision shooting.
- Holsters designed for the P225, ensuring ease of carry.
- Magazines: Extended options like the 15- and 20-round magazines from the P226 add versatility.
Proven Military Pedigree:
The P228 was officially adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces under the designation M11, making it a trusted sidearm for special units and military personnel. This service history highlights the P228’s durability, reliability, and performance in critical operations.
Why Choose the SIG-Sauer P228?
The P228 blends the compact design of a concealed-carry weapon with the robustness and precision expected from SIG-Sauer firearms. Its ergonomic build, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories make it an ideal choice for civilian, law enforcement, and military users alike. Whether for duty use or personal defense, the P228 delivers the quality and confidence SIG-Sauer is known for.
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-Sauer P 228
Pre-Series
- Weapon Number: B 100001
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Action: Steel, sandblasted, blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, double-stack box magazine, sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
- Front Sight: Contrast front sight with white dot, clamped in place; optional night sight upon request
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with white line, clamped in place; optional night sight upon request
- Grip Panels: Plastic with checkering, or optionally walnut grip panels upon request
Special Features:
The depicted firearm is a pre-series model. The grip panels, etc., do not yet correspond to the final production version.
SIG-Sauer P 229
Sample (labeled as P 228)
- Weapon Number: B 120893
- Designer: SIG]
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Action: Corrosion-resistant steel, blackened
- Frame: Aluminum, anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Front Sight: Contrast front sight with white dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with white line
- Grip Panels: Plastic, textured, without sling swivel
Special Features:
The above pistol is a SIG-Sauer P 229, but it was labeled as P 228 at the SIG factory.
SIG-Sauer P 228
- Weapon Number: B 100187
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Action: Corrosion-resistant steel, blackened; right side engraved with “B 100187 P 228 MADE in W GERMANY,” left side engraved with “SIG SAUER”
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel with angled surfaces
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, engraved with “SIG-SAUER P 228”
- Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Front Sight: Block front sight with white dot, clamped in place
- Rear Sight: Block rear sight with white line, clamped in place
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, textured; right side labeled with “SIG-SAUER,” left side labeled with “P 228”
Special Features:
Barrel stamped with “☐P,” frame right side marked “B 100187,” D-proofed.
SIG-Sauer P 228
New Version, 1994, Zurich Cantonal Police
- Weapon Number: B 186021
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Para
- Action: Corrosion-resistant steel, blackened; right side engraved with “B 186021/P 228”
- Frame: Light metal, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 98 mm, tilting barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right-hand, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued
- Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Front Sight: Block front sight with luminous dot
- Rear Sight: New box-style rear sight with two luminous dots
- Grip Panels: Plastic, textured; right side labeled “SIG-SAUER,” left side labeled “P 228”
Special Features:
Newest version of the P 228 for the Zurich Cantonal Police.
