The SIG P230 History and Specifications
A Journey of Innovation
The SIG-Sauer P 230 is a compact blowback-operated pistol designed for reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice for law enforcement and civilian users alike. Its development in the 1970s showcases SIG-Sauer’s commitment to precision engineering, with a fascinating progression from experimental models to full production.
Development Timeline
The P 230’s development began in the late 1960s, with a series of prototypes exploring various calibers, materials, and design refinements. Initial efforts included the 61710 pocket pistol in 1970 and earlier experimental designs like the 61711, which tested calibers 9 mm Kurz and 7.65 mm Browning as early as 1969.
Further innovations led to the 61712, featuring a shortened barrel, breechblock, and recoil spring for precision testing. The 61714, crafted in stainless steel, included a breechblock for caliber 6.35 mm, exemplifying SIG-Sauer’s exploration of new materials. By 1971, the prototypes had advanced to heavier breechblocks for testing stronger ammunition and included multiple calibers such as .22 Long Rifle and 9 mm Kurz.
From Prototype to Production
The first pre-series models appeared in 1974, with 40 units chambered for 9 mm Police. These were manufactured by Sauer & Sohn and assembled by SIG. By 1975, the P 230 entered full production with calibers 7.65 mm Browning and 9 mm Kurz. These models boasted simple breechblock designs, magazine capacities of seven or eight rounds, and fine rifling for added precision.
Further refinements appeared in the 1979 series, including a version chambered for 9 mm Police with coarse rifling for durability. In 1981, a unique experimental model added a manual safety that blocked both the hammer and breechblock, marking SIG-Sauer’s collaboration with a Japanese project.
Key Features and Legacy
Throughout its development, the P 230 demonstrated SIG-Sauer’s commitment to innovation. It offered multiple calibers, including 9 mm Kurz, 7.65 mm Browning, and .22 Long Rifle, with magazine capacities ranging from seven to eight rounds. Frames transitioned from steel to lightweight Perunal alloy, while safety features like decocking levers and manual safeties ensured reliable operation.
The P 230’s progression from early prototypes to production models illustrates the meticulous approach SIG-Sauer applied to crafting a versatile, compact pistol. Its legacy endures as a cornerstone of the SIG-Sauer lineup, celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors for its engineering excellence.
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 230
Experimental Model, 1969/70
- Weapon Number: Without number
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 7.65 mm Browning
- Breechblock: Steel, unlocked mass-recoil with spring. Left side marked: SIG-Mod. P 230, Cal. 7.65 mm SWISS Made
- Frame: Steel, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, single-row, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed, contrast sight
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels with thumb rest, without checkering
SIG P 230
2nd Experimental Model, 1970
- Weapon Number: P 61714
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 7.65 mm and 9 mm Kurz
- Breechblock: Rust-resistant steel, blackened, blowback-operated mass-recoil system, marked on the left side: SIG P 230 Cal. 7.65 mm/9 mm Kurz, Swiss Made
- Frame: Rust-resistant steel, blackened
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, single-row box magazine, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (7.65 mm) or 7 rounds (9 mm Kurz)
- Front Sight: Fixed, contrast sight, integrated into the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight, mounted, Stavenhagen system
- Grip Panels: Walnut grip panels with thumb rest, attachment screw, and coarse checkering
Special Features:
Prototype, handmade. The magazine release is located at the bottom of the grip frame, and the safety button is positioned above the grip panel on the left side (only on weapon numbers P 61713, P 61714, and P 61716). All later models feature a stamped steel lever. The disassembly lever is also handmade from sheet metal.
SIG P 230
2nd Experimental Model, 1970
- Weapon Number: P 61716
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 9 mm Kurz
- Breechblock: Rust-resistant steel, blackened, blowback-operated mass-recoil system, marked on the left side: SIG P 230 Cal. 9 mm, Swiss Made
- Frame: Rust-resistant steel, blackened
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Steel, single-row box magazine, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed, contrast sight, integrated into the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight, mounted, Stavenhagen system
- Grip Panels: Walnut grip panels with thumb rest, attachment screw, and fine checkering
Special Features:
Further development of the P 230 prototype. The magazine release is located at the bottom of the grip frame, and the safety button is positioned above the grip panel on the left side (only on weapon numbers P 61713, P 61714, and P 61716). All later models feature a stamped steel lever. The disassembly lever is now machine-made, and the hammer has been equipped with coarse holding grooves.
SIG P 230
Experimental Model, 1972
- Weapon Number: Without number
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: 7.65 mm
- Breechblock: Handcrafted, rust-resistant steel, polished, blowback-operated mass-recoil system
- Frame: Rust-resistant steel, matte, left side marked with D-proofing stamp
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Chrome-plated, polished
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a red dot, fixed on the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a red line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, fine checkering, oiled
Special Features:
Engraving on the left side of the breechblock: SIG Mod 230 cal 7.65/9 mm Swiss Made; right side: Stainless Steel. Fine rifling on the back, magazine release located at the bottom, decocking lever slightly curved. Blowback system with a fixed barrel.
SIG P 230
Experimental Model, 1973/74
- Weapon Number: S 75175
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, polished, reddish blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, magazine base with a special design (plastic)
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a white dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a white line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, handcrafted, with fine checkering on the sides
Special Features:
Engraving on the right side of the breechblock: P 230 S 75175; left side: SIG SAUER 9 mm Police. Safety lever is flat, the rear of the breechblock tapers flatly, and the magazine release is located at the bottom. A total of 40 pistols were produced in this pre-series:
- 8 pieces in caliber 7.65 mm Browning (serial numbers S 75151 to S 75158)
- 10 pieces in caliber 9 mm Kurz (serial numbers S 75159 to S 75168)
- 22 pieces in caliber 9 mm Police (serial numbers S 75169 to S 75190)
SIG P 230
Series, 1975
- Weapon Number: S 001060
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Kurz
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, rust-resistant steel, polished sides, matte top
- Frame: Rust-resistant steel, matte sides, polished underside
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Stainless steel, polished
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a red dot, fixed on the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a red line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, finely checkered on the sides and back, oiled
Special Features:
The rear of the breechblock has coarse serrations. Engraving on the breechblock right side: P 230 SL, S 001060; below the ejection port: D-proofing stamp; left side: SIG SAUER MADE IN W GERMANY 9 mm Kurz; on the left side of the frame: D-proofing stamp. The magazine release is located at the bottom, and the rear of the breechblock tapers flatly. The decocking lever is slightly curved.
SIG P 230
Experimental Model, 1973/74
- Weapon Number: S 75175
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, polished, reddish blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, magazine base with a special design (plastic)
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a white dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast sight with a white line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, handcrafted, with fine checkering on the sides
Special Features:
Engraving on the right side of the breechblock: P 230 S 75175; left side: SIG SAUER 9 mm Police. Safety lever is flat, the rear of the breechblock tapers flatly, and the magazine release is located at the bottom. A total of 40 pistols were produced in this pre-series:
- 8 pieces in caliber 7.65 mm Browning (serial numbers S 75151 to S 75158)
- 10 pieces in caliber 9 mm Kurz (serial numbers S 75159 to S 75168)
- 22 pieces in caliber 9 mm Police (serial numbers S 75169 to S 75190)
SIG P 230
Series, 1975
- Weapon Number: S 101897
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 7.65 mm Browning
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, blued
- Frame: Aluminum, black anodized
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a white dot, fixed on the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Block-style rear sight with a white line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, finely checkered on the sides
Special Features:
Engraving on the right side of the breechblock: MADE IN W. GERMANY P 230 S 101897, D-proofing stamp; left side: SIG SAUER 7.65 mm Browning. The breechblock has fine serrations, and the rear of the breechblock tapers flatly. The magazine release is located at the bottom, and the decocking lever has a flat design.
SIG P 230
Series, 1975
- Weapon Number: S 104004
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, blued
- Frame: Steel, blued, sandblasted
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a white dot, fixed on the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with a white line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, finely checkered on the sides
Special Features:
Engraving on the right side of the breechblock: D-proofing stamp, MADE IN W. GERMANY, P 230 S 104004; left side: SIG-SAUER 9 mm Police. The rear of the breechblock has coarse serrations. The frame is made of blued steel. The decocking lever is flat, and the magazine release is located at the bottom.
SIG-Sauer P 230, Series
- Weapon Number: S 104935
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, blued
- Frame: Steel, blued, sandblasted
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight with a white dot, fixed on the breechblock
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with a white line, mounted
- Grip Panels: Black plastic, finely checkered on the sides
Special Features:
Engraving on the right side of the breechblock: D-proofing stamp, MADE IN W. GERMANY, P 230 S 104935; left side: SIG-SAUER 9 mm Police. The rear of the breechblock has coarse serrations. The frame is made of blued steel. The decocking lever is slightly rounded, and the magazine release is located at the bottom.
SIG P 230
Test Pistol, Zurich City Police
- Weapon Number: S 106854
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, blued
- Frame: Steel, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 130 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Contrast front sight with a white dot, fixed
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with a white line
- Grip Panels: Plastic
Special Features:
Three of these pistols (serial numbers S 106854 to S 106856), with extended barrels and threads for suppressors, were delivered to the Zurich City Police.
SIG-Sauer P 230
Japan Trial
- Weapon Number: S 111110
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel
- Frame: Steel, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed, contrast front sight with a red dot
- Rear Sight: Contrast rear sight with a white line
- Grip Panels: Plastic
Special Features:
This pistol was manufactured as a trial pistol for Japan. Serial numbers range from S 111095 to S 111110 and S 111111 to S 111138.
SIG P 230
Cutaway Model
- Weapon Number: 3 S
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, blued
- Frame: Steel, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation, barrel fixed in the frame
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued, magazine base made of plastic
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed
- Rear Sight: Block-style rear sight, mounted
- Grip Panels: Plastic
Special Features:
A total of 5 units were produced. Serial numbers range from 1 S to 5 S.
SIG-Sauer P 230 de Luxe
- Weapon Number: S 106999
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9 mm Police
- Breechblock: Blowback-operated mass-recoil system, steel, engraved, blued
- Frame: Steel, engraved, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 92 mm, blowback operation
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued, plastic magazine base
- Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
- Front Sight: Fixed
- Rear Sight: Block-style rear sight, mounted
- Grip Panels: Walnut wood with checkering
Special Features:
In the experimental version, only a few specimens were produced.
