SIG Small-Caliber Pistols: SP 47/8 and P 210-7
For firearm enthusiasts and collectors, the SIG SP 47/8 and P 210-7 small-caliber pistols represent a unique chapter in SIG’s legendary craftsmanship. Designed in .22 Long Rifle (5.6 mm), these models offer precision engineering and historical significance, making them highly desirable in the firearms community.
Specifications:
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (5.6 mm)
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Slide and Barrel Options:
- Standard configuration: 120 mm barrel
- Additional lengths: 150 mm and 180 mm barrels (later production)
- Grip Frames: Compatible with the P 210-1, P 210-2, or P 210-5/6 configurations.
- Finish: Early magazines were polished until 1984; subsequent magazines were sandblasted and blued.
First Production Series
The initial SP 47/8 small-caliber pistols marked SIG’s first venture into .22 Long Rifle configurations. Known numbers include 6560 and 6872, showcasing the rarity of these early models. These pistols included all hallmark SIG features, including remarkable accuracy and smooth operation.
Second Production Series (1949–1952)
Number range: 7000–7030
- Primarily prototypes and trial weapons.
- Absence of the “P” stamp, distinguishing them from standard production models.
- Configurations included small-caliber systems and traditional calibers like 9 mm Parabellum and 7.65 mm Parabellum.
Key Examples:
Weapon No. 7017: First SIG small-caliber prototype in .22 Long Rifle.
Weapons No. 7020–7030: Dedicated .22 Long Rifle pistols.
First Production Series
Beginning in 1951, SIG produced the P 210-7 as a dedicated small-caliber firearm. Assembled upon customer request, these pistols maintained the precision and quality expected from SIG. Collectors prize these firearms for their bespoke assembly and versatility in barrel lengths.
Modern Availability:
SIG continues to offer P 210-7 pistols assembled to customer specifications whenever possible, bridging historical craftsmanship with contemporary demand.
These small-caliber pistols hold a revered place in SIG’s legacy, offering not only a historical perspective but also top-tier performance. Whether for range precision or as a collectible piece, the SP 47/8 and P 210-7 deliver unmatched quality and a rich history for SIG enthusiasts.
All above mentioned original Petter pistols Cal. 9 mm Para are mentioned explicitly in this book and described in detail.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8 Sport
1947/48
- Weapon Number: 6560
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Special design, straight, no recess at the front, external extractor
- Grip Frame: 1st version SP 47/8, left side marked No. 6560
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm and 150 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Polished, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, number 560 engraved at the back
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Walnut wood with grooves, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Equipped with a second complete slide and a 150-mm barrel (straight design SP 47/8), number range 6541 to 6862. The 150-mm barrel lacks a thread for a front sight base. Both slides are marked “SP 47/8, SIG, Cal. 22 l.r.”
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8 1951
- Weapon Number: 6872
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, not lightened, small-caliber system, polished, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Polished, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 2nd version, weapon number 6872 engraved on the left, M-53 engraved
- Front Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8, Swedish model
- Rear Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, grooved (21 grooves), lacquered
Special Features:
Remarks from the SIG archive book: “Only grip frame with lock assembly for zeroing small-caliber systems; currently mounted with small-caliber system.” Markings: Only the weapon number is engraved on the left of the grip frame and on the right side of the barrel; the slide has no number. The surface is polished and blued. The extractor is internal. Number range: 6872 to 6874 and 6879 to 6899. A total of 6 pieces were produced.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
Second Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7020
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Further development, straight design, polished, blued, external extractor, cover plate over the ejection port, trial (top side with large radius)
- Grip Frame: 1st version, polished, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Polished, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, without number
- Front Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Rear Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Grip Panels: Walnut wood grip panels, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Further development, trial slide, top with large radius. Additionally, this slide has an enlarged ejection port, covered at the top with a plate. The slide also features a longer knurled section at the rear (see Weapon No. 6872).
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
Third Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7021
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Straight design, internal extractor
- Grip Frame: 1st version, polished, reddish blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: High polish
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, No. 7021 engraved on the back
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels with longitudinal grooves, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Flat slide stop, rounded safety lever, hammer without safety notch, grip frame of the 1st version SP 47/8, reddish blued and polished. Slide 1st version, without number, engraved on the left side with “SP 47/8 Cal. 22 l.r. SIG Neuhausen a/Rhf.” Barrel engraved on the right side with “7021” and on the left side with “Cal. 22 l.r.” Number range: 7020 to 7030.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
6th Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7024
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Prototype, top with large radius, polished, blued, longer knurling at the rear
- Grip Frame: 1st version, polished, blued, left side marked “7024”
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked, No. 6
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Polished, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version SP 47/8
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
External extractor. The slide has extended knurling at the rear and is marked on the left side with “SP 47/8, SIG, Cal. .22 long rifle.” Grip frame is 1st version. Number range: 7020 to 7030.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
8th Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7026
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 1st version with external extractor
- Grip Frame: 1st version SP 47/8
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, brushed, marked; 5.6 mm
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version SP 47/8, marked No. 026
- Front Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Rear Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Grip Panels: Walnut, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Trial version of the P 210-7. Number range: 7020 to 7030.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
9th Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7027
- Designer: SIG]
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 1st version, straight, with external extractor
- Grip Frame: 1st version SP 47/8, polished, blued, left side marked “No. 7027”
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Polished, brushed, plain, and marked; 5.6 mm
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version SP 47/8, rear marked “No. 207” (instead of 027)
- Front Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Rear Sight: Fixed, SP 47/8
- Grip Panels: Walnut with longitudinal grooves, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
Trial version of the P 210-7. Markings on the slide’s left side: “SP 47/8 Cal. 22 l.r. SIG Neuhausen a/Rhf.”; on the grip frame’s left side: “No. 7027.” Number range: 7020 to 7030.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
11th Trial, 1948/49
- Weapon Number: 7029
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 1st version with external extractor
- Grip Frame: 1st version SP 47/8, polished, blued, left side marked “No. 7029”
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Brushed, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version SP 47/8, No. 7029 engraved
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: SP 47/8, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
This P 210-7 trial version is almost identical to the P 210-7 still produced today, with the exception of the external extractor, the straight slide design, and the grooved walnut grip panels. The number range is 7020 to 7030.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
For the German Federal Border Guard
- Weapon Number: D 1401
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, with internal extractor, polished, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, sandblasted, P 210-4 style, without lanyard loop
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: 2nd version, plain, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, rear edge and No. 1401, hammer with safety notch
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Plastic, without lanyard loop
Special Features:
This pistol is a small-caliber pistol originating from the German Federal Border Guard. The slide is marked on the right side behind the ejection port with the SIG insignia, and on the front left of the slide, “5.6 mm” is engraved. The left side of the grip frame is engraved with the number D 1401.
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
1952/53
- Weapon Number: P 50355
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, polished, blued, small-caliber system with internal extractor
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, rear with edge, unmarked, hammer without safety notch
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels with grooves and lanyard loop
Special Features:
Number range: first version of P 210-1. Markings on the slide, left side front: “No. P 50355, SIG insignia, SP 47/8 Cal. 22 l.r.” Grip frame, left side front: “P 50355.”
Small-Caliber Pistol SP 47/8
- Weapon Number: 40410
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, straight design, internal extractor, polished, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Brushed, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 1st version, unmarked
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Plastic with lanyard loop
Special Features:
Prototype for the P 210-7, still marked with “SP 47/8 Cal. 22 l.r. SIG Neuhausen a./Rhf.” on the left side of the slide.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
1957/58
- Weapon Number: 40501
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, straight, polished, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked, right side marked “40501,” left side engraved “5.6 mm”
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 2nd version, free in grip frame, marked “40501”
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels with 21 transverse grooves, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
This pistol was exported to the USA on March 3, 1958. A total of 10 such small-caliber pistols were produced, numbered 40501 to 40510. The P 210-7 with number 41411 was also exported to the USA along with this pistol. The weapon number on the slide is shifted by one position compared to the number on the grip frame.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 40776
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, polished, straight, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, blued, with lanyard loop
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked (engraved “5.6 mm”)
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, marked for 8 cartridges (engraved “5.6 mm”)
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: Sports lock, screwed on the side, No. 776 engraved (2nd version)
- Front Sight: High sport front sight, fixed
- Rear Sight: Micro-adjustable sight, numbered No. 101, engraved on the right side “2.54” and on the left side “6.53”
- Grip Panels: Early plastic grip panels
Special Features:
Early small-caliber sport pistol P 210 “prototype.” Number 40776 is engraved on the right side of the barrel. Hammer without safety notch, sport trigger, trial pistol P 210-7 with a short barrel. According to the SIG weapon control book, small-caliber systems were produced in the number range 40731 to 40830.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7 Sport
Trial for Sweden Export, 1968
- Weapon Number: 41762
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, rear not yet beveled
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, reddish bluing, finely polished, sport version
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: Sport lock, screwed on the side, 2nd version
- Front Sight: Sport front sight, fixed, sight carrier included
- Rear Sight: Micro-adjustable sight No. 409, mounted on the slide
- Grip Panels: Long sport grips made of wood, fine checkering
Special Features:
Special hammer, cutout at the front for micro-adjustable sight, sport trigger, flat slide stop, rounded safety lever. This was a very early small-caliber pistol with a 150 mm barrel, the original SIG. It was delivered to Sweden in October 1968.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 41788
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, polished, blued, rear and front cut out
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, polished, blued, left side marked “SWISS MADE”
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, brushed
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 2nd version, No. 41788
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Walnut, rare version, fully checkered (early sport or luxury version)
Special Features:
Early small-caliber sport pistol P 210 “prototype.” Number 40776 is engraved on the right side of the barrel. Hammer without safety notch, sport trigger, trial pistol P 210-7 with a short barrel. According to the SIG weapon control book, small-caliber systems were produced in the number range 40731 to 40830.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 41983
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: 2nd version, rear not yet beveled, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, reddish bluing, polished
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 2nd version
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels with longitudinal grooves, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
- Barrel left side: “22 l.r.”
- Barrel right side: “41983”
- Slide left side: “Cal. 22 l.r., SIG-Signet” and marked “P 210-7”
- Slide right side: “No. 41983.”
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 42427
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: New version, polished, blued
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Plain, polished
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: Complete weapon number “42427,” special hammer
- Front Sight: Sport front sight
- Rear Sight: Micro-adjustable sight
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, checkered, lacquered
Special Features:
Micro-adjustable sight and special hammer installed later. Surface is blued and polished. Additionally, a matching numbered 9 mm Para slide was included, blued and polished, with standard sights installed. Weapon number is located on the right side. Number range: 42391 to 42490.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: None
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Newest version, rear cut out as a weight reduction, no cutout at the front, rear strongly beveled
- Grip Frame: 2nd version, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Brushed, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: 2nd version, rear straight, installed ordinance-style
- Front Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Rear Sight: Fixed, ordinance-style
- Grip Panels: Prototype grip panels, walnut grip with diagonally arranged grooves, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
The slide is marked on the right side behind the ejection port with the SIG insignia, similar to the Federal Border Guard version. The front has no cutout, but the rear of the slide is cut out for weight reduction, similar to the latest small-caliber slides (1995) with a lightened rear slide closure.
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 47732
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: P 210-6, latest version, sandblasted, blued
- Grip Frame: P 210-6, latest version, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 180 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued, latest version
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: Sport version, screwed at the rear, special hammer, original SIG sport hammer
- Front Sight: Sport front sight mounted on a sight base
- Rear Sight: Sport sight, micro version
- Grip Panels: Walnut grip panels, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
The latest production is a small-caliber pistol with a 180-mm barrel. Engraving:
- Grip frame on the right side and slide the right side: “47732”
- Slide left side: “Cal. 22 l.r.” and SIG insignia
- Grip frame left side: “SWISS MADE.”
Small-Caliber Pistol P 210-7
- Weapon Number: 47350
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 l.r. (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Latest version, sandblasted
- Grip Frame: Sport grip frame, sandblasted, reddish bluing
- Barrel Length and Type: 120 mm, non-locked
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist Rate: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Sandblasted, blued
- Magazine Capacity: 8 cartridges
- Lock Mechanism: Sport lock, screwed at the rear
- Front Sight: High sport front sight, fixed
- Rear Sight: Micro sight No. 61, mounted
- Grip Panels: Wooden grip panels, finely checkered, lacquered, with lanyard loop
Special Features:
A small-caliber sport pistol with a special hammer for the micro sight and a sport trigger is the latest production, manufactured with fully automatic machining tools.
