The SIG Hämmerli P240
A Precision Masterpiece
The SIG/Hämmerli P240 exemplifies Swiss engineering, designed to excel in competitive shooting. This blowback-operated pistol features mechanical locking for reliability and keeps the slide open after the last shot, a practical feature for competitive scenarios.
Caliber Options and Markings
The P240 was available in .38 Special, .32 S&W, and .22 LR, catering to precision shooters across disciplines. Its design showcases meticulous attention to detail, with markings including:
- Right side of the slide: “P240,” caliber designation, and full serial number.
- Right side of the grip frame: “SWISS MADE,” serial number, and caliber.
- Left side of the slide: “SIG/Hämmerli” and “P240.”
Evolution and Adaptation
Born from the P210 platform, the P240 represents a significant step in the evolution of precision pistols. Modifications included machining the P210 slide to allow the barrel to protrude slightly, with a rib mounted for micrometer sights. These adjustments lightened the slide, improving reliability during operation.
Prototypes in .32 S&W WC and .22 LR were tested with fixed sights on extended barrel ribs, exemplifying SIG’s commitment to performance. Notable examples with serial numbers 42672 and P60442 highlight this innovative approach.
The SIG/Hämmerli P240 remains a revered symbol of Swiss craftsmanship, blending history, precision, and excellence for competitive shooters.
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 P240, Prototype
- Weapon Number: P60442
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .22 lr
- Slide: Steel, blued
- Grip Frame: Sandblasted, blued, right side marked “42672”
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, tip-up barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: KK-210, plain
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
- Bolt: Rear-screwed, second version P210-5, unnumbered
- Front Sight: Sport front sight, looped-in
- Rear Sight: Micrometer sight, looped-in
- Grip Panels: Long sport grip panels made of wood with large checkering, lacquered, with sling swivel (National Team Model)
Special Features:
- Modified P210-5, engraving on the right side of the slide: “42672”
- Rear ejection port: Müller Jettingen
- Left side: “P60442 Cal. 22 lr. SIG, D-proofed”
- Slide raised at the top front
- Barrel engraving: “SIG 22 lr 42672”
- Special handmade hammer for the small-caliber system
SIG P240, Prototype
- Weapon Number: P70093
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG
- Caliber: .38 Spl. and small-caliber system .22 lr
- Slide: Steel, sandblasted, blued
- Grip Frame: Steel, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, tip-up barrel with barrel curve
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right, 250 mm
- Magazine: Single-row
- Magazine Capacity: Varies depending on caliber
- Bolt: Fixed
- Front Sight: Block-style sport front sight, looped-in
- Rear Sight: Micrometer sight
- Grip Panels: Sport grip panels made of wood with thumb rest
Special Features:
- Prototype SIG P240. Engraving on the left side of the slide: “P70093” and SIG emblem.
- Grip frame: “P70093” and “P240”; right side: “.38 SPEC” as well as the small-caliber system.
- Left side: “43598” and SIG emblem.
SIG/Hämmerli P240, Series
- Weapon Number: P200294
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Hämmerli
- Caliber: .38 Spl. Wadcutter
- Slide: Sandblasted, blued
- Grip Frame: Sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, fixed in slide
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right
- Magazine: Single-row
- Front Sight: Block-style front sight
- Rear Sight: Micrometer sight
- Grip Panels: Match wooden grip panels
Special Features:
- Engraving on the right side of the slide: “.38 SPL. W.C. P200294”; left side: “SIG-HÄMMERLI P240.”
- Slide with large ejection port on the right side, aluminum trigger.
- Engraving on the grip frame, right side: “Swiss Made P200294.”
- Complete slide also compatible with caliber .22 lr (not matching numbers).
- Pistol, right side number: 44717. Without ejection port, the slide remains closed after the last shot.
SIG/Hämmerli P240, Series
- Weapon Number: P204666
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Hämmerli
- Caliber: .32 S&W Long Wadcutter
- Slide: Sandblasted, blued
- Grip Frame: Sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, tip-up barrel
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right
- Magazine: Blued, marked “.32 S&W”
- Magazine Capacity: Varies depending on caliber
- Front Sight: Sport front sight
- Rear Sight: Micrometer sight
- Grip Panels: Match wooden grip panels
Special Features:
- Engraving on the right side of the slide: “D-proofing (rear), two stamps, .32 S&W Long W.C. P204666.”
- Left side: “SIG-HÄMMERLI P240.”
- Engraving on the grip frame, right side: “SWISS MADE P204666.”
- On the front of the trigger guard: “D-proofing.”
- Aluminum trigger.
- Without an ejection port, the slide does not lock back after the last shot.
SIG/Hämmerli P240, KK-System
- Weapon Number: 44717
- Designer: SIG
- Manufacturer: SIG-Hämmerli
- Caliber: .22 lr (5.6 mm)
- Slide: Complete slide, sandblasted, blued
- Barrel Length and Type: 150 mm, fixed in slide (one piece)
- Number of Grooves: Six
- Twist: Right, 450 mm
- Magazine: Blued, sandblasted
- Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Special Features:
- KK-System compatible with P240 in calibers .32 S&W Long Wadcutter and .38 Special Wadcutter.
