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SIG-Sauer P228 (M11)

1988 COLD WAR MODERN SPECIAL FORCES

History of SIG-Sauer P228 (M11)

The SIG P228 series is nothing but a compact version of the popular and extremely successful P226 series. In its compact form, the P228 has a shorter barrel assembly that allows for a shorter slide - these changes actually result in a shorter overall weapon, hence its "compact" classification. Although shorter, the P228 still retains the large magazine capacity, which is often an important feature of pistols - especially semi-automatic weapons.

The P228 first appeared in 1988, but was later replaced by the equally compact P229 series in the SIG Sauer range. The weapon is designated as the M11 in the U.S. military stockpile, and usage by various other militaries and law enforcement agencies is correspondingly global.

Overall, the P228 retains most of the form factor and all features of the previous P226 series. Internally, the P228 actually has a lot in common with the previous P225 and P226 series of pistols. The breech encloses the barrel, chamber, firing pin and hammer, the latter protruding slightly at the rear.

Iron in nature, the sights are located on the rear and front of the slide - a notch rear that matches the front post to show the user that the gun is in line with the intended target. The pistol grip and trigger assembly is usually fixed under the slide, with the curved trigger set in the angular trigger ring. The handle is thick and has a solid grip, while the back of the rails is ribbed for easy grip.

The controls are within the reach of the firing hand's thumb, including the magazine release (installed on either side of the frame if required) and safety. A breech release under the breech side allows the weapon to be disassembled for cleaning. Shooting action is double action/single action (DA/SA) or double action only (DOA) for recoil operation. The guides of the slides insert the first cartridge into the chamber, which can be observed during the action through the ejection opening. The P228 is loaded with the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge and uses a detachable 13-round magazine that is inserted from the bottom of the grip.

The sliders of the P228 are made of forged carbon steel for maximum robustness. Overall, the P228 continues the improvements made to the SIG pistol - both in style and function.