An estimated 40,000-ish SIG P6s were in circulation before the Polizei retired the SIG P6 in 2000 in favor of the less-expensive polymer-framed H&K USP (which received the P8 designation) and the Walther P99Q. Among the three new pistols that did, the Walther P5 was unpopular and the H&K P7 was expensive, so the vast majority of German law enforcement agencies purchased the SIG Sauer P6. Mauser had also designed a pistol to meet the updated German requirements, but because it never went into production, it never received an official “P” designation. Heckler & Koch’s new PSP ( Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole or “police self-loading pistol”) was designated the P7. SIG Sauer submitted a slightly modified version of its P225 and received the P6 designation. Walther later submitted an updated design to meet all the new requirements and received the P5 designation. Walther quickly bolted a decocker onto their P38 and received the P4 designation, but nothing else was “modern” about it so the P4 never really took off. They wanted the next generation of service pistols to feature a DA/SA action, 9×19 Luger chambering, 8 round magazine capacity, and the ability to decock the pistol via an external safety or decocking lever. For years, the Polizei relied on the P1 (Walther P38), P2 (SIG P210), and P3 (Astra 600) service pistols, until the mid-1970s when the West German government adopted a number of new requirements. When a service pistol receives approval by the West German government for sale to police ( Polizei) or military units, it receives a numbered “P” designation. West German SIG Sauer P6 SIG Sauer P6 History For your consideration, I present the SIG Sauer P6: But if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there is still at least one way to enjoy the West German SIG ownership experience without breaking the bank. Unfortunately for those of us who share that fondness, market values for original, serial number-matching, well-preserved West German SIG pistols keep climbing. I must, however, admit that West German SIGs always have, and always will, hold a special place in my heart. Staring through the glass cases at the full-line up SIG’s Pro Shop in Exeter, New Hampshire, I wanted one of each! All I’ll say on the subject is that I’ve personally visited SIG’s manufacturing facilities in Newington, New Hampshire and have seen first-hand the passion, attention to detail, and commitment to quality of the US-based employees, and would have no reservations owning any of their current-production-era examples. Whether or not West German SIGs are superior to the more modern US-made SIGs is a matter of debate best left for others to rehash. Among SIG Sauer collectors and enthusiasts, West German SIGs occupy a position of reverence.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |