I tried to resist the temptation to acquire one of these unicorns, but when the opportunity presented itself, it was hard to let it pass by. I never see them for sale. Without one of these pistols, I don't think I could have ever said I own the finest handguns in the world, so I had no choice.

I’ve discussed the Sig P210 many times over the years on various forums, but here’s another basic breakdown of its history. I'm far from a Swiss Arms historian, so please forgive me if I misspeak in any way. The Sig P210 was originally a military pistol. It was introduced in 1947 after being in development for a number of years (delayed by WWII). It was adopted by the Swiss army in 1949, finally replacing the Luger. While it doesn't quite have the service pedigree of, say, the Browning Hi Power, the P210 has a storied past and has been used by a number of countries for various functions over the years. From a quality and accuracy standpoint, the Sig always had the Browning beat by a landslide. The accuracy of the Sig is legendary and the Swiss army routinely used them out to 100 yards. These pistols were basically entirely hand built in Switzerland, starting from slides and frames that are machined from solid carbon steel forgings. All these fine materials and precision craftsmanship made the P210 a very expensive gun to build, which helped lead to its replacement by the P220 in the mid 1970’s.

Once replaced in its service life, the P210 lived on in a sporting role, with the target variants like the P210-6 and P210-5 becoming more popular. Production ended in 2004 or 2005, primarily due to manufacturing costs. In 2010, Sig Sauer reintroduced the P210, as the German P210 Legend. The German models were high quality and great shooting pistols. Some may even argue that the newer German models were even a bit more refined. However, I’ll always prefer the old Swiss examples for their incredible old world build quality and durability. More specifically, the forged frame models from the 1960’s and 1970’s were the best. Once the serial numbers changed to the 300xxx series, the frames were generally CNC and part of that old world touch was forever gone.

As for the pistol itself, the Sig P210 is basically peerless. To me, the forged Sig P210 target variants rank as the very finest handguns ever produced. In my carefully thought out opinion, no other automatic pistol ever constructed during any time period has combined the build quality, durability, accuracy, and service pedigree to the degree of this Sig. There are pistols that can match or maybe even exceed it in a one category or another, but when combined, nothing else comes close, as far as I’m concerned. In fact, the only handgun that can come close to matching it in all these criteria is a revolver, the Manurhin MR 73.

The reason I’m holding this particular example in such high regard is that its an extremely rare forged model built on the heavy National Match frame. It’s not to be confused with later Sig, SAN, or Sig Sauer CNC heavy framed P210’s. Those are much more common and much more pedestrian. According to my sources, well under 300 of the forged heavy frame models were ever produced and they almost never trade hands. When they do, prices are stratospheric. All of them were –5 or –6 target shooting P210 variants, this one being the P210-6.

This particular example was produced in 1975. It was one of 50 built by Sig for Hofmann & Reinhart of Zürich in March of that year, all of which were fitted with military sights. Half of them were chambered in 30 Luger and the other half in 9mm. This is the latter. As one can imagine, build quality is way off the charts. It is clear to me that Sig put their full manufacturing and craftsmanship prowess into these. As mentioned above, the forged Sig P210 target variants from the mid 1960’s until the late 1970’s are the finest handguns ever built, as far as I’m concerned. Furthermore, this very small run of forged heavy frame examples is the best of the best. What I’m saying is that they’re the finest pistols ever produced, in my opinion. Its the greatest of all time. Nothing I own matches it. The closest is probably my standard frame P210-6 from 1967. However, I think the National Match frame really puts this one over the top.

Condition is impeccable. Its 42 years old and looks new, other than some minor storage marks. I don’t know if this pistol has ever been fired outside the factory. It doesn’t appear to have been. The checkered walnut grips are immaculate. The gun is tight as a drum. It’s a perfect example of just how fine the Swiss can build a handgun and the P210 is the only handgun Sig ever produced. It was the pride and joy of the company.

Please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts...

Thanks for reading.








































Here it is with my other current P210's from 1954, 1967, and 2002.

Thank you for the pictures and the very interesting history behind this finely Swiss made firearm.

Those are some nice looking pistols right there. Will you shoot the new acquisition or keep it for posterity?

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Regards,

Tom

I thoroughly enjoyed the read, mostly because I believe all that I have read/heard but I have never had the pleasure of even touching a P210 yet. I only know they are legendary, I have zero experience but given the S&W PC and 52 pistols that I do have, I'm sure I would understand and appreciate a P210.

I must say however, heh, you drop a nugget of reference using the term "stratospheric" and you leave us to come out directly and ask:

How much?
Does it start with the number "5" ?

I would sell several guns to purchase a nice P210 if one ever came my way. They just exude class and quality.

I think my keyboard just shorted out from drool.

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Release the Kraken

Yeah, "5" as in five figures

Seriously, its hard to find a standard frame forged P210-6 in decent shape for under $5,000 these days, let alone a forged HF.

The later CNC framed P210-6 models are getting really expensive as well.

You still can't say it -- Because I own the finest handguns in the world:


(Just kidding -- Your P210 is spectacular)

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Buy American
Vote Responsibly

Just looked on GB, and there are a couple heavy frames, and others. FYI.

Very nice! Besides the appreciation one gets from the privilege of handling, shooting, or if you're really lucky, owning a nice Neuhausen made SIG P210, there's another level altogether that comes from the research aspect.
These guns are expensive. Outside of the Luger, Colt SAA, S&W Triple Lock, there's very few others that warrant a good bit of study before you lay down your hard earned cash.
Everything you've said about the P210 is spot on. There's that special group of P210s in the approx 56,xxx to 90,xxx something range where Neuhausen perfected their heat treating, steel formulation and forging process, and had the best trained gunsmiths putting it all together.... one by one, by hand.
You take that group as a whole and cull the best, namely the -5 and -6 models, then within that look at the tiny, coveted sub-sets... ie, the so-called "Santa's Workshop" special orders where, if you knew the right people, they'd make special packages. Here, you might see a P210-6 with a 7,65mm barrel, a 9mm barrel, two slides (fixed and target sighted), all numbers matching, with test targets to boot.
But, yes, the Heavy Frame models within this pre-300,xxx are a special breed.
Well done!
Now, you just need to find a prototype P210-5 in 38 Special Wadcutter!

Best Regards,
Jim

Congratulations Brian!

I really enjoy my P210s and they start showing the frequent use. I bought mine already used, so I don't need to be overly concerned with finish wear and as for most of my guns, I also have a good selection of Swiss spare parts.

Attached Images

P210-4n210-6.jpg (92.6 KB, 40 views)

There are no forged heavy frame models on GB.

I’ve seen maybe two on there in the last decade. The CNC heavy frame is not what I’m referring to. Those are common.

Yes, that's what I mean when I say you gotta do you research!
A 300,xxx Heavy Frame is still a nice piece. But, it would be an expensive mistake to pay the forged frame premium for one.

Again, nice find in your OP!

Thanks a lot I just dumped my coffee on my key board ! Outstanding group of Sigs

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John

Ok. Mission accomplished. I'm jealous.

When I was visiting in Zurich I had the opportunity to shoot a P210, Military Model. Our member Swissman took me to his range and allowed me to shoot one. It is like handling a fine Swiss watch. I am forever grateful.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have one of their siblings,,,a 1980 dated P-6 Sig Sauer.
Love it being single stack as it fits my hand better.

Yes I like the P225/P6 as well.

Not sure I’d call it a sibling though. It’s a totally different design, built in a different country, and built by basically a different company.

Jim,

I actually own one of the Santa's Workshop packages you speak of. The 1967 forged P210-6 in the group picture is part of a custom cased kit, which includes a matching 30 Luger barrel and a full rimfire slide/barrel assembly. Included are manuals and test targets for each at 50 meters. It was a special order, which included a very rare set of fully checkered factory walnut grips.

The craftsmanship throughout the entire package is otherworldly in its precision and quality.

While all Sig P210's are very fine, it is clear that they put their best work into these forged target models, especially these special orders such as this and the Heavy Frame pistols.

Some pics...

My P-6 has these on it.
Made in West Germany.
s/n same on barrel,slide,frame. M 433xxx
P-6nw 2/80

Ohhhh my head is spinning. Pistol perfection right there on my computer screen. I may sell every gun I own for a Sig of that nature. It's worth it. I have a Made in W. Germany P-220 that is a spectacularly nice pistol but this P-210 is other worldly. Like you said, they don't come any better. I'm in awe.

"Santa's workshop", how apt.

Very nice!

The P210 has become my favorite autoloader over the last couple of years. I wish I had bought one a long time ago. I have a pair of forged P210-6s and a later P49. My first P210-6 was in 7.65 with a spare Legend 9mm fitted to it. I don't shoot it as often as the 9mm, I think I actually prefer it for target shooting due to the decreased recoil. They are all amazing pistols.

I doubt I will ever get a chance to shoot a heavy frame, CNC or forged, so I would love to hear your impressions of the differences in shooting the standard forged frame and the forged heavy frame (assuming you will be shooting it).

I appreciate "Best Grade" in anything. You have gone to a great deal of expense to have the best that can be acquired. I salute you Sir. This is a perfect example of pride of ownership. Unfortunately, this is something the plastic gun folks do not understand. Thank you so much for sharing. Enjoy!