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bac1023

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Its been a long while since I bought one of these or really any collectible pistol, for that matter. I sort of have everything I want at this point in that regard. However, this mint condition P210-6 came into my favorite shop and the price was right. ;)

I’ve written quite a bit on this model in the past and I’m not going to rehash all of it. I’ll just cover some quick basics. The P210 was the Swiss service pistol for over 25 years starting in 1949. It was replaced by the much less costly to produce P220 in 1975, which was the result of Sig's partnering with Sauer. The P210 was actually the only handgun produced by the original Sig company of Switzerland. Fun fact :)

Both during and after its military service, Sig was producing target shooting variants of the P210, namely the P210-5 and P210-6. Regardless of the variant, the P210 is well known as one of the most accurate handguns in the world. It was built to very high levels of quality and precision, despite manufacturing processes changing over its production years.

This example was built in the mid 1990's and is one of the later models still displaying the round Sig logo. By the time the serial numbers switched into the low 320’s block, the Swiss manufacturing plant had changed ownership to Swiss Arms Neuhausen (SAN). That’s why the later Swiss produced models are not Sig branded. While it doesn’t make much difference from a quality of performance standpoint, I really prefer the Sig marked models. This being a –6, means it has a crisp 3lb target trigger and a standard barrel length. The sights are fixed on this, but the –6 was also available with adjustable target sights. This example, being later, features a frame CNC machined out of a solid steel billet. As mentioned, this example is in mint condition. The box is also original, although the papers have been lost over the years. :(

I find these Swiss models beautiful and the epitome of old world build quality in a firearm. I don’t find them as easy or pleasant to shoot as the German models or even the currently produced American model, as the ergonomics/controls leave much to be desired today. However, there’s no mistaking their charm and if I were to place a bet on which of the three versions of the P210 would shoot the most accurately from a ransom rest on average, my money would be on the Swiss. :)

I’ll put some rounds downrange through this pistol, but I bought it as a future investment and as a cool collectible to admire. My favorite P210’s to shoot are the German Super Targets and I also enjoy shooting my American P210 Target. However, there’s nothing like handling one of these vintage works of art from Switzerland. :cool:

Who here is also a big P210 fan? Who owns one of any vintage or nationality? :unsure:

As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.

Thanks! :D




















Here it is in the center with my other two Swiss P210's (1975 P210-6 HF on the left and a 1967 P210-6 on the right). Both the older models are forged frame variants.


 
Either you're slacking off a bit on your pics or it's all that smoke coming from Canada. :)
 
The sights are fixed on this, but the –6 was also available with adjustable target sights.
The P210-6 was introduced with adjustable sights, the fixed came along later.
The legend I heard, when I was ordering adjustable sights to upgrade my -6, was that a South American army bought -6s so their officers would have better triggers, but specified fixed sights for holster carry. When funds got short, they sold them back to the company. Any that showed use were refinished but many of them were unissued. Mine shows no wear, one way or the other.
Maybe a good story made up to help sell sights, maybe history, who knows.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
The P210-6 was introduced with adjustable sights, the fixed came along later.
The legend I heard, when I was ordering adjustable sights to upgrade my -6, was that a South American army bought -6s so their officers would have better triggers, but specified fixed sights for holster carry. When funds got short, they sold them back to the company. Any that showed use were refinished but many of them were unissued. Mine shows no wear, one way or the other.
Maybe a good story made up to help sell sights, maybe history, who knows.
I heard that one myself before, Jim

Not sure either, but they were available with fixed sights for decades
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
I have seen their new ones in a local shop. They look nice. One was a Target model I think with 6” barrel.
Are the new ones just as good?
If it was a new American model, it was a longslide like that. They are only available with a 4.75" barrel.

Here's an American model on the left with two German P210's. Not sure they're "just as good", but they are easier to shoot, in my opinion. The Swiss guns were pretty special though.

 
I have seen their new ones in a local shop. They look nice. One was a Target model I think with 6” barrel.
Are the new ones just as good?
I have one of the new American Target models. It’s one of my 2 favorite pistols! It is terrific!
 
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One of the classiest most refined looking and shooting pistols ever made. Being somewhat small handed it falls just short of perfection by the safety bring about 1/2” too short. Otherwise I feel a 210 of this type ( if you can source and afford about 6-8 proper magazines!) plus a 22 conversion kit with a few magazines covers about 95% of everything you would ever need to do with a conventional handgun
 
Very nice acquisition! The P210s are excellent guns, but I’m glad I didn’t go down the rabbit hole of collecting them. I don’t think my bank account would have survived my addiction to 1911s and collectible SIGs.

I have a few 1911s I plan on selling. I should send them to you for a beige carpet photo op. My pics always turn out like crap. 🤣
 
Outstanding Brian.

Of course, the whole NIB thing is always a premium on such an iconic pistol because you get to see it "right off the tree". I don't doubt that you'll do well on this one just as an investment.

The original 210 series have always intrigued me, if for nothing else than the reputation of "The most accurate 9mms ever made". And that's not counting the high level of fit and finish of the examples I've handled on what was originally billed as a military handgun. They're top notch.

Congratulations and thanks for sharing yours and it's friends.

Always informative.
 
I’ve been reading and enjoying your posts over the years. I do have a question though. Your collection appears to be significant so do you have plans for the future? I’d hate for that collection to be broken up as it truly represents some of the finest modern handguns in the world. Will it go to a museum or some other permanent collection? I would hope so. Folks need to be able to view and understand what quality and craftsmanship look like. Thanks again for posting and educating us.
 
Pretty funny Jeff :)

I actually replaced a few of the pics, but this sort of gun isn't the easiest to photograph with its very dark and dull finish. They are always difficult.



Just out of curiosity Brian did the shop tell you anything about the previous owner. The pistol and box are in such mint condition it couldn't have been shot a whole lot, congrats on such a fine piece of art.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Just out of curiosity Brian did the shop tell you anything about the previous owner. The pistol and box are in such mint condition it couldn't have been shop a whole lot, congrats on such a fine piece of art.
Jeff,

it belonged to a long time customer who passed away this year. The shop has been steadily selling off his collection for his family on consignment. I’ve spoken to him in the past. Nobody thinks he shot his handguns much.

There were several other awesome pistols he owned, but like this P210, I already had multiple examples of them.

He’s got a blued RRA Limited Match 1911 that I wouldn’t mind owning, but the shop owner will likely keep it himself. They are my favorite 1911’s, but I do own a couple already.
 
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