SIG-Sauer P220 pistol (Switzerland)

The SIG-Sauer P220 is short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistol. The locking is of modified Browning type, where the barrel engages the slide with single large lug entering the ejection window. The unlocking is controlled by a cam-shaped lug under the barrel, which interacts with the steel insert set into the aluminium frame. The slide is made from sheet steel by stamping and forming processes, with the separate breechblock pinned into the rear of the slide (machined slides are available on some current production .45 caliber models). The standard trigger is the double-action type, with an automatic firing pin block safety and a frame-mounted decocking lever. Double action only modifications do not have a decocker. Most recent SAO (Single action only) versions have ambidextrous non-decocking safeties located on the frame, which allow for "Cocked & Locked" carry. Magazines are single stack, with the magazine release located on the heel of the grip on early versions, or at the base of the trigger-guard on the .45 caliber versions made for the US market. The standard sights are fixed, with high contrast inserts, and the rear sight is dovetailed to the slide.