Sig Sauer: A Journey Through Time
Sig Sauer, one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry, has a rich history spanning over 160 years. Known for their excellence in engineering, innovation, and design, Sig Sauer’s roots trace back to the mid-19th century, in Switzerland.
The precursor to Sig Sauer, Schweizerische Waggon Fabrik (Swiss Wagon Factory), was established in 1853. The company was commissioned by the Swiss Federal Ministry of Defense in 1860 to produce 30,000 muzzle-loading Prelaz-Burnand rifles, marking its initial foray into firearms manufacturing. Following this successful venture, the company changed its name to Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG), meaning Swiss Industrial Company.
However, the true foundation of what we now know as Sig Sauer came in 1949, with the development of the SIG P49, the precursor to the iconic P210. The P210 was well-received due to its precision and reliability and became the official sidearm of the Swiss military for many years.
In 1975, SIG set up a partnership with the German company Sauer & Sohn, forming Sig Sauer. This partnership was strategic for both companies, as SIG wanted to expand its firearm business into the international market, but Swiss law prohibited the export of military weapons. Sauer & Sohn, on the other hand, was looking for a strong partner to bolster their position in the market.
This partnership was particularly fruitful, leading to the development of the renowned P220 pistol in the same year. The P220 set the stage for the introduction of the compact P225, the full-sized P226, and the P228 and P229, all of which have become favorites among law enforcement and military units globally.
Sig Sauer expanded into the United States in the 1980s, initially setting up an office in Virginia before moving to a full-scale production and operations facility in Exeter, New Hampshire. This expansion allowed Sig Sauer to compete directly with other major firearms manufacturers in the American market.
Throughout its history, Sig Sauer has been committed to innovation and quality. The company introduced the SIG Pro series in the late 1990s, its first polymer-framed handguns, highlighting its adaptability to emerging trends and technologies.
In recent years, Sig Sauer has continued to develop a broad portfolio of firearms, from handguns to rifles, all designed with the signature Sig Sauer commitment to reliability, accuracy, and performance. A significant achievement came in 2017 when the P320, a modular handgun system, was chosen as the official sidearm of the U.S. Army, in a contract worth $580 million, marking another landmark moment in the company’s illustrious history.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Sig Sauer remains a leader in firearm manufacturing. With a reputation built on a history of delivering high-quality, innovative firearms, Sig Sauer continues to serve a global market of military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters.
The story of Sig Sauer, therefore, is one of innovation, evolution, and sustained excellence, with a firm commitment to delivering superior performance and quality to firearms enthusiasts worldwide.
Sig Sauer P320 AXG 2TONE 9MM XR3 OR 17+1 320AXGCA-9-RTXR3-R2 | 2 MAGS 9mm