SIG Sauer P220, P226 and P210 Used Police Trade-In Pistols: What to Know Before You Buy
Used police trade-in pistols can be a way to get a well-made SIG Sauer. They are also used guns, so they need a careful look. This guide explains the P220, P226 and P210, what to check, and how the buying process works.
What each pistol is
| Model | Calibers (per Wikipedia) | Action |
|---|---|---|
| P220 | Most often .45 ACP. Also made in 9mm, 9mm Steyr, .38 Super and 10mm Auto (some now discontinued) | Short recoil, DA/SA with a decocking lever on most models |
| P226 | 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG and .22 LR | Recoil operated; DA/SA, DAK, DAO or SAO |
| P210 | 9mm, 7.65mm Parabellum, .22 LR with a conversion kit | Short recoil, single action |
P220
The P220 was designed in 1975 and served as the Swiss Army Pistole 75. Original models have a heel-mounted magazine release. Later ones use a push-button release behind the trigger. In .45 ACP, magazines hold 6 to 10 rounds depending on the model and base pad.
P226
The P226 is a full-size double-stack pistol, designed between 1980 and 1983 and in production from 1984. Magazine capacity depends on caliber. 9mm magazines range from 10 to 20 rounds, and .40 S&W and .357 SIG magazines from 10 to 15 rounds. Capacity also depends on local law, so check what comes with the gun.
P210
The P210 is a single-action pistol first made in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland. The standard magazine holds 8 rounds. Wikipedia lists several models, including the P210-2 (the standard model from 1966), the P210-3 (a police version made in limited numbers for some Swiss cantonal police) and the P210-4 (made for the German border guard).
Who used them
These users are named on Wikipedia. Individual trade-in guns may or may not have come from them, so always ask the seller where a specific pistol came from.
- P220: National Park Service rangers, Irvine Police Department and Connecticut State Police in the US.
- P226: adopted by the US Navy SEALs and DEVGRU as the Mk25 in 1989; it also completed the 1984 US military XM9 trials.
- P210: Swiss Army and Swiss police forces, and the German border guard (P210-4).
How to read the markings
Look at the slide and frame for the maker name, model, caliber and serial number. Match the serial number on the paperwork to the one on the frame.
P210 serials carry clues, according to Wikipedia. Swiss Army pistols start with the letter A. Civilian and police pistols start with P. German border guard pistols start with D. A P added to the end of an Army serial means it was sold to a civilian. If a serial prefix does not fit the story you are told, ask questions.
Some older P220s sold in the US were marketed by Browning as the BDA, with a scroll on the slide that reads "Browning Arms Company". These are legitimate, just different.
What to inspect on a used pistol
- Decocker. On a P220 or P226 the lever should drop the hammer smoothly. Never test this with a loaded gun. Ask the dealer to check it with you.
- Slide and frame. Look for cracks, dents and uneven wear where the slide meets the frame. The slide should move smoothly.
- Finish. Holster wear on the edges is normal for police guns. Look for deep pitting or rust, especially in the bore, under the grips and around the trigger.
- Barrel. Check the bore for pitting and the barrel lockup for play.
- Trigger. Check both the double-action and single-action pull on DA/SA models. A P210 should have a clean single-action break.
- Magazines. Check for dents, bent feed lips and weak springs. Count the magazines included.
Magazine and parts compatibility
Do not assume magazines swap between models. The P220 is a single-stack design and the P226 uses double-stack magazines, and they come in different calibers. The original P220 also used a different magazine release style from later models, so magazines can differ by era. Always match the magazine to your exact model, caliber and release type. For parts, use SIG Sauer or a trusted gunsmith, and ask your dealer what fits your gun.
Buying through a licensed dealer
A licensed dealer (FFL) handles the transfer. You fill out ATF Form 4473, and the dealer runs a NICS background check through the FBI system. Under federal law, a gun sold across state lines goes through a licensed dealer. Your state may add its own rules, such as waiting periods or permits. Ask your dealer what applies where you live.
Lying on Form 4473 is a felony.
FAQ
Is a police trade-in worse than a civilian gun?
Not by default. Police guns often show holster wear and may have been fired a lot. Judge each pistol by its condition, not its past.
Can I use magazines from another SIG model?
Only if they are made for your exact model and caliber. Ask before you buy extra magazines.
Can this pistol be shipped to my house?
Not as a normal rule. Out-of-state sales go through a licensed dealer, where you complete Form 4473 and the NICS check. Ask your dealer about the steps in your state.
General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.
