The use of 9x21 cartridges in Sig Sauer pistols seems to be surprising to a lot of SF members. My understanding from Eckernförde was that these pistols were primarily for export to Italy - due to restrictions on 9x19 Nato in Italy. I placed an order for a 9x21 P220 and it arrived in Exeter about a year later.

This is what I found when I researched the 9x21:

"The 9×21mm pistol cartridge was designed by Israel Military Industries for those markets where military service cartridges, like the 9×19mm Parabellum, are banned by law for civilian use, like in Italy."

Initially Sig Sauer sold 7.65mm to Italy instead of the 9x19. They later switched to 9x21 and discontinued the 7.65.

Sig Sauer still produces 9x21 guns primarily for Italy. Used 9x21 Sigs are fairly easy to find on Italian websites.

http://mondoarmi.it/ex-ordinan..._i29688#.WTymKMaZOi4

http://armeriaduepuntisport.it...sauer-p228-9x21.html

Hope to add pictures of the stainless 9x21 P220, but work and travel are not cooperating.

Isn't it odd that the 9mm was out lawed but the 9x21 is legal there? Just reading a bit about the cartridge , its' .078" longer case would seem more powerful. Especially givin the reloading market available. It seats respectivly equal bullet weights and produces equal velocities. It very much reminds me of TJ rounds I had in my collection. No doubt a good cartridge for Sig pistols. I bet not a world apart from 38 Super.

I belive as a factory loaded round the 9x19 and the 9x21 are the same. While the 9x21 case is longer, it's loaded to the same over all length as the 9x19 so there' no extra room inside. Basically it's a 9mm wearing a turtle neck. A 9mm made to not chamber in a regular 9mm.

Handloaders used it as a loophole and loaded them hot for a while in IPSC/USPSA to make major power factor, until it fell out of favor for a few reasons.

The 9mm Para is outlawed for civilian use in some countries that forbid the possession of military calibers. That's one reason the .38 Super is popular in Mexico.

Fredward, if I understood the translation of Mexican firearms law I read correctly, the 38 Super has been illegal for the average citizen in Mexico since about 1972.

And your information is quite likely more accurate than mine. Thanks!