My best guess is this pistol began its life as an original P220 with a Euro magazine release. The trigger guard has clearly been recontoured while it appears a P220-1 American mag release was retrofitted. I say this because the early grips are generally not compatible the later P220-1 receiver. While the serial number range (G 1566xx) and JJ proof code are consistent with P220-1 production, as I recall SIG did a small production run of original P220's later on - possibly as a parts clean-up. Any additional thoughts or observations are appreciated. Thanks!









Original P220 receiver profile for comparison.

What's the serial number?

It's G 1566xx. (OP edited to now include the serial number, thanks.)

Well, it's been customized, of course. That hammer is a replacement. This pistol would have come from the factory with the sharp spur hammer of the old-style lockwork.

In the pictures the area of the frame around the mag release button seems thicker from side to side than it does on the pistol with the European magazine release. Is there enough metal on the second pistol that there would be room to install a mag release button right behind the trigger guard area?

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
In the pictures the area of the frame around the mag release button seems thicker from side to side than it does on the pistol with the European magazine release. Is there enough metal on the second pistol that there would be room to install a mag release button right behind the trigger guard area?

I agree

I just looked at both of my European release P220s and there is not enough metal to install an American style magazines release.

To me that looks more like a set of older European release P220 grips on an American release gun, The owner had to Dremel away some plastic for the mag release button.

The stamping of the serial number seems off to me.

quote:

Originally posted by hjs157:
It's G 1566xx. (OP edited to now include the serial number, thanks.)

You do realize the full serial number is shown in your pictures right

Anyway, it would appear to me that this was an original heel release frame that has been converted to thumb (or American) style magazine release.

In fact, if you look closely it actually has a 1911 magazine catch. The person that did the work must've had to build up the thickness by filling the area with weld, re-machine for a 1911 style catch, then refinish. The circular scallop cut behind the trigger area is also reminiscent of the 1911.

Seems like a lot of work just to be able to accept 1911 style magazines? It would've taken less machining work to fit a factory magazine release button. Does this firearm come with any mags? if so are they factory SIG mags or 1911 mags?

The conversion work while I find questionable in concept, does appear to be professionally executed, for what that's worth.

quote:

Originally posted by darkest2000:
Does this firearm come with any mags? if so are they factory SIG mags or 1911 mags?

The pistol was sold without magazines. Based upon my experience, I'd be surprised if unmodified 1911 mags are compatible with the P220 grip. Unfortunately, I do not own this pistol. I would really liked to have examined this one in person.

Additional photos at this link:

https://photos.google.com/shar...b2dYM0JrckxIQTUzVzFB

quote:

Originally posted by hjs157:
Additional photos at this link:

https://photos.google.com/shar...b2dYM0JrckxIQTUzVzFB

Looks like the pistol was originally sold through LSB (Lock Stock & Barrel of Simi Valley, CA), I've dealt with them numerous times in the past, perhaps you can reach out to them as they usually have in depth knowledge/assessment of the items they list.

I heavily lean toward a dash one frame modified as evidenced by the remnants of the right side cutout for reversing the magazine release. A great deal of work to accommodate a 1911 release in place of the original SIG oval shaped release button. There had to have been a clear goal, but it is unknown to me.

This just sold on GB and I had it on my watch list. I was wondering if someone here bought it. Interesting gun to say the least, but not interesting enough to me to spend $1,700 plus tax and shipping.

quote:

Originally posted by Udo:
I heavily lean toward a dash one frame modified as evidenced by the remnants of the right side cutout for reversing the magazine release.

That would account for the hammer.

I did some digging and resurrected this photo of a P220 .38 Super I once owned. The serial number (G 156586) is very close to the gun in the OP. It is interesting to note this Euro style pistol was produced well after the change to the P220-1 American magazine release ~1985. As you can see from the photo, the serial number was stamped after the receiver had been anodized. Pre-1985 heel release pistols displayed their serial number on the front of the grip and were stamped before they were finished. Note also the period correct spur hammer as referenced above.

I have a similar model from 1985.

It has the American style P220 mag release, but the bore for the mag release doesn't go all the way through the frame.

The grip screw axis are located in the same location as the European grip screws. (Only place they were putting them at the time?)

Mine came with a single P220 magazine and Bo-Mar adjustable sights.