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TAI import marking on G 103xxx p220 9mm

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/9930044125

July 17, 2026, 09:41 PM
Shack
TAI import marking on G 103xxx p220 9mm
I recently purchased two pistols from a gentleman. This p220 heel mag release, dolphin nose 9mm, was not the main pistol I sought. Upon inspection and cleaning of the p220, I realized what fantastic condition it was in. Then a check on the p series serial list here, oh ok. At this point I wanted to create a post here about it. I didn’t though because my refrigerator is full of past gloating photos. Until, I used my phone to see the import mark. It doesn’t match any of the listed importers from the list here. The import mark reads, TAI Minot, ND. Which shares an address with The Attic. Was this imported at a later date than the original importers on the p series list? This import mark is so small, I thought it was magazine wear, and in its position, could be. Wonder if it was missed?

This is a completely unrelated question, but relevant to the subject matter. Why do G100xxx pistols listed have such a disparity in manufacturing date, 1976 vs. 1980? Then 1980 reappears in the G 106xxx range.





July 17, 2026, 09:47 PM
Shack
I didn’t have a replacement rear sight… will order one.



July 17, 2026, 10:03 PM
parabellum
quote:
Originally posted by Shack:
I didn’t though because my refrigerator is full of past gloating photos.
Eh?
July 17, 2026, 10:20 PM
Shack
quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
quote:
Originally posted by Shack:
I didn’t though because my refrigerator is full of past gloating photos.
Eh?


An attempt at humor. I was trying to avoid, bragging about the badass p220 I happened upon on accident.



July 17, 2026, 10:27 PM
12131
quote:
Was this imported at a later date than the original importers on the p series list?

Yes. The Attic, TAI, is Johnny-come-lately, when it comes to the firearm import game. For several years before they got their own import license, they used Simpson, Ltd. for import.


Q






July 18, 2026, 10:09 AM
Shack
quote:

Yes. The Attic, TAI, is Johnny-come-lately, when it comes to the firearm import game. For several years before they got their own import license, they used Simpson, Ltd. for import.


So do you think this pistol was somehow imported from the EU at a much later date than others? That’s all I can think of.



July 18, 2026, 10:17 AM
12131
That’s exactly what happened. The Attic imports these older guns regularly.


Q






July 19, 2026, 10:36 AM
Shack
Thanks Q. Any idea why there are JA date codes with lower serial numbers than the HG serial numbers?

Forgot to add this




July 19, 2026, 11:15 AM
12131
P220 and serial number specialists, like member Udo and hjs157, might be able to shed some light on it, because I haven’t a clue.


Q






July 19, 2026, 11:27 AM
parabellum
The Type 1 slide was quickly replaced with strengthened versions, with the Type 3 slide following the Type 1 slide in the commercial market (Type 2 slides are quite uncommon, relegated to the P75). SIG Sauer ended up with a surplus of these slides after 1977. Over the next few years, SIG used these slides in small production runs of 9x19mm and 7.65x21mm P220s, the latter earmarked primarily for the Italian market, where, at that time, civilian ownership of "military calibers" such as 9x19mm was prohibited.

The latest proof date I've seen these type 1 P220s is 1982 (most of the examples I've seen which are outside of regular production are proofed 1980), so SIG must have exhausted their inventory of them by then.

The Type 3, 4 and 5 P220 slides allowed for use of all available chamberings of the P220, including 45 ACP, so this was a matter of standardization and production efficiency.



P220 with Type 1 slide, 7.65x21mm (.30 Luger) intended for the Italian market (The Italian catalog number is partially visible on the front strap)

Serial number G106231, proofed 1980


July 19, 2026, 01:11 PM
Shack
I didn’t know any of this Para. Thanks for the explanation