Sig Sauer P220 Nitron .45 ACP
Model: 220R-45-BSS
Sig Sauer P220 Nitron .45 ACP
Model: 220R-45-BSS
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Sig P220 is the original Sig Sauer pistol, designed in 1975 as the Swiss Army sidearm. The Nitron variant is the current production model in .45 ACP. It uses a DA/SA action with a decocking lever instead of a manual safety, which puts it in a different operational category than every 1911 on this page. The first trigger pull runs at roughly 10 lbs in double action, then resets to 4.4 lbs in single action for subsequent shots.
At 30.4 oz with an alloy frame, the P220 sits between the polymer-framed guns at 29-30 oz and the steel-framed 1911s at 38-42 oz. The 4.4-inch barrel in a 7.7-inch overall package makes it shorter than most full-size .45s. The HK USP at 7.91 inches is the closest competitor in size and concept. Both are DA/SA .45s with polymer or alloy frames, 10-round magazines, and decocker safeties. The P220's 4.4 lb SA trigger pull is lighter than the USP's 4.8 lbs.
The P220's surprising strength is its single-action trigger. At 4.4 lbs with what reviewers describe as a clean, rolling break, it outperforms most striker-fired .45s and matches some entry-level 1911 triggers. The SIG Rail, rather than a standard Picatinny, limits light options to SIG-compatible models or adapters, which is the gun's most frequently cited annoyance in owner forums.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The 4.4 lb single-action trigger pull is the lightest among DA/SA .45 ACP pistols in this group, beating the HK USP's 4.8 lbs and the HK HK45's 4.5 lbs
- SIGLITE tritium night sights and a 6.3-inch sight radius come standard, with no aftermarket sight swap needed
- The decocker-only design means no manual safety to disengage under stress, and the heavy DA first pull replaces the need for one
- The SIG proprietary rail does not accept standard Picatinny weapon lights. You need a SIG-specific mount or an adapter, which limits options to a handful of models.
- 8-round single-stack magazine holds 5 fewer rounds than the Glock G21 and 2 fewer than the HK USP, both of which use double-stack designs
Category Rankings
How the Sig Sauer P220 Nitron .45 ACP ranks among full-size .45 ACP handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sig P220 have a manual safety?
No. The P220 Nitron uses a decocker-only system. Pressing the decocking lever drops the hammer safely to a resting position. There is no manual safety lever. The DA first pull at roughly 10 lbs acts as the primary safety mechanism. A manual safety variant existed in the past but is not part of the current production lineup.
What weapon lights fit the Sig P220's rail?
The P220 uses a SIG proprietary rail, not standard Picatinny. The SureFire X300U fits with a SIG adapter insert (SureFire includes one in the box). Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-7 also fit with their universal key system. Some compact lights designed for Picatinny only will not lock up properly. Check the light manufacturer's compatibility list before buying.