My new Swiss Army Pistol

johnbt · September 10, 2011, 01:11 PM

I have wanted a Swiss Army Pistol for a long time. It's a Pistole 49 with sn 189xxx, so it's from near the end of the run in the mid-70s. The end was 213,110 iirc. The stocks should be plastic, but it came with these so I'm happy. They appear to be mid-80s commercial production for the P210 I'm told.

Shoots better than it looks too, but that's no surprise.

CWKahrFan · September 10, 2011, 01:28 PM

Nice!

BuzWeaver · September 10, 2011, 05:09 PM

Very cool, its nearly a piece of art.

tekarra · September 10, 2011, 06:00 PM

Very nice indeed. I dream of having one.

1911Colt · September 10, 2011, 06:31 PM

Looks to be in very good condition. I have the Swiss Army watch that goes with it ...

Morgo · September 10, 2011, 07:07 PM

Congrats!
I picked up one similar only a few months ago, it was something I had been wanting for a long time as well.

johnbt · September 10, 2011, 07:21 PM

Good looking pistol. And thanks to everyone. I hadn't been shopping for a P210, but just ran across what seemed to be a great opportunity to get a pretty nice condition shooter grade Swiss military pistol. That's all I was expecting, a nice clean gun with fixed sights and a little holster wear. I bought it without seeing a pic of it.

It was cleaned & lubed when I picked it up, but the controls were stiff; stiff like a new gun that hadn't been cycled much. It shoots like a dream.

We won't talk about the PW Arms import mark on the slide (which I did see a pic of on another similar gun.) PWA should not be allowed near tools.

John

mjackson1 · September 10, 2011, 07:56 PM

Congrats John, hope you work that girl over! I really dig the dual finish look of your pistols, gents. And it's true, there is no redemption for clumsy importer marks. FOR SHAME!!

mega twin · September 10, 2011, 09:40 PM

Nice pistol!!!
what is a reasonable price range for one of those?

AustinTX · September 10, 2011, 11:38 PM

Beautiful! Congrats! I struggle to find the words to describe what amazing pistols the P210s are.

I need to snap some photos tomorrow of the P210-6 Heavy Frame that I picked up last week.

johnbt · September 11, 2011, 07:29 AM

"what is a reasonable price range for one of those?"

$2499.95

johnbt · September 12, 2011, 06:36 AM

I love the way this pistol handles and shoots. I bought a used mag on line yesterday. Only $150 plus postage. And I ordered some GECO/RUAG plinking ammo which comes highly recommended for these guns.

Now I'm ready to retire.

pilpens · September 12, 2011, 06:43 AM

It is a nice pistol. I am curious at how well a 1911 9mm compares to this.
Would you say that this pistol handles/feels better than a 1911? or maybe a S&W 952?

kadima · September 12, 2011, 07:24 AM

It would be like comparing apples with oranges. The 1911 and the SIG are two worlds apart.

Like asking if it's better a Jeep or a Corvette....

IMHO

K.

WVsig · September 12, 2011, 07:37 AM

Top Gun Supply?

Quote:

It would be like comparing apples with oranges. The 1911 and the SIG are two worlds apart.

Like asking if it's better a Jeep or a Corvette....

A lot depends on what 1911. Vs a production 1911 I would agree but against something from Heirloom Precision or another full house custom maker? IMHO at that level the differences are much smaller.

Grapevinebill · September 12, 2011, 08:10 AM

That my friend is a sweet gun! Congratulations and shoot it safe...

johnbt · September 12, 2011, 08:48 AM

Thank you. I waited a long time for one of these.

"Would you say that this pistol handles/feels better than a 1911?"

They're different, but both point naturally for me. It is a well built machine from top to bottom. I also like the small sights. Fwiw, my favorite plinking 1911 is a blue Colt WWI Repro and it has small sights. Talking about comparing, there's a lot to be said for specifying the brand and model of 1911 you're comparing it to.

The P210 factory standard for accuracy was a group less than 5 cm (1.97") at 50 meters (54.67 yards.) From what I've read, the guns will hold that standard indefinitely. I have no idea what kind of steel they used on P210s, but it must have been a bear to machine. Some of the fancier target models shot groups half the factory standard at 50 meters.

I've learned a lot about P210s in the past week and a half.

WVsig - Yes, straight off the pallet. Even a blind pig (me) finds an acorn sometimes, etc.

Pilot · September 12, 2011, 10:20 AM

Nice!

FALshootist · September 12, 2011, 03:10 PM

Great gun with a great reputation for accuracy. I have my doubts about it being $2,499.95 great though. Especially for a mass produced factory gun. But we all have our own taste and values. Hope you enjoy your new gun and hope it shoots as good as it looks.

I initially missed the post that a used mag is $150. Can't say anything about that. You know what our mothers tought us about not saying anything good.

johnbt · September 12, 2011, 04:41 PM

"Especially for a mass produced factory gun."

All factories are not created equal. Neither are all designers. Or all guns.

I'm thinking about buying another one, but I don't want to be a hog. He initially had them listed as one to a customer. Sometime near the end of last week he said there were 12 left. But that was last week.

How many Swiss Army Pistols fit on "a small pallet"?

"You know what our mothers tought us about not saying anything good."

Your mother knew about the P210?

John

AustinTX · September 12, 2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

I have my doubts about it being $2,499.95 great though. Especially for a mass produced factory gun.

I once thought something along those lines.

handgunfan101 · September 12, 2011, 05:46 PM

That is a classic swiss nice score

johnbt · September 12, 2011, 06:29 PM

Thank you, thank you very much. I can't really give anybody a hard time about the money because it is a lot of money. But not out of line for what you get.

Speaking of prices, okay, now, let me get another beer. Let's look at the Gun Trader's Guide from 1990.

Colt Python - blue is $385, stainless is $545.
Colt MkIV Series 70 Government Model - $365.

BHP - $380 with fixed sights.

S&W Model 745 .45 ACP - $525
S&W Model 469 9mm - $245
S&W Model 66 .357 Combat Magnum Stainless - $265
S&W Model 686 - $270

The SIG surprised me. The P210-2 is the similar commerical model: fixed sights, sandblasted finish and plastic stocks.

Sig P210-2 - $1195

The P210-1, the same gun polished and blued - $1350

I knew there was a difference, but I didn't realize the magnitude. In any case, $2499 gets you a pretty nice shooter grade gun.

Major Beef · September 12, 2011, 10:33 PM

The swiss army is so cool, they get to use $2500 pistols, while our military uses the $500 M9...

johnbt · September 13, 2011, 08:00 AM

They started using the Sig 220 in 1975, but your point is still a good one.

A lot of the Pistole 49/P210 guns are in good shape because the Swiss army issued the gun to an individual who took it home and kept it. They used it during their two weeks a year of military service and often competed with them, so they took care of them. Or maybe the Swiss just take care of all fine things.

And after their military service they were allowed to keep the pistol.

September 10, 2011, 01:11 PM	#1
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	My new Swiss Army Pistol I have wanted a Swiss Army Pistol for a long time. It's a Pistole 49 with sn 189xxx, so it's from near the end of the run in the mid-70s. The end was 213,110 iirc. The stocks should be plastic, but it came with these so I'm happy. They appear to be mid-80s commercial production for the P210 I'm told. Shoots better than it looks too, but that's no surprise.

September 10, 2011, 01:28 PM	#2
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Nice! __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

September 10, 2011, 06:31 PM	#5
1911Colt Member Join Date: August 7, 2011 Posts: 19	Looks to be in very good condition. I have the Swiss Army watch that goes with it ... __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

September 12, 2011, 10:20 AM	#18
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	Nice! __________________ Pilot

September 12, 2011, 10:33 PM	#24
Major Beef Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2008 Posts: 139	The swiss army is so cool, they get to use $2500 pistols, while our military uses the $500 M9... __________________ Hi, I'm Major Beef with CDNN.

September 10, 2011, 05:09 PM	#3
BuzWeaver Junior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA USA Posts: 11	Very cool, its nearly a piece of art.

September 10, 2011, 06:00 PM	#4
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	Very nice indeed. I dream of having one.

September 10, 2011, 07:07 PM	#6
Morgo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 471	Congrats! I picked up one similar only a few months ago, it was something I had been wanting for a long time as well.

September 10, 2011, 07:21 PM	#7
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	Good looking pistol. And thanks to everyone. I hadn't been shopping for a P210, but just ran across what seemed to be a great opportunity to get a pretty nice condition shooter grade Swiss military pistol. That's all I was expecting, a nice clean gun with fixed sights and a little holster wear. I bought it without seeing a pic of it. It was cleaned & lubed when I picked it up, but the controls were stiff; stiff like a new gun that hadn't been cycled much. It shoots like a dream. We won't talk about the PW Arms import mark on the slide (which I did see a pic of on another similar gun.) PWA should not be allowed near tools. John

September 10, 2011, 07:56 PM	#8
mjackson1 Junior Member Join Date: April 28, 2011 Posts: 4	Congrats John, hope you work that girl over! I really dig the dual finish look of your pistols, gents. And it's true, there is no redemption for clumsy importer marks. FOR SHAME!!

September 10, 2011, 09:40 PM	#9
mega twin Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2006 Posts: 434	Nice pistol!!! what is a reasonable price range for one of those?

September 10, 2011, 11:38 PM	#10
AustinTX Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Posts: 2,145	Beautiful! Congrats! I struggle to find the words to describe what amazing pistols the P210s are. I need to snap some photos tomorrow of the P210-6 Heavy Frame that I picked up last week.

September 11, 2011, 07:29 AM	#11
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	"what is a reasonable price range for one of those?" $2499.95

September 12, 2011, 06:36 AM	#12
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	I love the way this pistol handles and shoots. I bought a used mag on line yesterday. Only $150 plus postage. And I ordered some GECO/RUAG plinking ammo which comes highly recommended for these guns. Now I'm ready to retire.

September 12, 2011, 06:43 AM	#13
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,696	It is a nice pistol. I am curious at how well a 1911 9mm compares to this. Would you say that this pistol handles/feels better than a 1911? or maybe a S&W 952?

September 12, 2011, 07:24 AM	#14
kadima Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Posts: 190	It would be like comparing apples with oranges. The 1911 and the SIG are two worlds apart. Like asking if it's better a Jeep or a Corvette.... IMHO K.

September 12, 2011, 08:10 AM	#16
Grapevinebill Member Join Date: September 1, 2011 Location: Grapevine, TX Posts: 53	That my friend is a sweet gun! Congratulations and shoot it safe...

September 12, 2011, 08:48 AM	#17
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	Thank you. I waited a long time for one of these. "Would you say that this pistol handles/feels better than a 1911?" They're different, but both point naturally for me. It is a well built machine from top to bottom. I also like the small sights. Fwiw, my favorite plinking 1911 is a blue Colt WWI Repro and it has small sights. Talking about comparing, there's a lot to be said for specifying the brand and model of 1911 you're comparing it to. The P210 factory standard for accuracy was a group less than 5 cm (1.97") at 50 meters (54.67 yards.) From what I've read, the guns will hold that standard indefinitely. I have no idea what kind of steel they used on P210s, but it must have been a bear to machine. Some of the fancier target models shot groups half the factory standard at 50 meters. I've learned a lot about P210s in the past week and a half. WVsig - Yes, straight off the pallet. Even a blind pig (me) finds an acorn sometimes, etc.

September 12, 2011, 03:10 PM	#19
FALshootist Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2002 Posts: 589	Great gun with a great reputation for accuracy. I have my doubts about it being $2,499.95 great though. Especially for a mass produced factory gun. But we all have our own taste and values. Hope you enjoy your new gun and hope it shoots as good as it looks. I initially missed the post that a used mag is $150. Can't say anything about that. You know what our mothers tought us about not saying anything good.

September 12, 2011, 04:41 PM	#20
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	"Especially for a mass produced factory gun." All factories are not created equal. Neither are all designers. Or all guns. I'm thinking about buying another one, but I don't want to be a hog. He initially had them listed as one to a customer. Sometime near the end of last week he said there were 12 left. But that was last week. How many Swiss Army Pistols fit on "a small pallet"? "You know what our mothers tought us about not saying anything good." Your mother knew about the P210? John

September 12, 2011, 05:46 PM	#22
handgunfan101 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Glasgow Kentucky Posts: 275	That is a classic swiss nice score

September 12, 2011, 06:29 PM	#23
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	Thank you, thank you very much. I can't really give anybody a hard time about the money because it is a lot of money. But not out of line for what you get. Speaking of prices, okay, now, let me get another beer. Let's look at the Gun Trader's Guide from 1990. Colt Python - blue is $385, stainless is $545. Colt MkIV Series 70 Government Model - $365. BHP - $380 with fixed sights. S&W Model 745 .45 ACP - $525 S&W Model 469 9mm - $245 S&W Model 66 .357 Combat Magnum Stainless - $265 S&W Model 686 - $270 The SIG surprised me. The P210-2 is the similar commerical model: fixed sights, sandblasted finish and plastic stocks. Sig P210-2 - $1195 The P210-1, the same gun polished and blued - $1350 I knew there was a difference, but I didn't realize the magnitude. In any case, $2499 gets you a pretty nice shooter grade gun.

September 13, 2011, 08:00 AM	#25
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	They started using the Sig 220 in 1975, but your point is still a good one. A lot of the Pistole 49/P210 guns are in good shape because the Swiss army issued the gun to an individual who took it home and kept it. They used it during their two weeks a year of military service and often competed with them, so they took care of them. Or maybe the Swiss just take care of all fine things. And after their military service they were allowed to keep the pistol.