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| SIG SAUER |
| In 1853, Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser and Conrad Neher began what they thought would become a successful wagon factory above the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. Little did they know then, that their company would become one of the world's most renowned manufacturers of small arms. Just seven years after constructing an industrial plant for building the most sophisticated wagons and railway cars, the three ambitious owners undertook a more serious venture. In part to a challenge from Switzerland's Federal Ministry of Defense, the Swiss Wagon Factory entered the competition to develop a state-of-the-art rifle with the hopes the Swiss Army would adopt it. Four years later, the award went to the Swiss Wagon Factory for its Prelaz-Burnand rifle. At this point, the Swiss Wagon Factory, with an order for 30,000 muzzle loading Prelaz-Burnand rifles in hand, changed the name of the company to the Swiss Industrial Company - Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft, known worldwide as SIG. Fast-forward to the 20th century. The SIG P49, the forerunner of the SIG P210, was developed for the Swiss Army and destined to become a legend on the battlefield as well as the competition field. The P220 made its appearance as the new pistol for the army, soon followed by the compact P230 for the Swiss police. These pistols offered new features and levels of reliability never before seen in the industry. By the 1970's, SIG's small arms division was expanding to include Hämmerli Target Arms from Lenzburg, Switzerland, and J.P. Sauer & Sohn, GmbH, of Eckernförde, West Germany, known worldwide for their hunting rifles. In the 1980's, SIG set its sights on the United States of America. The American market was a vital part of SIG's business plan to continue to expand its market share and become an international leader in the small arms industry. January of 1985 marked the birth date of SIGARMS, Inc. SIGARMS, then located in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, imported the P220 and the P230. Two years later, SIGARMS moved to a larger location in Herndon, Virginia, and introduced the P225 in 9mm followed by the P226 and P228 in 9mm. By 1990, SIGARMS was looking to increase market share and begin manufacturing. SIGARMS moved to its present location in Exeter, New Hampshire, and in 1992, began production of the P229 in .40 S&W. Sig Sauer handguns are now the weapons of choice for the Swiss Police and Armed Forces. The Sig Sauer P226 has often been referred to as the most technically competent pistol of our time. The accuracy and consistency of this amazing piece are renowned throughout the world, and the Sig is now rapidly becoming the weapon of choice amongst gun users throughout the United States. For our full product range see the Airsoft Guns at the Airsoft Gun Room |