History of SIG Sauer in Timeline

SIG Sauer is a brand representing a collaboration of firearms manufacturers, originating from Swiss Industry Group (SIG) founded in 1853 and Sauer & Sohn, a German company established in 1751. The partnership began in the 1970s, spurred by Swiss export restrictions on weaponry. A notable early product of this collaboration was the SIG Sauer P220 pistol in 1975.

1900: Death of Friedrich Peyer im Hof

In 1900, Friedrich Peyer im Hof, one of the founders of Schweizerische Waggonfabrik (later SIG), passed away. He co-founded the company in 1853.

1935: Development of French Modèle 1935 pistol

In 1935, the French Modèle 1935 pistol was developed, and the Petter-Browning design was licensed to SIG Sauer which was used in the development of the SIG P210 pistol.

1947: Development of the SIG P210 pistol

In 1947, the SIG P210 pistol was developed based on the French Modèle 1935 pistol (the Petter-Browning design was licensed).

1949: Adoption of SIG P210 by the Swiss military

In 1949, the SIG P210 pistol was adopted by the Swiss military and named the "Pistole 49". This single-action, semi-automatic pistol brought SIG much acclaim for its accuracy and reliability.

1975: Launch of SIG Sauer handgun line with SIG P220

In 1975, SIG Sauer's line of handguns began with the SIG Sauer P220, initially developed by SIG and produced and distributed by J.P. Sauer & Sohn.

1975: Partnership starts with SIG Sauer P220

In 1975, the partnership between SIG (Swiss Industry Group) and Sauer & Sohn started with the SIG Sauer P220 handgun, marking the beginning of the combined brand due to Swiss weapon export limitations.

1976: SIG acquires J.P. Sauer & Sohn

In 1976, SIG bought J.P. Sauer & Sohn, resulting in the formation of SIG Sauer GmbH, based in Germany.

1977: First SIG Sauer P220 type sold in US

In 1977, the first SIG Sauer P220 type was sold in the US, a modified design produced for the Browning Arms company, labeled the "SIG Sauer System" on the right side of the slide.

January 1985: SIG establishes SIGARMS, Inc. in Virginia

In January 1985, SIG established a subsidiary named SIGARMS, Inc., in Tysons, Virginia, to import the P220 and P230 models into the United States.

1990: SIGARMS moves to Exeter, New Hampshire

In 1990, SIGARMS moved to Exeter, New Hampshire, where production facilities were established.

1992: Production begins on the P229

In 1992, production began on the P229 model at the Exeter, New Hampshire facilities.

October 2000: Sale of SIG's firearms subsidiaries to L&O Holding

In October 2000, SIG's firearms subsidiaries in Germany and the United States, along with its firearms subdivision in Switzerland, were sold to Michael Lüke and Thomas Ortmeier's L&O Holding.

2004: Addition of AR-15 style rifles to product catalog

In 2004, SIG Sauer was near failure. CEO Ron Cohen decided to add AR-15 style rifles to the company's product catalog, which he credited with saving the company.

2007: SIGARMS changes name to Sig Sauer, Inc.

In 2007, SIGARMS changed its name to Sig Sauer, Inc., also called Sig Sauer USA.

2014: News reports of arms sales to Colombia

In 2014, news reports emerged regarding arms sales by SIG Sauer to Colombia, potentially contravening German weapons trafficking laws. It was alleged that SIG had filed false export paperwork for nearly 38,000 pistols.

2015: SIG Sauer expands product line

In 2015, SIG Sauer expanded its product line to include suppressors, optics, ammo, and airguns, aiming to provide a greater range of firearm and safety equipment and accessories.

February 2016: Bids submitted for US military handgun contract

In February 2016, bids were submitted by 12 companies to compete for the US military's contract for a new handgun to replace the M9 model (Beretta 92FS).

July 2016: SIG Sauer remains in consideration for US military contract

On July 1, 2016, SIG Sauer was reported to be one of the three remaining competitors still in consideration for the US military handgun contract.

2016: Company growth and sales figures

By 2016, Sig Sauer, Inc. had over 1,000 employees and was selling more than 43,000 firearms a year.

April 2018: Criminal charges brought against SIG and executives

In April 2018, prosecutors in Kiel, Germany, brought criminal charges against SIG and the executives who had been involved in the illegal arms trafficking of 38,000 SP2022's to Colombia. Chief Executive Ron Cohen was arrested at Frankfurt Airport.

July 2018: SIG Sauer renames airgun division to SIG Air

On July 25, 2018, SIG Sauer announced that its airgun division was renamed to SIG Air, and introduced its Precision Line air rifles, starting with the ASP20 break-barrel gas piston air rifle.

November 2018: US Coast Guard to acquire SIG Air ProForce P229 airsoft pistol as new training pistol

On November 5, 2018, the United States Coast Guard announced that it would acquire the SIG Air ProForce P229 airsoft pistol as its new training pistol.

April 2019: Executives convicted of breaking export laws

In April 2019, Ron Cohen and two other executives were convicted of breaking export laws. Cohen was given an 18-month suspended sentence and fined $675,000. SIG Sauer GmbH was fined $12 million by the court.

2019: Swiss Arms renamed SIG Sauer AG

In late 2019, Swiss Arms was renamed SIG Sauer AG.

June 2020: SIG Sauer GmbH announces factory closure in Germany

On June 4, 2020, SIG Sauer GmbH announced it intended to close its factory at Eckernförde, Germany, by year's end, resulting in losses of about 125 jobs. The company blamed "locational handicaps" hindering its sales.

April 2022: SIG Sauer awarded US Army contract for NGSW

On April 19, 2022, the US Army awarded SIG Sauer a contract for two Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) variations, the M7 and M250 automatic rifle, as well as the 6.8 common cartridge ammunition used by both rifles. The contract's initial value was $20.4 million.

July 2022: Opening of the SIG Experience Center

In July 2022, the company opened the SIG Experience Center in Epping, New Hampshire, co-located with the SIG Sauer Academy. The Experience Center includes a retail store, indoor shooting range, company museum, conference center, and corporate offices.

2023: P320 comes under fire for unintentional discharge

In 2023, the P320, a popular handgun, came under fire for unintentional discharge of the firearm. The company said the gun is safe, and the cases were due to improper handling and a lack of gun safety standards.

2025: SIG Sauer lobbies for liability protection

In 2025, SIG Sauer lobbied New Hampshire lawmakers to shield the company from further product liability litigation. House Bill 551 (HB551) protects gun manufacturers and federal firearms licensees from being held liable in tort based on the absence or presence of safety features. It was signed into effect on May 23rd.