Sig Sauer produces some of the finest firearms in the world, and their handguns have been the choice selection of U.S. military units and law enforcement agencies across the country. However, those handgun selections have primarily been for full-sized duty firearms.
Sig Sauer has responded to a growing trend of interest by firearm owners for smaller handguns, particularly in the concealed carry arena with the Sig Sauer P250 Nitron. The P250 is now available in .380, adding to the original calibers of 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The P250 provides many of the same outstanding features expected of Sig Sauer firearms. For officers who carry a Sig Sauer as their primary on-duty handgun, the P250 Nitron could be a great selection for a back-up or off-duty firearm.
Sig Sauer classifies the P250® Nitron as a sub-compact handgun, and chambered in the popular .380ACP this could be a great off-duty or back-up selection. The BlueSheepDog crew have long argued that a proper self-defense firearm should be chambered in at least the .380 caliber. Though we tend to prefer a 9mm selection or larger, the advancements of modern ammunition have really improved the overall performance of defensive ammunition, including .380.
Sig Sauer P250 Nitron Specifications
- Frame Material – Polymer with interchangeable grips
- Slide Finish – Nitron®
- Caliber – .380 ACP
- Action – DAO
- Trigger Pull – 5.5 – 6.5 lbs
- Overall Length – 6.7″
- Overall Height – 4.7″
- Overall Width – 1.1″
- Barrel Length – 3.6″
- Sight Radius – 5.5″
- Weight – 19.4 oz (with magazine)
- Capacity – (2) 12+1 round magazines; 15+1 extended magazine available separately
- Sights – SIGLITE® Night Sights
- MSRP – $536.00.
Matching Features for On-Duty, Back-Up and Off-Duty Handguns
Officers considering a handgun for back-up or off-duty use should take serious consideration to the features and function of the firearm compared to their primary firearm. The muscle memory involved in proficiently handling a firearm, accurately shooting and reloading, including overcoming failure drills, cannot be simply transitioned to a firearm with completely different controls.
Some officers carry a completely different firearm for back-up and off-duty. Though I understand the desire to carry a preferred or favorite weapon, I think officers are setting themselves up for failure by not remaining consistent in weapon choice.
Some officers carry a revolver for off-duty because a revolver is always ready to fire, with much less potential for mechanical failure. However, those officers must understand that once the cylinder or rounds is expended they are going to be required to perform a completely different reload style than their on-duty firearm. I just think that changing processes in a high stress situation is a bad idea.
One of the great features of the P250 Nitron action is that it is the same as the full size P250, and very similar to other Sig Sauer handguns. By not changing the features, action, and function of the P250 Nitron, Sig Sauer has developed a sub-compact handgun with serious potential for a back-up or off-duty firearm. The officer simply has to adjust to a smaller size instead of a completely new function and fit.
The P250 Nitron ships with (2) 12-round capacity flush-fit magazine, and an extended 15-round magazine (available separately). Modern ammunition has made the .380ACP a popular choice for self-defense, with the addition of the subcompact platforms at both ends of the spectrum, the P250 will meet any requirement from duty, competition, and practice to concealed carry.
Customization and Modularity of the P250
The SIG SAUER® P250’s innovative design enables the shooter to quickly remove the functional mechanism and place it into the polymer grip of his choice. If the shooter prefers a .380 for off-duty, but a 9mm for back-up, the change out is simple without compromising accuracy. This allows an immediate change in caliber and size; (subcompact, compact and full).
The P250 modularity not only provides incredible ease of maintenance, but also provides a solution for accommodating different hand sizes – there are 6 different ergonomic combinations for each size, accomplished by changes in grip circumference and trigger style.
Final Thoughts
If you select Sig Sauer you can be confident that you are receiving an outstanding firearm. The P250 provides the compact package that satisfies the need for back-up or off-duty carry, and does so without changing the layout of Sig Sauer controls. All said, the P250 is a good choice for any officer should searching for a back-up or off-duty handgun.