In an effort to provide this information, not available elsewhere with more recent manufacture dates, I'd like to start compiling a list of serial numbers and manufacture dates by model on SIG handguns manufactured 2005 or later. If you would like to contribute, please post the serial number. SiG P226 9mm Factory 2 tone and All American manufacture (no other markings and serial number appears to be cut as the US frames are cut) 226-9-T with 2 10 round Magazines and Von Stavenhagen sights.Stainless slide with external extractor.silver colored controls and grip screws. Serial Number UU 597 5XX. The P226 has about 95% black on the rails. Just recently acquired a Sig P 210-1,serial # P 52097, all matching serial numbers, with the half cock function in a like new condition with 2 magazines and the original military holster. What could be the correct date of manufacturing for this gun?
So, the thing is, not only does that serial number not belong on that pistol, that serial number does not belong on that pistol.
Allow me to explain.
Browning's serial numbering scheme in those days told you a lot about their guns. BDAs were offered in three calibers 45 ACP, 9x19mm and 38 Super. Each of these three calibers had their own serial number prefix; 345 for 9mm, 375 for 38 Super, and 395 for 45 ACP.
Your slide shows a serial number beginning with 395RP, which should be a 45 ACP BDA made in 1978.
So, not only does that serial number not belong on that pistol because it's not a SIG serial number, it really doesn't belong because it's a serial number for a different caliber.
And no, it's not a 45 ACP slide at all.
Do you happen to know the proof date on this pistol? The serial number suggests 1978, but as I've stated, the serial number is extra super wrong.
There seems to be a small run of these P220 in 7.65 with Browning serial numbers. Here are 2 othes I've found...
396RP7396 JA 7.65 = Thanks to Dusty Dave (in Serial Number List)
395RP7377 JA 7.65mm Para (posted by Ken* on 8/28/14 in Serial Number List thread)
Sig P220 Serial Number Dating
395RP7381 falls in between them. I wonder if the 396 prefix on the first is a typo. My theory is that after the importation by Browning ended there were some frames with BDA .45 serials left over and they were completed by Sig Sauer as P220 with new slides and barrels matched to those frames.
Further theorizing (and I'm really going out on a limb here) is that Sig Sauer did not have reason to adhere to Brownings serial number coding and made them up in whatever caliber needed at the time, 7.65 Para to satisfy demand from Italy.Sig Sauer Serial Number Dating
Sig Sauer 1911 Serial Number Lookup
I do not know the date code yet. I hope to have the pistol in hand next week.