The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has officially transitioned from the venerable Browning Hi-Power pistol adopted at the end of World War 2, in 1944, to the SIG Sauer P320, that in the CAF is known with the official designation of C22. The caliber of the new Canadian issue sidearm remains the same, that is 9mm. In October 2022, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, had announced a contract award valued at $3.2 million (USD) to provide the Canadian Army with new pistols. The contract includes the pistols, holster systems, spares, and operator and maintenance training. The initial delivery of 7,000 pistols is now complete and soldier fielding of the C22 is in progress. According to official sources, additional options for up to 9,500 pistols will be available under the contract to cover off the remaining requirements for the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police.
“The selection process for the C22 was extremely competitive with safety, reliability, and accuracy at the forefront – the P320 delivers on all fronts and ensures operational readiness and effectiveness for the Canadian Armed Forces,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG Sauer, Inc. “For the first time in nearly eighty years our northern allies will field a modern, reliable pistol to support and carry out their mission.”
“SIG Sauer is honored that the P320 is the official sidearm of the Canadian Armed Forces, and proud of the positive feedback we are receiving throughout their transition to the P320,” concluded Jankiewicz.
SIG Sauer P320, a battle-proven and successful pistol
On the off chance that you never heard of it, the SIG Sauer P320 is a modular polymer-framed, striker-fired design. Few years ago it was selected by the U.S. armed forces as their new service pistol in both the P320-M17 full-size version and in the P320-M18 compact variant, replacing another legendary gun, the 9mm Beretta 92 aka M9. Among the features of the P320-C22 contract pistol, an improved ergonomic design, 17-round capacity, and a loaded chamber indicator that is visible to the user at any angle. It also ensures ambidextrous controls to enable both left and right hand users the ability to operate the weapon effectively. Additionally, the C22 features the SIG Sauer P320 innovative 3-point takedown safety for pistol disassembly which does not require a trigger pull for disassembly and the five-point safety system making it the safest and most dependable pistol available.
