Sig P6 question...

[Whats-his-name]

As you know there have been a load of ex-German Police P6's dumped onto the market over the last few years.

I bought one a little while ago and was wondering why some had their grips and apparently other pistol parts painted red and/or blue. Any ideas?

This was clearly done at source (in Germany) but I have been wondering what the purpose was.

Thanks,

 

[9mmepiphany]

Can we see a picture?

I've owned a couple and handled serveral other and don't recall seeing anything like you're referring to.

Who was your importer...it's marked on the slide

 

[Whats-his-name]

Pics attached. First is the one I have, the second another example from the interweb.

No importer mark as I'm in Europe.

I've cleaned the paint off the metal areas which was a dab here and there. There was a bit of blue by the front sight. I don't think the location of the paint on these signified anything, just that they were painted. The grips were covered up wth another paint (black spray) that didn't adhere well and easily came off with white spirit revealing the red paint unerneath (which is a lot more stubborn).

I know it is not uncommon for magazines of military rifles, e.g., ak-47's, as well as the rifles themselves, to have a splodge of paint on them to denote that they are for practice only (and have been decommissioned for such) but I can't see the reason for the paint on the Sig. The only thing I can think of is it is some form of identification to denote something about the pistol, i.e., worn, taken out of use, or some-such.

Any knowledge on the matter would be interesting to know about.

Cheers.


PS. Just realised that this thread might be in the wrong section.

 

[HankC]

delete.

 

[Whats-his-name]

Thanks Hank - that's really helpful (not!). If people can't post something to help then don't post at all.

For those who are interested I have since found out why the paint has been applied. It appears that this was applied to pistols that had been taken out of service due to a failure, invariably as a result of a lot of use.

I stripped down the pistol and found some obvious damage to the left rear of the locking insert. This part to the rear of the trigger pivot had snapped off.

Those buying an ex-German police P6 may wish to check for paint as this may suggest a part(s) within the pistol have failed and, combined with age, was retired from service.

 

[HankC]

Thanks Hank - that's really helpful (not!). If people can't post something to help then don't post at all.

I thought of something and posted to help, then realized it may not be accurate and deleted it. Turn out you are rude and not worth any help anyway.

 

[Whats-his-name]

Double post - please ignore.

 

[Whats-his-name]

I thought of something and posted to help, then realized it may not be accurate and deleted it. Turn out you are rude and not worth any help anyway.

Hi Hank,

My sincere apologies - I thought you were referring to the thread itself. Consider me suitably embarrassed and admonished.

Best wishes.