Rare Sig Sauer M11B M-11B P228 9mm Semi Auto Pistol US Air Force USAF
SOLD FOR: $12,499
WOA#: WY240223RD001
Make: Sig Sauer
Model: M11B (M11 contract over-run, like P228)
Serial Number: B 352 514
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm)
Action Type: Single/Double Action Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker.
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “SIG SAUER” and “SIG SAUER INC. / EXETER – NH”, the right side of the slide is marked “B 352 514” with a German proof, “P228 / MADE IN GERMANY” and “DE”, the inside of the slide and bottom of the breech-block assembly are each hand-scribed “MP” (denotes magnetic particle inspection). The right of the chamber is marked “9mm Para”, the left is marked “SIG SAUER” and “DE”. The left side of the frame has a sticker with CAGE codes, serial number and a QR square, the right side of the frame is marked “EXETER-NH-USA” and around the takedown lever on the right of the frame is “DE”, “U.S.”, “M11B”, “B 352 514” and with a German proof. The left grip panel is marked “P228”, the right “SIG SAUER”.
Barrel Length: 3.9”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece textured black plastic which wrap around the backstrap. The front strap of the frame is serrated. The grips have no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent to Like New condition.
Type of Finish: K-Kote Slide, Black Anodized Alloy Frame, most small parts have a Phosphate coating.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Magazine Quantity and condition: This pistol includes 10 x Sig Sauer 13 Round 9mm magazines all in Excellent to Like new condition.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear, as does the top of the barrel and barrel hood. The breech face has minor brass fouling and there is one very small nick in the magazine well. The screw heads are sharp, the pins unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent to Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little play to the frame. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action has a smooth takeup with just a little creep before breaking. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a black plastic Sig case with serial-matching label, a total of 10 x 13-round M11/P228 magazines, an article by Jim Barrett about the M11-B model, and information collected by the original owner while he owned the pistol. There is also the original quality control inspection tag.
Our Assessment: While the P226 would ultimately lose out to the Beretta 92 in the XM9 service pistol trials, Sig’s P-Series pistols have still gone on to have a huge following in the commercial, law enforcement and military markets. Their P228 model has seen favor in the military for roles which require a smaller pistol than the M9, and the United States dubbed it the M11, seeing service in the Army, Navy, Air Force and by other DOD personnel. This is quite the rare opportunity at a commercially released M11 pistol, re-marked and sold as an “M11B” due to contractual restrictions on Sig Sauer selling M11 pistols. Produced in 2010, this pistol was made for an Air Force contract but there were approximately 50 pistols which did not make it to the Air Force. These M11 pistols had a “B” suffix added to the model designation for sale on the commercial market, and are in every other way an M11, from the folded-steel slide with welded breech-block insert to the M11 13-round magazines (please note, this pistol will not be compatible with current production P229-1 style magazines). For additional corrosion resistance, several small parts have a phosphate finish and the slide has a desirable K-Kote finish. Collectors of both Military sidearms and Sig Sauer pistols in general will not want to miss out on this M11B. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
