Canada: Military Transition from Browning Hi-Power to SIG P320 Underway

The Canadian Armed Forces has received its first batch of new 9mm pistols from New Hampshire-based SIG Sauer.

The CAF last October announced the planned acquisition of SIG Sauer P320 modular handguns in a $3.2 million deal for 7,000 pistols, with an option for as many as 9,500. The SIGs are replacing World War II-vintage Maple Leaf-marked Browning-Inglis No. 2 Mk1* Hi-Powers that had been produced in Toronto during the conflict.

The pistols, type classified as the C22 in Canadian service, will equip the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and Military Police. As previously reported by Guns.com, the country has been trying to replace the aging classics since at least 2007 with the government and military officials running hot and cold on the process numerous times since then.

Canadian army with C22 pistol — The C22 is a P320 modular, full-sized 9mm striker-fired pistol. The C22 contract pistol enhancements included an improved ergonomic design, 17-round capacity, and a loaded chamber indicator that is visible to the user at any angle. (Photo: SIG)

Browning-Inglis No. 2 Mk1* — The Canadian Browning-Inglis production was aided during WWII by FN's exiled staff, with the BHP's co-designer, Dieudonné Saive, helping with the technical package, making these unofficial clones. Ultimately, an agreement was reached to pay FN a royalty of 25 cents after the war for each gun produced. (Photo: Guns.com)

SIG Sauer reports that the initial delivery of 7,000 pistols is complete and soldier fielding of the C22 is in progress to replace the Browning 9mm, which was adopted in 1944.

"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," said Tom Jankiewicz, SIG's EVP for Law Enforcement Sales. "For the first time in nearly 80 years, our northern allies will field a modern, reliable pistol to support and carry out their mission."

While the Canadian Army is getting its first SIGs as part of the transition, it is not the country's first experience with the brand. The Royal Canadian Navy has fielded the P228 for use by boarding parties and aircrew for decades, while special operators have long used the P226.

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