The SIG Sauer P228 was introduced in 1989 as a compact companion to full-sized P226. P228 featured same design characteristics of the P226, but is somewhat smaller and has a smaller magazine capacity. The overall shape of the P228 also was made slightly less angular and more suitable for concealment. The SIG P228 is a double-action semi-automatic pistol, extremely reliable, deadly accurate and many say, more comfortable than the glocks.

In around 1991 the P228 was adopted by US Armed forces as the M11 pistol, and is issued to Military Police and some other units. The P228 is also a highly popular police and civilian sidearm throughout  Europe and the USA, as well as by FBI, Secret Service and the DEA.