When I heard that Sig Sauer was coming out with a new polymer pistol, I responded with a shrug. Let's face it; today's market is flooded with polymer-framed handguns, and you probably had the same reaction when you heard about the new P250. So let me start off by telling you that the P250 is not just another polymer pistol. In fact, it is an entirely new concept in handguns, one I believe will be appreciated by shooters everywhere.

The P250 is constructed with a polymer grip module and metal frame/fire control assembly that can be removed from the pistol. The frame/fire control assembly itself is in fact the "pistol"--as BATF would define it--because it bears the serial number. What Sig Sauer has done is create a system whereby the shooter can change caliber and pistol size at will in order to adapt a handgun to specific conditions and tasks.

It works like this. Let's say you purchase a full-size P250 in .40 S&W in your choice of small, medium or large grip circumferences and a standard or short trigger. Then, down the road a ways, you decide you want a smaller pistol. Normally this would mean you would have to purchase an entirely new pistol, but not if you own a P250.

All you have to do is order a compact or subcompact grip module and a slide assembly. You then remove the frame/fire control assembly from your full-size grip module and install it on the compact module with the shorter slide and barrel. Presto, you now have two handguns but, legally, only the original "pistol."

And if you decide you want a compact pistol with a full-size slide and barrel (or vice versa)? No problemo, just swap the top ends.

Or say you want to teach your kids to shoot, but they are still a bit recoil shy. Just order a 9mm slide assembly and magazines. (Note: Converting a .40 pistol to .357 Sig or vice versa requires only changing the barrel.)

If you want to go bigger, order a .45 ACP grip module, slide assembly and magazines. You drop your frame/fire control assembly into this, and you're ready to rock 'n roll.

SIG offers the P250 pistol with two different-size grip modules: one for the 9mm, .357 SIG and .40 cartridges, and another for the .45 ACP. Both are available in three versions--full, compact and subcompact--with three different grip circumferences (two on the subcompact). As the only real difference between the grip modules is the length of the grip itself, each will accept the full, compact and subcompact slide assemblies.

Within a given size family, there are six different variations, allowing you to fit the gun to an individual hand based on two different trigger lengths and three different grip modules, each with unique grip circumferences. In theory, this gives the shooter the choice of an almost unlimited number of configurations. This commonality of parts means the SIG P250 uses 30 to 40 percent fewer parts than a traditional semiautomatic pistol, streamlining maintenance and spare-parts costs.

The modular frame/fire control assembly contains the trigger mechanism, hammer, ambidextrous slide catch levers, takedown lever and a steel shaft on which the barrel articulates to unlock from the slide. The slide does not bear upon the grip module at all, but during recoil it rides on four steel rails that are integral with the frame/fire control assembly.

Changing the module and frame/ fire control assembly from one grip module to the other is simplicity itself. You first disassemble pistol as per the instructions in the owner's manual and then rotate and pull the takedown lever out of the frame. Pulling up on the front frame rails while drawing the hammer back rotates the frame assembly out of the grip module.