The signal pistol is in constant use in the field. That makes the pouch all the more important: it decides how quickly the pistol is in your hand and how securely it sits for the rest of the day. This article explains what defines the P2A1 and what matters when carrying it.

The P2A1 in brief

The Bundeswehr signal pistol is the P2A1 from Heckler & Koch, known among the troops simply as the “SigPi”. It is a single-shot, break-action pistol in 26.5 mm calibre, also called calibre 4. The body is mostly polymer, the barrel and breech are steel. At around 0.5 kg and 20 cm in length it is handy, but its thick barrel makes it bulkier than a service pistol. [1]

For the pouch this means: it has to hold a short, thick body securely without covering the grip.

What matters in a pouch

1. One-handed access

Anyone who has to give a signal often does not have a second hand free. You should be able to release and draw the pistol with one hand, even with gloves. Shock cord retention suits this well: it holds firmly and releases in one movement.

2. A secure hold in motion

Nothing may slip out when running, going prone or riding in a vehicle. An open pouch without retention is fast but risky. What counts is retention that still holds when the pouch ends up upside down.

3. Cartridges right on the pouch

A signal pistol without a cartridge is useless. If the cartridges sit on the pouch itself, there is no searching through other pouches. Two holders on the front are enough for most situations.

4. Flexible attachment

Not everyone carries the same way. On a plate carrier or chest rig, MOLLE is the usual solution. Those travelling lighter carry on the belt. A pouch that does both stays useful when your setup changes.

5. For left- and right-handed shooters

Depending on how you carry and how your kit is set up, the signal pistol sits on the left or the right. The pouch should therefore mount on either side.

Where to carry it on the body?

  • On the belt: easy to reach, even without a plate carrier. It can get tight in a vehicle.
  • On the side of the plate carrier: hardly gets in the way when prone and can be reached with both hands.
  • On the chest rig: quick to access, but takes up space otherwise needed for magazines.
SigPi Pouch with a P2A1 signal pistol on the hip next to a magazine pouch, worn on duty
SigPi Pouch in daily service, worn on the hip next to the magazine pouch. Photo: user.

There is no single correct position. What matters is that the position is always the same and can be found blind in the dark.

Our solution: the SigPi Pouch

The SigPi Pouch is built for exactly these requirements. It suits left- and right-handed shooters, can be worn with MOLLE clips or directly on a belt up to 45 mm, secures the pistol with shock cord and holds two signal cartridges on the front. It is made from Cordura laminate in our workshop in Germany.

The design originally comes from Phalanx Tactical, where it was a top seller for years. We officially took it over and continue it.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: “Heckler & Koch P2A1”, technical data and designation in the Bundeswehr. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_&_Koch_P2A1 (accessed 7 October 2026)

The notes on pouch and carry are based on our own experience in development and manufacturing and on feedback from active users.