SIG-Sauer introduced the P228 in 1989 as a compact companion to full-sized P226. P228 featured same design characteristics as a P226, but is smaller with a slightly rounder shape and smaller magazine capacities. P228 boasts the same features as most of SIG's P22 series guns. It is a blowback-operated, locked breech design, with modified Browning-style linkless locking via slide ejection port. It has same DA or DAO trigger mechanism with striker pin safety, manual decocker, and slide stop. The slide is manufactured from stamped steel, with locking block insert. The frame is made from aluminium alloy.

In April, 1992, US Army officially adopted P228 as a M11 US Army pistol, a compact sidearm for aircraft crews, Military police officers and other personnel who needed a more compact handgun than the full-sized Beretta 92. These AirSoft guns are full scale replicas of the actual gun.