Need help with SIG P230 magazine catch/exploded diagram

[1KPerDay]

Hi,
I inherited a fairly nice 230 but the mag catch doesn't seem to have enough strength to securely retain a loaded magazine. If I insert an empty magazine the latch seems to come forward with a click, but if I pull downward on the baseplate at all (particularly forward) the mag catch moves rearward, nearly off the magazine baseplate. If I sort of pull the baseplate/mag forward I can actually slip the magazine out without touching the mag catch.

With a loaded mag the mag catch is just barely holding the mag in. I've shot the gun before and remember my dad telling you you sort of had to watch the mag catch.

I've looked up the parts list and there's no "magazine catch spring" that I can find...

can someone point me to a:

1. exploded diagram
2. parts supply place that has the spring (if there is one)


or ideally let me know how the mag catch and whatever spring gives it its springiness is retained/installed?

thanks!

 

[N.Schafer]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=835/schematicsdetail/P232
The mainspring is also the mag catch spring. I've worked on one that somebody had clipped the mainspring to lighten the trigger and it messed with the mag catch. I would try replacing the mainspring.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thank you. I suppose making the mainspring do two things is a german efficiency thing... and it makes sense. However the hammer resistance seems quite firm/proper. I guess I'll try replacing the mainspring as you suggest and see if it helps. Any other ideas? It's not possible to assemble it incorrectly, is it?

 

[N.Schafer]

I don't think you can install the mag catch backwards. I guess it might be possible. If it's a fairly old gun, maybe it's just worn. Or possibly an after market magazine.

 

[1KPerDay]

http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-mainspring_p232_p230-sigpro.html

How do I tell if my P230 is "newer"? If I'm buying a replacement mainspring I'd like it to work.

help please.