New Sig P226 Range Report

[Falstaff66]

Finally took my new (used) 9mm 226 two tone to the range. Fired about 150 rds. without incident. I had one one failure of the slide to lock back. Did I limp-wrist it? I most shot WWB and Remington 9mm 115 Grain FMJ ammo from WalMart, I couldn't tell the difference. Tried some Federal HydraShocks without a problem.

While recoil was no problem, I experienced more muzzle flip than I encountered with a rented 226 in 9mm, or frankly than a previously rented 229 in .40. Any ideas? Would a solid guide rod help? Change in recoil spring? I have a stainless slide, not the earlier stamped slide that was on the 226 I rented.

Now here's the bigger problem, in single action the trigger pull was too light, or possibly that I just had a hard time anticipating it. It's like there was no resistance on the trigger until...*bang*. With other Sigs I always felt some resistence in SA. I'm tempted to describe it as a "hair trigger". It's not a smooth transition. Anybody else experience this? Will it work itself out? I was happy with the trigger in double action and had much better accuracy with my double action shots.

All in all I'm a happy customer, but I'd like to correct these two issues.

 

[TheEgg]

I don't often read posts complaining that the trigger pull is too light!

Anyway, can't help much, other than to ask another question. Was the gun purchased as a "CPO"? (Sigs used program, Certified Previously Owned.) If so, send it back to SIG for a check-up. If it is not CPO find a local reliable gunsmith to check it out for you.

Next, if you really like DA, check out SIG's new DAK trigger system. It is sort of a DA only system, and a lot of people really like it. It has the same trigger action all the time, no SA/DA transition. I THINK that the 226 can be converted to that (I know they will do a conversion to regular Double Action Only, not sure about the DAK), but SIG may not be doing it right now due to their backlog in covering government contracts.

Hope some of the information above is helpful.

 

[Falstaff66]

Not a CPO, but it was obviously pretty lightly used. I'm learning that I must be in the minority on the trigger. Hell, it seems I may have a great trigger. I should add that I'm something of a newbie and I wasn't used to that crisp a trigger pull in SA. Usually there is some creep. I think I'll replace the recoil spring and keep practicing with the trigger.

 

[Thrash1982]

As to the not locking back thing. I had the same problem with my 226 until I figured out that the way I was gripping the pistol made my right thumb riding on top of the slide catch, preventing the mag follower from pushing it up. Try changing your grip and see if that fixes it. Great pistols.

 

[Black92LX]

are your magazines new??? I had the no lockback problem with my new mags.
If the mags are used it very well could be your grip.

 

[HD]

maintaining a proper grip is a major failing with the new style stippled grips , made it real tough to control my 226 in 40sw , to the point where i gave up on it rather than waste money expermenting with different grips...

 

[KJordan]

As to the not locking back thing. I had the same problem with my 226 until I figured out that the way I was gripping the pistol made my right thumb riding on top of the slide catch, preventing the mag follower from pushing it up. Try changing your grip and see if that fixes it. Great pistols.

This was my problem as well. A simple shift of my thumb solved everything.

 

[Falstaff66]

It only failed to lock back one time. I tested it manually last night with my mags and they aren't the problem. The mag springs are so tight I can't get the 10th round in without my HKS loader. I'm wondering if I just limp-wristed it that time.
I'll check my grip though to make sure it isn't a problem.

Would you guys definitely change the recoil spring on a used no-CPO Sig that looked lightly used but where use is actually unknown? I'm trying to tame the unexpected muzzle flip as much as anything. How about the solid guide rod for more muzzle weight?

 

[Pilot]

When I buy a used sem-auto I always replace the recoil spring a magazine springs right away. Get the Wolff spring kits and the +5% power mag springs. I chose a standard, factory weight recoil spring for my Sig P228, but may try a slightly heavier spring. You may want to order both. My used P228has functioned flawlessly with the original springs and with the new springs.

 

[TheEgg]

A recoil spring is so cheap, relatively speaking, that I think changing it out would be a good move. One possible problem eliminated, quick and easy.

 

[MK11]

Limp wristing won't keep the slide from locking back (I'm assuming it went fully into battery again). Your thumb probably nudged the slide lock or maybe it's just very stiff. The only "problem" I've had been with Sigs is the one you describe, and it usually resolves itself within the first box of 50 rounds.