Reversing the mag release of Sig P226

Status
Not open for further replies.

helfer088

Member
Joined
May 29, 2010
Messages
2
I'm reversing the mag release of the Sig P226 platinum elite, but having quite an issue with the catch stop. I've read you're supposed to depress the catch stop spring with a thin strip of metal which would then allow you to remove the mag release, but I'm not sure which direction to insert it to depress the spring. Any ideas?
 
are you talking about the small spring in the side of the mag release button...you can only push it in?

if you're talking about the spring that powers the mag catch. it is retained by the backing plate on the other side of the frame and needs to be tapped out with a punch.

i would recommend you get the armorer's DVD (try Top Gun Supply) before doing work on your Sig. if you don't get the pin in the mag catch installed properly, you can pretty much junk your frame
 
Yes I'm referring to the small spring inside the mag release button. I can push it in a little with either a safety pin or paperclip, but when I go to press it in and slide the magazine release button towards the opposite side of the grip I lose the ability to keep it depressed?
 
Be Verrrrry Careful

Be very careful with the mag release catch spring... if you don't do it right you will probably ruin your frame...or at least have to have SIG drill the whole mess out.

That spring has to be installed exactly right or it will not come out again.

The advice to look at the armorer DVD is good... or get an armorer to show you how.

FWIW

Chuck
 
...and decide whether or not you REALLY want that mag release switched...if you are doing it because you are left handed...try your trigger finger for awhile on the mag release set up for "righties"...

I switched the mag release to the other side and had issues with some holsters when carrying the (in my case a P226) as the holster wasn't releived near the inside for the mag release and it would sometimes make contact and release my mag when I didn't want it too...I quickly became just as quick using the trigger finger...I also originally had a 'smith do it and he replaced the mag release wrong...my frame needed to be drilled and I was NOT happy...good luck with your choice...

Bill
 
Very Good Point

Silversport makes a good point... I have some SIGs I got already set up for a left hand shooter... i.e. the mag release on the right side of the frame... I find as a right hand shooter, I can work the mag release much faster and easier with the release on the right side of the frame... I'd think the reverse would be the same for a left hand shooter.

FWIW

CHuck
 
Yes I'm referring to the small spring inside the mag release button. I can push it in a little with either a safety pin or paperclip, but when I go to press it in and slide the magazine release button towards the opposite side of the grip I lose the ability to keep it depressed?
First off, I agree that you would be well advised to get the above mentioned DVD: http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-armorers-course-dvd_p-series.html

You can download the SIG Armorer's Manual here: http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/

From your quoted post, I suspect you may already have the manual or have read a description of procedure for removing the catch from the Armorer's manual.
It reads:
2) Press the stop, magazine catch (46) inwards
This is a little confusing and would be better said "Press the magazine catch stop (46) inwards"
At this point the magazine catch, magazine catch stop, magazine catch stop spring, and magazine catch spring can be removed outward from the pistol frame. BE CAREFUL DOING THIS AS THE PARTS HAVE SPRING TENSION ON THEM.

What the above does is, by pushing the magazine catch stop inwards (as into the magazine catch body)
34fi0xj.jpg
you allow the tab on the catch stop to clear the frame and the whole catch can be removed.
(photo by GaryBF as posted here: http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/150601935/m/6490088402 )
2a9nxbl.jpg

IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT THE CATCH STOP BE ORIENTED AS SHOWN ABOVE WHEN BEING INSTALLED. If you install the catch with that tab up (away from the frame) the catch will not operate correctly and you will have a very difficult time trying to get the catch back out of the frame (most likely a trip back to SIG for a fix, though some people have gotten it back out using a shim as a shoehorn).

Here is a good description of the whole reversal process (both grip panels do need to be removed prior):
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=383427

Plate that needs to be driven off (remove the spring by freeing the end near the hammer first, then wiggle the other end out):
http://www.cybershooters.org/dgca/images/P226/P226oldspring.jpg

Regards,
Greg
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top