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)
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 )
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