Sig P226 lever problem

[U.S.SFC_RET]

I don't know is this is a classic problem with the sig sauer line but here goes.
The release lever. Once you move the slide back to move the release lever and move the slide totally forward. The release lever is now swinging on its pin and not rotating the lever like its intended function.
I know you should ship the gun to Sig Sauer but that involves shipping.
Is there a way to easily replace the release lever?

 

[gb6491]

There is some talk about this (the rivet holding the lever on failing) of late on the SIG boards.

Can you remove the slide as it is? If so, you could probably orient the pin with some pliers to remove the lever assy.

If not, here is how a member (island2) on one of the boards removed his:

"The rivet loosened on my X5 Al Round at 14,570 rounds and would no longer function. Simply went to the other side and with a small brass punch tapped the squared shoulder of the take down lever with rotational and inward impacts. Removal proved to be quite quick, easy, and painless.'

"Glad to elaborate, if you inspect the take down lever you will find that on the right hand side (side opposite of de-cocking lever) that the take down assembly has a squared shoulder, part that is flush with the frame is not completely round. By using this squared shoulder as an impact point I was able to rotate the take down lever. The impacted rotation in conjunction with normal removal pressure and slight tapping from right to left moved the slide lock lever with out problems."

On my 229 with the old style lever that squared shoulder must be towards the bottom of the pistol and parallel to it for removal. I don't know if the new lever is that way. Whatever position that would correspond to the take down lever being up over the frame rails should work.

Regards,
Greg

 

[rcmodel]

I believe if I had to take one out, I would cut a small deep screwdriver slot in the end with a dressed-down Dremel cut-off wheel.

It shouldn't go all the way across the pin, as the risk of cutting into the frame is too great.

rcmodel

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

I will plan this one operation very carefully. Thanks gents

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Funny thing about the takedown lever. i was able to rotate the lever and remove the slide. The lever wanted to act like it was behaving in my hands at this point but I knew better. I gave it a twist and viola, swinging free. I am going to send the part back to Sig.