To remove or not to remove ... CA "features"

[Voxtrion]

I just bought a Sig P229 as I have been eyeing one for a while. I kept checking the private party section but became too impatient so I bought a new one. Unfortunately it is the CA model complete with a sleek loaded chamber indicator and an awesome magazine disconnect safety [sarcasm].

I have been considering removing the magazine disconnect because it annoys me more than anything. The LCI doesn't bother me so much other than how bold the etched lettering is.

So my question is, should I remove the MDS and shave down the LCI? On the one hand the MDS safety bugs me, but on the other I don't want this to negatively impact the operation of the firearm, I plan on making this my nightstand gun - to replace my PPQ. I also don't want to impact the resale value, IF I happen to feel like parting ways.

Anyway thanks for reading and let me know what you think. Here is my new P229 (Withe new G10 grips instead of the E2 it came with)


Also here is my P220 as pictures make any thread 10 times better IMO.

[Rgarbarino]

Take out the MDS, you probably have a better chance of a problem with the gun if you leave it in there. The springs are know to break then you're gun is possibly out of commission for a while. I removed it from my P226 Extreme...it's super easy. Save the parts in a baggie and reinstall if you ever sell it.

[Dairygold]

To remove or not to remove ... CA "features"

I've had LEO friends tell me that that you shouldn't modify a gun you may ever use in a defense scenario, let alone remove safety features. I think that's probably a little excessive, both worth considering.

I had a p229 and sold it because I hated the CA features so much. In hindsight, the MDS really isn't a big deal, perceived or practically (i.e. Hi power) and it doesn't impact the trigger. The LCI is unfortunate looking, but extremely useful and has been on guns going back to the P08 Luger.

All this to say, I'd leave it as is, shoot the crap out of it, and if anyone gives you some snooty comment about having a "CA" gun, just quietly shoot a really good group.

[Dano3467]

LCI for me, I can take or leave it, however the MD is a safety issue all by it self.

If you can show me where LEO's
Military prefer this mag disconnect to non MD firearms, (gonna need names & dates)(& reasoning) then I may think otherwise.

I personally believe it's a liability to have (MD) that, (you must also to post this) an see CA as a disarming state, this fits right in with that kind of thinking IMHO.

[Chapped Hide]

You can remove the MDS and the shark fin but the horrid billboard "Loaded when up" will always be there. Save your pennies, have some patience and wait for a free state version.

[FCOD]

Does no one make an insert for the LCI alike some companies do for the M&P? My friend installed a blank insert in his M$P that just fills the gap and doesn't protrude when loaded.

[Chapped Hide]

Does no one make an insert for the LCI alike some companies do for the M&P? My friend installed a blank insert in his M$P that just fills the gap and doesn't protrude when loaded.

And if you were able to do this with the Sig's you'd be left with a slide that still says "LOADED WHEN UP" on both sides with a big *** white arrow pointing to where the LCI should be. Sounds like a great idea . So if you were able to go this route, do you cerakote the slide too? How much lipstick do you put on that pig to make it look and function like it should?

[Calico1404]

Remove the mds , very easy. The lci if it does not present a problem to you then leave it as is.
My personal opinion is that if you had to use this firearm in self defense at your own property that you will not be faced with any issues due to the mds being removed. Just my 2 cents

[FCOD]

And if you were able to do this with the Sig's you'd be left with a slide that still says "LOADED WHEN UP" on both sides with a big *** white arrow pointing to where the LCI should be. Sounds like a great idea . So if you were able to go this route, do you cerakote the slide too? How much lipstick do you put on that pig to make it look and function like it should?

All of it!

Didn't realize the wording was on the slide and not on the LCI.

[rlewpolar]

Remove the MDS as other posters have stated and buy an X-change kit with a 9mm slide. It will not have the LCI. Then sell your LCI slide. I went this route and ended up $25 out of pocket when all was said and done. The buyer was happy, I'm happy. I did it primarily because I wanted to move up to a .40/.357 slide but the outcome was the same, no LCI


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[deephouse]

Remove the MDS as other posters have stated and buy an X-change kit with a 9mm slide. It will not have the LCI. Then sell your LCI slide. I went this route and ended up $25 out of pocket when all was said and done. The buyer was happy, I'm happy. I did it primarily because I wanted to move up to a .40/.357 slide but the outcome was the same, no LCI


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Smart!!

[Erion929]

I have a Shield, with the mag disconnect removed, that is on my CCW permit list that is being finalized right now. Two Orange County CCW firearms trainers both told me the MDS removal is not to worry about.

The LCI warning is truly not even noticed by me and matters absolutely squat. If that bothers you, you are spending too much time looking at your gun and not shooting it


EDIT: Though I noted the above, I am still trying to verify the MDS removal for CCW permit purposes....


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[elSquid]

If you can show me where LEO's
Military prefer this mag disconnect to non MD firearms, (gonna need names & dates)(& reasoning) then I may think otherwise.

The LEO case for a mag disco is for the scenario where a bad guy and officer struggle over the officer's service pistol, the officer then hits the mag release to drop the mag and then pulls his backup and shoots the bad guy as the bad guy attempts to fire the now disabled service pistol. I've seen Massad Ayoob write about this in print, probably a few online references out there if one cares to search...

-- Michael

[Soginator]

The LEO case for a mag disco is for the scenario where a bad guy and officer struggle over the officer's service pistol, the officer then hits the mag release to drop the mag and then pulls his backup and shoots the bad guy as the bad guy attempts to fire the now disabled service pistol. I've seen Massad Ayoob write about this in print, probably a few online references out there if one cares to search...

-- Michael

All these hypothetical scenarios are about keeping tacticool instructors employed. Has there every been any substantial real world evidence to suggest it is worth having a MDS for a scenario like that? Best case I can think of for it would be the drunk retard who racks the slide and drops the mag thinking it is unloaded. But those people definitely need a refresher course on safety. I suppose a screw up happens to even the most cautious every now and then...

[elSquid]

Has there every been any substantial real world evidence to suggest it is worth having a MDS for a scenario like that?

No evidence in the scientific meaning of the word, for obvious reasons.

I'm not sure that said scenario is much less relevant than the "need" to be able to fire a chambered round while a magazine is out.

Pick yer poison.

-- Michael