P226 slide not functioning correctly?

[op487062]

Took my P226 to the range for the first time for 100 rounds. About half the time, the slide didn't move back when the mag was empty (10 rd mag, btw) Is this a quality issue that needs to be addressed by Sig or did I do something wrong that can be corrected?

Thanks in advance.

[Tho_Sun]

Rounds are not powerful enough to lock the slide. A weaker recoil spring would fix that or more powerful rounds.

[Sheldon]

I think you're saying the slide is not locking back after the last shot is fired from the magazine. It can be a result of several different things. One is weak ammo, which won't cycle the slide back enough to consistantly allow the magazine to lock the slide back. Another is a shooter "limp wristing" the pistol. This where ones grip is so loose as to absorb the force of the recoil enough to hinder the slides movement rearward which would also prevent the slide from going back far enough to lock back on the empty magazine. Insufficient lubrication on the slide to frame surfaces can cause it as well. A faulty magazine or weak mag spring can also cause your problem.

[Juicymeat]

How are you gripping the gun? If you shoot with the thumbs forward method it can lead to your strong hand thumb riding on the slide lock.

[J-cat]

Is it the newer milled slide or the older sheet-metal slide?

[trapshot68]

+1 on thumb holding down release.

Major thread at sigforum.com

http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/150601935/m/749101723/p/1

[Hippo]

I had the exact same issue with my P226. The slide catch was milled about 5mm too short and was not being pushed up on by the magazine; it would only rub along the slide of the follower instead of being pushed by it. I noticed it when I had an empty mag in the frame with the slide off and I could visibly see the two weren't making adequate contact. Sig repaired it all for free but they wanted it shipped in to them for the job.

[leelaw]

My first guess is that your thumb is holding down the slide release.

After checking on that and verifying that it is not you, then I'd begin looking at mechanical issues.

[filion]

I had the same issue with my 226 in January. First time I shot it the slide wouldn't lock back after UMC ammo (100 rnds) but worked fine with Blazer brass (150 rnds). After the first trip I greased the rails and oiled the barrel and spring generously and haven't had an issue since, even with the same UMC ammo (50 rnds) on the following trip.

I recommend greasing and another trip to the range and try different ammo if you can find any before pursuing other options. Once broken in mine has locked back flawlessly.

[Lancear15]

return it for an HK

[Sheepdog1968]

I had the exact same issue w a 9 mm 226. Lasted about 200 rounds. It went away and has maybe happened once more in 3000 rounds. Likely a break in thing. I've seen lots of good advice above as well. A Sig is a quality pistol. If it continues past another 200 rounds and you can rule out user error (limp wristing, thumb on slide release) then give Sig a call. They will fix it for you. Let us know what happens.

[Black Majik]

How are you gripping the gun? If you shoot with the thumbs forward method it can lead to your strong hand thumb riding on the slide lock.

+1 Pretty common occurence. I do the same. Think of it as a thumb rest.

[TitanCi]

My first guess is that your thumb is holding down the slide release.

After checking on that and verifying that it is not you, then I'd begin looking at mechanical issues.

+1

This is very common

[op487062]

I'm pretty sure I'm not holding the release down (I'm left handed). My friend (right handed) went to the range with me and had the same thing occur about half the time. I'm guessing it's a break in issue--hoping actually . I'll grease the parts a bit more just to be sure the slide is lubricated enough.

I appreciate the response very much.

[ontmark]

I had the exact same issue with my P226. The slide catch was milled about 5mm too short and was not being pushed up on by the magazine; it would only rub along the slide of the follower instead of being pushed by it. I noticed it when I had an empty mag in the frame with the slide off and I could visibly see the two weren't making adequate contact. Sig repaired it all for free but they wanted it shipped in to them for the job.

Plus 1

There are two different slide stop levers. A lever with a shorter stand off for the 12 round magazines and a lever that protrudes more for the 10 round magazines. So if the Pistol was manufactured for the twelve round magazines and somewhere down the road the magazines were changed out for ten rounders to be sold in this state this could be the issue.

I too had this issue. Looking at Magazines on the SIG Site when enlarged the picture shows the 12 round mag having a protrusion for the Slide Stop Lever, where the 10 round mag has this area rounded off. Called SIG customer service and they shipped me four followers part number off the 12 round mag for free. Installed them and it works fine, No it didn't change the capacity actually has made it easer to load the last round with speed loader. How have room in Mag for 10 and a half rounds.