Problem with my Sig

[SpceSpff]

I have a Sig P220ST in .45. Bought it brand new about 9 years ago. Has less than 500 rounds through it, probably. For as long as I can remember, it has had a problem. Slide does not lock to the rear on an empty magazine. This happens with both "factory" magazines and one "aftermarket" magazine. I don't keep all three loaded with bullets 24/7. I usually keep one loaded with 7 rounds and rotate the magazines every few months. I don't think the magazine springs are the problem though, as I have had this problem since the gun was almost new.

Any ideas? Thanks for reading.

[mjmagee67]

You are holding the slide release down with your thumb. It's all you.

[jimster716]

You are holding the slide release down with your thumb. It's all you.

And considering 500 rds over 9 years, you probably would have never known it. Have you been practicing w/ another. 45?

[SpceSpff]

Interesting theory. I haven't shot many other .45's, just a couple 1911's, etc. Only had this problem with this gun.

I have been in the military for 12 years now and learned how to shoot on the Beretta 92F/M9. I have shot quite a bit over the years. I would say I am very experienced. We shoot the P229 now. My thumbs stick together, hanging way off the left side of the receiver. I am pretty certain I am not physically touching the slide lock/slide release. Perhaps pressure between my thumb and forefinger squeezing on the grip would be doing this?

[DrewTheBrave]

I had the same issue, turned out it was my thumb touching the slide release during recoil. Try shooting left handed with one round in the mag repeatedly. I bet you won't have an issue.

[aznanimekid]

does it lock back if you put an empty in there and rack? if so, your thumbs.

[Striker]

You are holding the slide release down with your thumb. It's all you.

This. I use the thumbs forward grip and do this as well with a Sig due to the placement of the slide release. Place your strong side thumb over your weak hand and I think the problem will cease.

[tonelar]

FYI rotating your magazines will wear them out faster than just keeping them loaded.

[SFgiants105]

This happens to me with my 226; I've only put about 100 rounds through it. I'm going to try shooting lefty to see if it solves it. At first, I thought it had to do with putting too many rounds in the mag, since at first it didn't happen when I loaded 8 instead of 10. So is this a common occurrence with Sigs, due to the placement of the slide release? I am used to shooting a 1911, and I usually ride my right thumb along the safety, so that could explain it.

[9mmepiphany]

Slide does not lock to the rear on an empty magazine.

If you remove the slide and insert a empty magazine into the frame, does it rise the slide stop?

Does the slide stop not rise at all or just not sufficiently to catch the slide?

Can you lock the slide back manually?

[SpceSpff]

I am on duty right now and don't get home until Monday afternoon. I will try some of these ideas out then. The gun came with Hogue grips that I had to notch out a bit with a knife as I couldn't get my thumb tip under it to push up the slide lock/slide release.

With slide removed, empty magazine inserted, the catch rises up fully. Slide installed, empty magazine inserted, slide doesn't catch when pulled to the rear. Slide locks to the rear manually. I have tried pulling the slide back slowly to see if it catches and I don't see any noticable movement of the slide catch as I cycle the weapon.

[El Gato]

You are holding the slide release down with your thumb. It's all you.

that's what i do...and i get over it... not an issue...tap rack and the thing locks back

[Low-Pressure]

Has less than 500 rounds through it,

This could also be your problem. It might still need some breaking in.

[berg]

This happens so frequently that Sig has the solution on their FAQ:

http://www.sigsauer.com/CustomerService/Faq.aspx

Check your hold to be sure your thumb is not contacting the slide catch lever.

[Sturnovik]

If it locks back on empty, then its your thumb honestly. Some grips have interfered with the lever, thats why i recommend hogue and stock oem stuff.