P229 replacement barrel problems

[SFShep]

Several months ago I replaced my factory .40S&W barrel on my P229 with a factory replacement .347SIG barrel. While it operates, I have noticed my groups tend to place a bit low, about 2 inches below the point of aim from 7 yards away.

I showed the gun to a friend of mine and he noticed a wide gap between the top of the barrel and the barrel opening in the slide. He says the replacement barrel probably isn't seating right. He recommended having a SIG armorer either reseat the barrel or take off some of the top of the front sight to bring the barrel back into alignment.

Which of these sounds more feasible (and less expensive)? Is this a commonplace problem with the factory replacement barrels? Anyone have other alternate ideas?

[dachan]

Shoot center of mass and 2" won't make any difference.

[aca72]

Check your sight numbers maybe?

40 S&W and .45 ACP are usually #8 REAR / #6 FRONT
9mm and .357 Sig are #8 REAR / #8 FRONT

[9mmepiphany]

These are two unrelated issues...I wouldn't call them problems of manufacture, they are both exactly as designed.

1. Shooting lower: Did you really expect the .40, throwing a sub-sonic 180gr bullet, to have the same Point Of Impact (POI) as the 357SIG (there is no decimal in it's designation), which throws a 125gr bullet supersonically?

When shooting a 229 with both barrels, you need to decide which cartridge you want it zeroed for...or install adjustable sights

2. Gap around barrel: This is also normal. All SIGs in the Classic P-series have this gap...it is how the barrel locks up in the slide. The hole (channel) in the slide is drilled at a downward angle...to allow the barrel to tilt back (up) when it unlocks...when in battery, the barrel locks up against the bottom of the barrel at the front of this channel and the top at the rear of the channel.

If you look at the smilies on your barrel, you'll see that they start further back on the top...that shows you the different areas when the barrel is locked to the slide

[jeffrice6]

One reason I don't swap calibers ~ Pick the firearm and caliber you desire and stick with it. If you want to try something else, buy that pistol. Always more negatives than positive when doing caliber swaps.

[SFShep]

Check your sight numbers maybe?

40 S&W and .45 ACP are usually #8 REAR / #6 FRONT
9mm and .357 Sig are #8 REAR / #8 FRONT

Just confirmed with Sig Sauer Customer Service that this is the way to fix the problem, switching out the #6 sight for the #8 sight.

Problem is they are backordered on them along with other retailers I've looked online. Anyone know where they may be in stock? Either online or brick-and-mortar locations?

[Mani226]

topgunsupply.com
midwayusa.com

[ejhc11]

You must shoot better than me I didn't notice the difference in mine. I'm just happy both calibers make nice tight groupings.... It ain't no match gun, its a combat pistol.

[9mmepiphany]

It ain't no match gun, its a combat pistol.

It may not be a match gun, but I've never shot a 229 that wouldn't hold about 1" at 7 yards.

I've always seen two distinct points of impact when switching between .40 and 357SIG

[ejhc11]

You are correct, that's why I've been on a Sig Buying spree. Just bought two in two weeks, P229R, and P220R Carry. It will go with the other family members, P220 full size, P229, & SP2022. It does shoot very well, better than an HK USP for me.

It may not be a match gun, but I've never shot a 229 that wouldn't hold about 1" at 7 yards.

I've always seen two distinct points of impact when switching between .40 and 357SIG

[SFShep]

the quest deepens

Just confirmed with Sig Sauer Customer Service that this is the way to fix the problem, switching out the #6 sight for the #8 sight.

Problem is they are backordered on them along with other retailers I've looked online. Anyone know where they may be in stock? Either online or brick-and-mortar locations?

Seems my quest for better sightage is deepening. I switched back to the .40S&W factory barrel that came with my original gun and the 6/8 sight configuration. And I'm still shooting low.

So I did some more research. And to my embarrassment it seems I've been using the wrong sight picture all along. According to Sig's website I am not supposed to do what I've been trained to do traditionally which is to align the sights with the target above them. I am instead supposed to align them with the sights covering up the target (as if I'm looking at the bullseye right through the white dot):

http://www.sigsauer.com/customerservice/klunker.aspx

I called Sig Sauer and asked how I can change this configuration and they recommended replacing the rear sight with a higher one like the #10 which they sait should bring my shots into alignment with the traditional sight picture I've been trained on.

But it seems they're backordered on #10 rear sights too. So anyone have any ideas who might also have the #10 rear in stock?

[67goat]

TopGunSupply has front #5 and #6 in stock, but only contrast. No #10 rear.

[SouperMan]

With the price of .357SIG ammo going for what it is, I'd suggest switching back to .40S&W LOL.

OP, seems like cdnninvestments has the #10 rear in stock, but maybe someone can attest to this retailer: http://www.cdnninvestments.com/sig10recosts.html

[aca72]

I have a rear #10 but I'm selling the set. See my signature below...

[SFShep]

With the price of .357SIG ammo going for what it is, I'd suggest switching back to .40S&W LOL.

OP, seems like cdnninvestments has the #10 rear in stock, but maybe someone can attest to this retailer: http://www.cdnninvestments.com/sig10recosts.html

Wow! $2.99 for a factory sight? The shipping will be more than the sight itself!

Ordered one, now just to wait to install it and see if it corrects the problem...