.22LR conversion for SIG P226 w/ CA features?

[limbo]

Hi there - first-time poster here.

I was wondering if anyone had successfully used a SIG .22LR Caliber Exchange kit on a P226 that has LCI and mag disconnect safety?

I've heard varying opinions at LGSes from "works just fine" to "doesn't work at all" ...

Thanks!

[Tank 57]

Pretty sure the conversion is another slide.LCI would be non issue.Don't know about the mag disconnect.

[fremont lapua]

I will fit on your pistol just fine... However I do not recommend it. I have one and it has too many malfunctions. It has at least 2 failure to feeds with every mag. I recommend you save your money and buy a dedicated 22 pistol. It will not be much more then the $330 conversion kit.


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[wellfedirishman]

I have a Sig P226 22lr conversion and it works great. Super-reliable with good 22lr ammo (e.g., CCI Blazer, etc.). Mine did not like cheap bulk pack 36 grain as much.

Fremont, try 40 grain high-velocity ammo (CCI Blazer, etc.) and it should work a lot better.

[unusedusername]

I've found a few places online that say that you have to remove the mag disconnect or it won't work.

This of course only applies to models with the disconnect.

I don't have links now as I'm on my phone

[smak28]

I have one for a 228 and hated it but these do need breaking in. It's definitely much less frequent after a couple hundred rounds. I was getting a couple ftf per mag in the very beginning which was very annoying but is now probably 1 per 3 mags. There are posts from people saying they hardly experience any ftf after about 500 rds.

[Packy14]

Better off buying a dedicated .22 unless you really want to have same format for training. It will also increase wear on your harder to replace parts namely the frame of the gun.. Sig's do have a lifetime max rounds shot due to the frame rail wear issue. Personally I shoot way too much .22lr to waste my sig frames on it.

[unusedusername]

I found the link I was looking for. These guys are a large retailer of Sig firearms, and despite the web URL, they are not the factory.

http://www.sigsauerguns.com/product-highlights/22-conversions-on-ca-pistols/

...
I checked with Sig today and the rep initially didn’t know of any issues with compatibility. He then checked around the customer support area with other reps and they informed him that the kit is not compatible if the pistol has a magazine disconnect. We made inquiries relating to this exact matter a number of months ago and at that time the reps at the factory indicated that there was no known compatibility issue and pointed to the magazine as the likely issue.
The rep indicated that the factory passed sell sheets around to the California dealers but I’m a bit surprised they didn’t think to tell dealers in other states since it is entirely possible someone could live in another state and end up with a pistol with a mag disconnect.

I reccomend removing the magazine disconnect. They don't make a gun "more safe" anyways.

There are two types:

The old style cut into the frame, very hard to remove as you need a spacer plate that is special order from Sig. This kind is quite rare.

The CA versions have a new kind of mag disconnect that only changes the locking block. It's much easier to remove but I don't have directions for this. I personally would replace the whole locking block.

Calguns user 'neb' posted this photo of the new style disconnect that fits into the locking block:

(link to large photo)

I don't own a mag disconnect Sig, nor am I likely to buy one, so my advise is based solely off research, and worth exactly what you paid for it.

I do have many other Sigs though... My 22kits are lots of fun, definately worth the money.

Be aware though that the owner of sigpower, who used to make parts for the 22 conversions has gone missing and left the website running, so don't order anything from there as you'll get charged and it won't ever ship.

[limbo]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I had a free moment yesterday and called back to SIG, who confirmed unusedusername's comments - the issue is not at all with the slide but with the mag disconnect. They also confirmed that there are no current plans to introduce a .22LR mag that -is- compatible with the mag disconnect guns.

The whole reason for looking to do this was exactly as Ken noted - to train with a single platform.

Sounds like I'll be looking for a new locking block - if I decide to do this at all.