Sig SAO problems

[geoint]

I have an $800 Sig 220 Compact SAO I just took shooting for the first time (german made, bought it used) and holy crap did it have problems. 2 rounds out of 100 just refused to shoot. Firing pin just wouldn't puncture the primers. I tried putting both rounds into multiple mags and directly into the chamber while the slide was locked back. No go. Luckily I brought more than one Sig and the second fired both rounds on the first attempt. The second issue was that I had 7 (I take notes when I have malfunctions to be sure I dont miscount) failures to return to battery (but at least the next rounds were chambering). A light tap on the back of the slide would get the slide the rest of the way forward but damn it was annoying.

My guess is the Recoil Spring is causing the slide issues and a new one will fix that problem. However, maybe it was the ammo not having enough pressure to rack the slide forcefully enough. Gonna try a different brand of ammo this week and see if I get the same problems.

As far as the light strokes from the firing pin, I am far less qualified to diagnose the problem and I will probably have to see a smith. But again, Ill see if I get the same problems with other brands of ammo.


FYI, the ammo I used was Winchester white box 230 gr.

[Barang]

All used Sig that I bought are sent back to the factory for SSP or FSP. When I get them back, they are as good as new and always, always no problem.

But I agree with you, recoil spring, types of ammo or how about firing pin might be the culprits.

[himurax13]

It sounds like all you need is a new hammer/mainspring and a new recoil spring. You can order replacement springs from Wolff.

I hope you are greasing the rails instead of oiling them.

It always makes me laugh when people always tells others to mail their guns to Sig or some other overpriced gunsmith for simple crap like this.

[theneko]

Mine is new but works fine. If you are in Norcal PM me and we could compare.

[9mmepiphany]

I wonder if this is one of the ones that CDNN was selling in 2011?

It does sound like you might have tired springs. I'd also try ammo other than WWB

[geoint]

It sounds like all you need is a new hammer/mainspring and a new recoil spring. You can order replacement springs from Wolff.

I hope you are greasing the rails instead of oiling them.

It always makes me laugh when people always tells others to mail their guns to Sig or some other overpriced gunsmith for simple crap like this.

I can handle replacing the recoil spring no problem. But messing with the hammer just seems a little too intricate for my unedumacated hands

However I still think the problems the firing pin (though knowing what I know of guns I could easily be wrong). Im going to be shooting this gun again tomorrow, Ill try to take more notes at the range.

[himurax13]

I can handle replacing the recoil spring no problem. But messing with the hammer just seems a little too intricate for my unedumacated hands

However I still think the problems the firing pin (though knowing what I know of guns I could easily be wrong). Im going to be shooting this gun again tomorrow, Ill try to take more notes at the range.

Umm, its simple bro.

Take off grips.

Find a flathead screwdriver that will fit the hammer strut.

Gently lift hammer strut over the hooks and lift outwards.

Replace hammer spring.

Push hammer strut onto hammer spring and push over the hooks and back in.

Reinstall grips.

If you really think its the firing pin, take off the slide, recoil spring, guiderod and barrel.

Place slide upside down on table.

Push on the firing pin block and push on the firing pin from the rear and see if it will go into the breech and then let go of the firing pin and see if it returns to its normal position.

[9mmepiphany]

However I still think the problems the firing pin (though knowing what I know of guns I could easily be wrong).

Why would you think it has anything to do with the firing pin?

If it were broken, you wouldn't be getting any ignition at all.

As posted above, replacing the mainspring is very easy...much easier than a 1911

[unusedusername]

Maybe a dumb question, but how much lube did you put on the rails, and of what variety?

The goop they ship the gun with is of such high viscosity that the gun won't work properly until it is cleaned off. That is shipping/storage lube.

[geoint]

I just found this video and gonna give it a try. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=III5iBTT-Go

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Sorry about the firing pin mistake. After thinking about it, I think you guys are absolutely right.

[geoint]

Maybe a dumb question, but how much lube did you put on the rails, and of what variety?

The goop they ship the gun with is of such high viscosity that the gun won't work properly until it is cleaned off. That is shipping/storage lube.

On the rails I use a thin film of lithium grease. Elsewhere I use Weapon Shield

[9mmepiphany]

Maybe a dumb question, but how much lube did you put on the rails, and of what variety?

There is a difference between how much to use depending if you are training/practicing or carrying

Here is a default guide to lubing a SIG by guys who have worked on a lot of them and seen all kinds of abuse from under lubrication

http://grayguns.com/lubrication-of-sig-sauer-pistol-rails/

The common suggestion is Brian Enos' Slide Glide, but Lubriplate also works pretty well. The important thing is to use a grease and now an oil

[geoint]

So question: Does it matter that this is the Compact SAO model? I am only seeing parts kits from Sig for the 220 platform as a whole and the SAO triggers are slightly different and the Compact is obviously shorter.

Heres what Ive found so far. I have no idea what to buy.

http://store.sigsauer.com/parts-kit-p220-45acp.html

http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-mainspring-p220/226/228/229/245-da/sa-new-style.html

http://grayguns.com/products/diy-action-upgrade-spring-kits/#foxyshop_gallery[791]/7/