[ThnkFrst]

I corrected the problem with the slide lock lever spring on my P239 that was preventing it from functioning properly. However, I continue to have a problem keeping my big fat thumb from drifting up and riding the lock lever while shooting.

I use a grip that puts my shooting hand thumb out over my non-shooting hand thumb on all my pistols without a problem, except on the 239. I think it may be the difference in the shape of the 239 grip. It is frustrating though.

I have a spare slide lock lever and decided to try a modification to see if it would help. I filed off the bottom three serrations on the thumb tab which effectively raises the bottom of the tab and moves it in closer to the pistol. Here are some pics of the stock design compared to the modified design:

Now to get to the range and see if it helps.

 

[Dismas316]

Curious as to what problem you were having. I just got a 239 and when the slide is locked back, I cannot press the slide lock for it to return into battery. I have to use the two hand method where I depress the slide lock while at the same time charging the slide (this is my normal method anyway). However I cannot depress with my thumb for is to go back into battery.

 

[ThnkFrst]

The problem has been with the slide not locking back on an empty mag. A spring change fixed the mechanical issue, but my grip issue continues.

Your problem is with getting the slide lock to release? With an empty mag inserted or full mag?

 

[Dismas316]

yes, with both an empty mag or a full mag. I have to really press hard for it to release. Definitely takes an effort unlike any other firearm. Not really that big of a deal but thinking that it may loosen up after a lot of use.

 

[mikel81]

That is a great idea and looks nice. I have had the same problem with my 239. I am interested to hear if it works. I don't see why it wouldn't help. How hard is it to remove and replace the lever?

 

[ThnkFrst]

yes, with both an empty mag or a full mag. I have to really press hard for it to release. Definitely takes an effort unlike any other firearm. Not really that big of a deal but thinking that it may loosen up after a lot of use.

I typically don't use the slide lock lever to release the slide, opting instead for the slingshot technique. It may become easier as your pistol wears in and the recoil spring softens a bit.

That is a great idea and looks nice. I have had the same problem with my 239. I am interested to hear if it works. I don't see why it wouldn't help. How hard is it to remove and replace the lever?

The lever isn't difficult to remove, I do it with each cleaning. First remove the locking insert as shown in this animation: http://sigtalk.com/sig-sauer-pistol...stols-how-they-work-animation.html#post255780. Then push to trigger pivot pin to the right side just enough to clear the hole in the slide lock lever and it will fall right out. When reinstalling, position the lock lever in the frame as it would normally be, line up the hole with the trigger pivot pin and push the pin back to the left.

 

[ThnkFrst]

Well, That's Better

Just got back from the range and put 50 rounds thru it, 2 rounds/mag. No problem with the slide locking back with even a modest "thumb over" grip. When I put my shooting hand thumb against the grip, it would block the lock lever but I rather expected that and that's not how I normally grip the pistol.

Mechanically, I think this is the best I'm going to get. The rest is up to me.

 

[Sarge1998]

I had the same problem with my 239, it would not reliably lock back on an empty mag. I have tried a several things but above all I had eliminated grip as a cause, this was the only Sig I had this problem with. I read Thnkfrst's post and didn't take to long to decide to try the same thing. I didn't take it down as far as you'll see in the photo, but the results were confirmed today at the range. Originally a .40 I had switched to .357 and really like that round, today I shot 50 rounds, a total of 7 mags and all locked back when empty! A thumbs up to the OP and yes I will finish the rough edge now that I'm satisfied it works.

 

[ThnkFrst]

Glad to hear that it's working for you Sarge.

Now I have to come clean. I got the idea looking at pics of the P229 Legion.

Seems I'm a Legion fan after all.

 

[Dismas316]

Haha I think we all are, your just willing to admit it.

 

[Sarge1998]

Glad to hear that it's working for you Sarge.

Now I have to come clean. I got the idea looking at pics of the P229 Legion.
View attachment 29028

Seems I'm a Legion fan after all.

Look at the noticeable clearance between the grip and the slide lock lever in the Legend, mine still may need a bit more taken off to see more space.

UPDATE: Polished the edges and used a Birchwood Casey touch-up pen to cover the cut/polished area of the slide lock, using a flashlight I can see that it no longer touches the grip in the slide lock cut-out. I plan to run another 10 mags this time in .40 S&W next trip to the range, that should confirm my hopes the problem is cured.

 

[Sarge1998]

Range Trip Update

UPDATE:

Range trip today to test the .40 caliber barrel and the slide locked back on an empty magazine seven times for 50 rounds. That is the best this gun has done, a big thumbs up to ThnkFrst for getting me started on the slide lock modification. It has handled both .40 as well as .357 Sig locking back consistently where it was a coin flip originally.

 

[KlawGuy]

I must be crazy, but somewhere I believe I heard that the slide lock is not to be pressed to release the slide, but you are to rack the slide. At least on a 229.

 

[ThnkFrst]

I must be crazy, but somewhere I believe I heard that the slide lock is not to be pressed to release the slide, but you are to rack the slide. At least on a 229.

I make a practice of pulling the slide back fully to release the slide lock and then releasing the slide to chamber a round or lowering it slowly if the chamber is empty.

Using the slide lock lever (or not) to release the slide had nothing to do with making the mod to the lever. The lever was modified to help me stop riding it and preventing the slide lock from activating when the mag was empty.

 

[RaginRog]

Glad to hear that it's working for you Sarge.

Now I have to come clean. I got the idea looking at pics of the P229 Legion.
View attachment 29028

Seems I'm a Legion fan after all.

I got the idea to just buy a p224 slide catch lever from Numrich and it's basically the same as those on the Legion series. After this picture was taken I sanded down the grip to have the same flat profile as the top edge of the e2 grips

 

[jmolli]

I corrected the problem with the slide lock lever spring on my P239 that was preventing it from functioning properly. However, I continue to have a problem keeping my big fat thumb from drifting up and riding the lock lever while shooting.

I use a grip that puts my shooting hand thumb out over my non-shooting hand thumb on all my pistols without a problem, except on the 239. I think it may be the difference in the shape of the 239 grip. It is frustrating though.

I have a spare slide lock lever and decided to try a modification to see if it would help. I filed off the bottom three serrations on the thumb tab which effectively raises the bottom of the tab and moves it in closer to the pistol. Here are some pics of the stock design compared to the modified design:
View attachment 28760
Now to get to the range and see if it helps.

Great idea and looks better too.

Curious to know what you used to file away so much of the slide lock thumb tab?

 

[ThnkFrst]

Great idea and looks better too.

Curious to know what you used to file away so much of the slide lock thumb tab?

I just locked the lever in a padded vice and worked it down with a fine hand file. Then finished it with some 600 grit emery paper and applied some Casey gun blue.

 

[tcfiero]

Try shooting with your left hand. I dont have the problem with my Sigs. ��