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SIG-6
So Easy, You Can Do It.
In the early days of my career (1976 to 2008), times were simpler. The standard-duty weapon was the trusty old .38-caliber, 6-shot revolver, and that was about it. Not until 1987 did my agency authorize .45-caliber, semi-auto pistols. Deputies were limited to either the S&W Model 645 or the SIG SAUER P220, but we were happy because after all, we were finally entering the 20th century with cutting edge handguns. That they were .45s? Even better. Everyone went through a transition course and learned how to use the new guns, yet virtually nothing was said about maintaining the beasts.
There are a lot of differences between revolvers and semi-auto pistols. Unlike revolvers, pistols have numerous springs, levers and moving parts. The problem is springs wear out, but nobody told us that back then. I shot my SIG P220 until it nearly beat itself to death. When it started having failure to feed and double-feed malfunctions, I finally took it to an armorer, and that’s when I learned about maintenance. It’s the only way to keep the gun running reliably.
Boing-Boing
Recently, I spoke with the SIG SAUER law enforcement representative and he advised me a duty weapon should be completely disassembled and cleaned every year by a certified SIG armorer. He also said their guns should be inspected and have a new spring kit installed every three years or 5,000 rounds. This includes the recoil spring; slide catch lever spring, trigger bar spring and de-cocking lever spring.
The remaining springs throughout the gun will generally last longer. They should be replaced every 10 years or 20,000 rounds. The pistol’s magazines should also be inspected annually and if needed, springs replaced. If the slide won’t lock back on an empty magazine, that’s a sure sign you need a new magazine spring.
Of all the springs in the SIG SAUER pistol, the recoil spring is probably the most important because it protects the gun from recoil. As this spring weakens, it allows the slide to slam harder and harder into the frame, sending shock waves through the pistol. This eventually leads to broken internal parts and maybe even a cracked frame. Although SIG recommends this spring be changed every 5,000 rounds, many knowledgeable shooters change it every 3,500 rounds, especially with the higher-pressure rounds like the .40 or .357 SIG. Considering you can change out this spring yourself for around $10, it’s cheap insurance against reliability problems with your gun.
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