Sig P220 Build

[Harleytoo]

Since you guys helped me with the decision on the new .45 decision, I thought I would post this simple build here as I go.

For those who did not tune in for the previous post, I was looking for a new .45 Semi to mess with. I had decided on a Sig P227 SAS Gen 2 but after waiting a week (yes, I am that impatient) and having sourcing issues, I happened upon a used P220 for about half what the 227 was going to run me.

So, needless to say, I picked up the 220 and canceled my 227 order.

The gun was in pretty good shape, but it never hurts to do a complete tear down to make sure everything is in good shape;



Everything looked to be in order and in good shape, so I am now doing a thorough cleaning and lube of all the parts.

As you can see in the photo the GrayGuns P-SAIT trigger came in. This is the same trigger that is being used in the Legion series that is, IMHO, just fantastic.

I have also ordered;

- SIG SRT (Short Reset Trigger) group
- Hogue G10 grips

I will update this thread with the ease/issues encountered with the build, but I suspect it to be pretty easy and straight forward. Ferrari Steve has some really good video's I will link that takes you through both the SRT and p-SPIT install.

The remaining stuff should hit the door this next week about the time I return from a business trip.

Stay tuned.

 

[Reloadron]

One of the best .45 ACP guns I owned was a Sig P220 during the early 90s. I think what makes a good gun is when you ask someone if they would own another? Absolutely, in a heartbeat. Enjoy your new gun, hope it brings you many hours of enjoyable shooting.

Ron

 

[bannockburn]

Harleytoo

I think you did great going with the used P220 over the new P227. Saved some cash and can set up the P220 just the way you want it. Post photos when the Hogue grips get put on and the mods are down.

 

[Harleytoo]

Will do Bannock.

I am wondering if I should replace any springs since I have no idea how many rounds have been through this gun? It's very hard to tell from the wear signs.

 

[Jim Watson]

The trigger bar spring is a replacement part while you are in there.

Probably some others the guys on the Sig board could recommend.
Or just replace all.

 

[Harleytoo]

Yea I just posted the question there.

 

[9mmepiphany]

When you don't know the history of a new/used gun, replacing all the springs is a good/affordable idea to get you back the Base Service Life.

What modifications are you planning?

I think some of the best mods I've had done were:
1. Bevel mag well opening
2. Bevel edges of slide
3. De-hook trigger guard
4. Texture front strap
5. New sight set

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If it were me I would change out all the springs since like you said, you don't know the history of the gun. I'm guessing Wolff Gunsprings probably has a replacement kit.

Can't wait to hear how nice the new trigger is in your pistol. Nice gun you got there...

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm guessing Wolff Gunsprings probably has a replacement kit.

While I am huge fan of Wolff Gunsprings, I'd advise replacing the recoil spring with the factory twisted spring...Bruce Gray says that the characteristics are different enough to affect service life

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While I am huge fan of Wolff Gunsprings, I'd advise replacing the recoil spring with the factory twisted spring...Bruce Gray says that the characteristics are different enough to affect service life

The fact I'm not a semi-auto guy is obviously showing.

 

[dogmush]

The Sig Parts kit is my starting place for all used sigs. If it looks like it's had a rough life I'll add in sear and main springs. But the kit gives you most everything you need.

Can't really tell from the photo, but it looks like a machined vs. folded slide, so use the correct pin.

 

[Harleytoo]

Ok, got the springs ordered from TopGun this morning. Now, if everyone does their part I should have everything in by the time I get back from this business trip and I can put her back together this weekend.

I do have to admit that while I am pretty meticulous about how I take things apart, laying stuff out like in the picture and keeping small parts isolated, I did have one piece fall out that I now have to check the exploded diagram to figure out where it came from. Little embarrassed about that!

 

[gotboostvr]

At least you didn't have to look at the exploded parts diagram to see what the parts called so you can order a new one!

 

[bbqreloader]

Harley, glad you picked up the 220, i have one and carried it for 20 years, great weapon! Good job on ordering new springs too, the first thing that caught my eye was the recoil spring, damm that thing has been used up compared to mine and I have a few thousand rounds through it. Enjoy it, you will have a blast shooting it!

 

[Jim Watson]

I'd advise replacing the recoil spring with the factory twisted spring...Bruce Gray says that the characteristics are different enough to affect service life

Ol' Bruce put a plain wire spring in mine while he had it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

He did go through that period. He doesn't advise it anymore.

I think the exception might be guns only shot in competition...since they usually use downloaded ammo and change their springs more often.

I should add that this spring advice only applies to the Classic P-series. I believe they are running single strand 1911 springs in their Team SIG 320s

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'll share some really old pictures of my old 220 duty gun

De-hooked trigger guard, beveled magwell and front strap texturing


Beveled slide


Buried snag-free rear sight

 

[Harleytoo]

I really like that checkering and the bevel. Who did you have do that work? Did you recoat the gun afterward?

The texturing on the front strap is too light on mine.

 

[9mmepiphany]

All the exterior work was by Ned Christiansen of Michiguns Ltd. Ned's specialty is the 1911, but I was lucky enough to get him to do my 220 before he got buried in too much work.

The frame was re-anodized. The slide has a spray coating over parkerization...this work was done before the days of Cerakoting

The front strap treatment is called Conamyds

 

[Harleytoo]

Thanks. What "spray treatment" do you know? That color is exactly what I am looking for.

 

[9mmepiphany]

No idea.

When I deal with a Custom Pistolsmith, I pretty much tell them a general idea of the function I want and give them free rein.

All I really asked for was Conamyds, snag free slide and an inset sight set that I could rack my slide with. He called after he received the gun and said, "Since we have to refinish the gun anyway, how about I bevel the magwell and de-horn the trigger guard?"

I had no idea what the rear sight was going to look like until I got the gun back. What you see started as just a block of steel

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That is a very nice pistol 9mmepiphany, very nice!

I have to stop coming to this patriot the forum, I might catch that pistol disease. I already have a bad case if revolver-have-to-have-it, I don't need semi-auto-have-to-have-it too lol.

 

[Rinspeed]

While I am huge fan of Wolff Gunsprings, I'd advise replacing the recoil spring with the factory twisted spring...

I agree with this a bunch, not sure if they are as good now, as in the past, but the Sig factory recoil springs were very high quality.

 

[9mmepiphany]

That is a very nice pistol 9mmepiphany, very nice!

I have to stop coming to this patriot the forum, I might catch that pistol disease. I already have a bad case if revolver-have-to-have-it, I don't need semi-auto-have-to-have-it too lol.

Thank you.

Revolvers are a much older passion. I've found that you really can't do as much to them, functionally, that is outwardly visible...most modifications are internal.

I do have a bit of a passion for after-market sight sets. This is my current "Fighting Revolver"...sorry about the blurry picture