Sig Sauer (P226) Questions and Insights

[el Godfather]

Hi
I have a *FEW of questions regarding my P226. While I ask my two questions I would like to hear more about Sigs from you all as well. Any positive as well as negative experiences with your Sigs please share them. Even if you have any fixes or any techniques that are particular to improving performance of your Sig pistols.

My two issues are: 1) I have owned a few Sigs and now finally settled with a 9mm P226 Elite. I like the way it shoots. I like the package which included 3 magazines and night sights. I like the SRT trigger, and decocking is great. It has the rail so I can use it as nightstand weapon with laser/light. Even a bit heavy but very reliable to say the least. However, after a few magazines through it, I start feeling a slight bite on the tip of my trigger finger. It feels like as if there is vibration of some sort that starts taking its toll after a while- leaving the tip of the finger slightly numb. What am I doing wrong, and how can I fix it?

2) I am concerned about the overall finish. It just wears off every time its used in a holster. Seems like the finish is not made to last. I am not saying that everything comes off just that new gun glare that comes off of Sigs very easily compared to other pistols. Any thoughts?

*3) I came across these two videos. They show SigP226 malfunctioning in sand and mud. So some this may not be an issue as they keep their guns squeaky clean, but to some of who use the handguns as survival tools it may mean a lot. Please comment on this as well:







Thank you

 

[bannockburn]

el Godfather

I have a P229 much like your P226 but haven't experienced any unusual sensations in my trigger finger after using it. Does this only happen with your P226 or do you feel it with any other handgun you shoot? Likewise no problems to report with the finish from holster wear though I don't carry it all that often, as I got it primarily for home defense.

 

[el Godfather]

el Godfather

I have a P229 much like your P226 but haven't experienced any unusual sensations in my trigger finger after using it. Does this only happen with your P226 or do you feel it with any other handgun you shoot? Likewise no problems to report with the finish from holster wear though I don't carry it all that often, as I got it primarily for home defense.
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The finger issue is particular to Sig. I had it with all 226s so far. i had about 4 before settling in 226 Elite for its ergo and reliability.

Finish issue is more of aesthetics that I can overlook as its bound to wear off sooner or later BUT I need a fix for the trigger bite issue.

I dont have this issue with any other firearm that I can think of at the moment.

 

[JR24]

I wonder if you are getting some trigger slap during recoil, I've read a few models are notorious for this and it sounds much the same.

I've never had an issue with it, including with my 226 but I wonder (if you aren't already) if you focus on holding the trigger down after firing and let it go back to reset manually. That would at least eliminate the possibility that you are letting your finger leave the trigger and get slapped when the trigger resets.

The finish is the finish, I've never been terribly impressed with any Sig finish, but I don't mind holster wear personally. Some of the old Sig's had a tendency to rust under worn finish (my old worn 220 would rust if you looked at it wrong), but I believe they treat the metal better now.

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, trigger slap can be a pain. Beretta dealt with it for years on the 40 cal PX4. I saw posts about it for years. I have not seen anything in the last 2 years, so maybe they fixed it.
As for finish - some finish wear will happen when you holster ANY gun. If that matters, don't but the gun in a holster.

Unfortunately, many of those spray on finishes wear faster. They are essentially a type of "paint."

 

[el Godfather]

Yea ok so Trigger Slap is the word for it. I will give it a shot.


Yes not only it’s annoying but painful as well.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I have 3 of them (Elite Dark, Stainless, SAO Legion) and I have been using one for competition since I started doing competition some 8 years ago.

I've never had or even heard of this "trigger slap" business. The recoil of a full size 9mm shouldn't have enough slap to be painful.
Are you, perhaps, over hooking the trigger?

Try this next time you shoot:
Break the shot, but do not let the trigger travel forward at all. Hold it tight to the rear. Is your finger pinched?

You can try a flat trigger (I actually like them) from Gray Guns.

I find the finish on all of mine to hold up just fine... what holster are you using?
I will say that after 10 years of carrying my P239 in a leather holster, I am starting to see some finish wearing through.

As for suggestions:
I like Sig's action package to lighten the double action (just a touch) and smooth up the trigger. Gray Guns does this kind of work as well.
The SRT is a must, IMO.

In my experience the beaver tail of the Elite models is redundant and actually works to slow my draw speeds a bit. I prefer the standard frames.

 

[el Godfather]

I have 3 of them (Elite Dark, Stainless, SAO Legion) and I have been using one for competition since I started doing competition some 8 years ago.

I've never had or even heard of this "trigger slap" business. The recoil of a full size 9mm shouldn't have enough slap to be painful.
Are you, perhaps, over hooking the trigger?

Try this next time you shoot:
Break the shot, but do not let the trigger travel forward at all. Hold it tight to the rear. Is your finger pinched?

You can try a flat trigger (I actually like them) from Gray Guns.

I find the finish on all of mine to hold up just fine... what holster are you using?
I will say that after 10 years of carrying my P239 in a leather holster, I am starting to see some finish wearing through.

As for suggestions:
I like Sig's action package to lighten the double action (just a touch) and smooth up the trigger. Gray Guns does this kind of work as well.
The SRT is a must, IMO.

In my experience the beaver tail of the Elite models is redundant and actually works to slow my draw speeds a bit. I prefer the standard frames.

Well it is not the pinch. I thought of it first but no. Its the trigger slap. Sort of a sharp jerk like vibration after the trigger pull.

As for holster I am using Galco should rig and a Fobus for side.

 

[JR24]

Well it is not the pinch. I thought of it first but no. Its the trigger slap. Sort of a sharp jerk like vibration after the trigger pull.

As for holster I am using Galco should rig and a Fobus for side.

Well, that's actually good then. Just work on keeping the trigger down after a shot and let it reset under your control and you should be set.

 

[1KPerDay]

It shouldn't be slapping or stinging your finger. Something is wrong. Call SIG.

 

[jhb]

shot many p226s, own one currently a legion. no trigger slap on this model gun. something is wrong if it is slapping your trigger finger.

sigs black finish wear quickly or fades quickly. its a working tool though think of it that way and it wont bother you as much.

 

[5-SHOTS]

I have this version. P226 AL SO.



The finish is obviously not an issue in this case. The slide looks still like new, so looks the frame. I don't have any problem with this gun; the most common problem with P series is the slide not holding open at the last round because of the hold open position which can interfere with the thumbs forward grip but I have experienced that issue only two or three times in over 3000 rounds.

What I know about the SRT trigger kit is that it shortens the reset but it also increases the trigger overtravel which could be part of your problem with the trigger.
As you can see, my P226 has the "fat" trigger which probably is more comfortable than the "slim" one.

 

[Old Dog]

It shouldn't be slapping or stinging your finger. Something is wrong. Call SIG.

Uh, no. "A slight bite on the tip of the trigger finger" when shooting a full-size 9mm with the (typically) excellent SRT? It's not the gun.

As others have noted, try chasing the reset and maintaining constant contact with the trigger through each shot until completing your string of fire. I have never heard of this getting numb fingers from shooting a SIG with a smooth-faced trigger. Too much finger over the trigger, or just the tip of the pad on the trigger face when shooting? The second is what I'd suspect.

As for the finish? Are you using Kydex or leather? * Never mind: just noticed you said a Fobus. If you don't have the Stainless Elite, yours should have the Nitron finish which is fairly durable. Unlined Kydex or plastic (Fobus) will wear the finish much faster than leather. The W. German 226 in the middle has been carried and shot much, the finish is a tad worn, but not scratched or dinged.

 

[el Godfather]

I wonder if you are getting some trigger slap during recoil, I've read a few models are notorious for this and it sounds much the same.

I've never had an issue with it, including with my 226 but I wonder (if you aren't already) if you focus on holding the trigger down after firing and let it go back to reset manually. That would at least eliminate the possibility that you are letting your finger leave the trigger and get slapped when the trigger resets.

The finish is the finish, I've never been terribly impressed with any Sig finish, but I don't mind holster wear personally. Some of the old Sig's had a tendency to rust under worn finish (my old worn 220 would rust if you looked at it wrong), but I believe they treat the metal better now.

Thanks it actually worked. I tried holding on a bit longer on the depressed trigger after shot and I did not experience the trigger slap at all. However, towards the end of my range session I did a few magazines of double tap and I could feel it again. I was wonder if there is any sleeve for the trigger that may help in this. Am I getting old and soft???

I don't have any problem with this gun; the most common problem with P series is the slide not holding open at the last round because of the hold open position which can interfere with the thumbs forward grip but I have experienced that issue only two or three times in over 3000 rounds.

I never had it happen to me BUT today it did twice at the range. I guess I after reading your post I was subconsciously trying to test this issue. However, after correcting the grip it was not an issue.

 

[JTQ]

I never had it happen to me BUT today it did twice at the range. I guess I after reading your post I was subconsciously trying to test this issue. However, after correcting the grip it was not an issue.

Bruce Gray on modifying your grip for the SIG

 

[JR24]

Thanks it actually worked. I tried holding on a bit longer on the depressed trigger after shot and I did not experience the trigger slap at all. However, towards the end of my range session I did a few magazines of double tap and I could feel it again. I was wonder if there is any sleeve for the trigger that may help in this. Am I getting old and soft???

Well, shoot it enough and you'll get calluses

Even on rapid strings my finger rarely leaves the trigger, myself. I used to "ride the reset" a lot, but found it's better not to do that unless I'm going for precision, but still after years of shooting that way I always can feel the reset even during rapid strings. Perhaps focusing on the trigger some more can help, I'm not sure. There are plenty of far superior shooters on here that would be able to help more.

As for the lockback issue, I just gave up on having the slide lock back on a non Legion Sig. I've got too many years of muscle memory tied up in a high, thumbs forward, grip to want to mess with changing it. One of the reasons I really prefer the Legion series, the beavertail and undercut trigger guard are the others. Sig finally made a p-series grip layout that fits me perfect, especially the 226. I think I even prefer it, in terms of comfort, to my beloved 1911s, though even the excellent Legion SAO trigger isn't as good as my mid-range 1911s, let alone the better ones.

 

[Robbins290]

I have had sigs for the past 12 years. P226's to P239's. I never had trigger slap so i can not answer your question about that

But the finish, always go with the nitron finish. all those colored ones seem like some kind of epoxy paint and wear way to quick

 

[el Godfather]

Bruce Gray on modifying your grip for the SIG

Good video @JTQ It helps and hopefully a resource all others having the similar issue with Sigs and other gun that he mentioned. That said, poor guy thumb looks all beat up and raw. What gives?

 

[8strings8rounds]

I haven't gotten a trigger slap on any Sig that I remember, but I find the thinner, short reach triggers that seem to come on everything now that's not-Legion extremely uncomfortable.
I have slightly above average sized hands, and almost every issue I've ever had on Sigs with the trigger, is solved with a grip and/or trigger swap
My M11A1 pinched like an SOB behind the first joint of my trigger finger, and I had a bad habit of pulling right because my finger would end up hooking through a bit too much. When this happened, I do seem to recall discomfort on the tip of my finger as well..
M11A1 now has a standard trigger in it, which is fatter, and took care of 90% of my problems there.
After that, I swapped the thin trigger and E2 grips on all my Sigs moving forward, including my P226 before I even fired it, so I can't directly compare.
Try (with a cleared gun, obviously) pulling the trigger like you normally would, hold it in place with pressure, and then rack the slide back. There should be a small felt 'click' in the trigger from there reset. If it's a big 'clank' or 'clunk' or the trigger pushes back on you, maybe there's something going on there?

 

[JTQ]

That said, poor guy thumb looks all beat up and raw. What gives?

I don't know him, though I think forum moderator 9mmepiphany is a personal friend, but my guess is he's an older guy, a long time gunsmith, who shoots a lot. Lots of wear and tear over the years.

 

[9mmepiphany]

That said, poor guy thumb looks all beat up and raw. What gives?

It isn't from shooting. It is from hand checkering 1911s (he originated a lot of mods we now take for granted) and H&K P7s (really hard frames). Bruce is from the old school when labour was cheap and machining was expensive...his hands, wrist, and elbows have paid the price

We used to joke that if it wasn't for his 40 years as a gunsmith (he does custom rifles also), he could have made a living as a hand model

 

[Riomouse911]

I had a 1991-era P226 and the finish wore off the slide extremely quickly in a Tex Shoemaker drop-swivel duty holster. I sent it to Robar for the Np3 finish years before SIGSauer offered their two-tone options. As the above poster noted, the silver (In my case basically matte hard chrome) finish wasn’t affected much.

My P228 is still wearing the factory finish, but I only carried that for a few weeks in a Safariland hi-ride. Even in the limited time I carried it the slide finish wore at the sharp edges and where the strap-snap pressed against the slide serrations at the rear (The shiny spot is there on both sides).



I had a short reset trigger installed a few years ago, and I dry fired it several times after taking the picture. This trigger does pinch my finger a bit when pulled with my finger joint on the trigger. (The skin slightly overhangs the thin trigger and gets pinched between the rear of the trigger and grip frame.)

It didn’t do that with the original trigger, as it was deeper face-to-rear and the skin on my digit didn’t overhang that one at all.

Good luck diagnosing the issue and fixing what’s ailing your P228, they’re great guns!

Stay safe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I had a short reset trigger installed a few years ago, and I dry fired it several times after taking the picture. This trigger does pinch my finger a bit when pulled with my finger joint on the trigger. (The skin slightly overhangs the thin trigger and gets pinched between the rear of the trigger and grip frame.)

I think we might be referring to different things here.

The factory SRT (Short Reset Trigger) is all internal. You can't tell it is installed just from looking at the exterior.
The factory Short Trigger is the one in the above picture. The Short in it's name refers to the shortened trigger finger reach that the thinner trigger allows

 

[Riomouse911]

I think we might be referring to different things here.

The factory SRT (Short Reset Trigger) is all internal. You can't tell it is installed just from looking at the exterior.
The factory Short Trigger is the one in the above picture. The Short in it's name refers to the shortened trigger finger reach that the thinner trigger allows

Copy that. The Armorer installed the trigger and some internal parts, changing the trigger pull (lighter) and the feel of the entire firing process (probably due to the easier reach).

I’ve also heard of a “DAK”(?) DAO trigger option, but I don’t know what that feels like on a SIGSauer because I’ve never had experience with it.

The install did make my trigger finger reach easier, to the point where it gets pinched if I have the joint on the trigger face rather than just the pad.

Again, good luck fixing the issue!

Stay safe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I’ve also heard of a “DAK”(?) DAO trigger option, but I don’t know what that feels like on a SIGSauer because I’ve never had experience with it.

It feels like the trigger stroke on a good revolver...with the option of a heavier, but shorter, mid-travel reset

The install did make my trigger finger reach easier, to the point where it gets pinched if I have the joint on the trigger face rather than just the pad.

I've tried the Short trigger on a couple of my 226 and didn't really care for it...it allowed too much of my trigger finger to wrap around the trigger face.

I'm also not a fan of the "E squared (e2)" grips which slip on from the rear of the frame. They are thinner to allow more of your hand to wrap around the grip, but they also force your hand lower down on the frame as opposed to up under the beavertail