Maintenance Left: From this angle you can see the firing pin positioning pin starting to work its way out. Looks innocent enough … until you see it from this angle (right). 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. Like any other semi-auto pistol, SIG SAUER pistols need regular maintenance. You can do much of the maintenance simply by cleaning the gun after every range session, replacing the recoil spring every 3,500 to 5,000 rounds and replacing magazine springs when they become weak. These parts are readily WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM available online from places such as Brownells and Top Gun Supply. You should also have a certified SIG armorer completely disassemble, clean and inspect your gun annually. If you have a new spring kit (to include recoil, slide catch lever, trigger bar and decocking lever springs) installed every 3 years or 5,000 rounds, and replace all the springs every 10 years or 20,000 rounds, you’ll keep your pistol running at peak reliability. In law enforcement we can’t always control the dangers we face; it’s why many of us train regularly, stay physically fit and keep our equipment in peak condition. This includes our sidearm, which not only protects us in dangerous situations, but our partners and the public. Regular maintenance is the key to reliability. It’s a simple process and the best way to ensure your pistol will perform when it’s most needed. * Simple Solutions This SIG was carried for years and never cleaned or inspected. Note the herd of dust buffalos I found during my inspection and repair of it. 35
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