Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL-

caveman60 · 10-17-2012, 06:51 AM

The first thing I noticed on this "NEW" gun; You could NOT remove the magazine. I removed the grips and noticed right away, what the problem was. Between the time this pistol reached the shores of the "Good old USA" and my hands, someone "not too savy with guns"- to say the least !!! removed the grips (for unknown reasons) and when they re-installed those grips, did not use the MUCH NEEDED washers. Now the screws were too long and gripped the magazine.

Now to my real problem:
I've been working on my guns for 50+ years (cleaning and replacing parts) and never came across a problem of this nature. If anyone has, please advise:

I've found that the feed ramp on the frame does NOT meet the feed ramp on the barrel "flush". There is a slight "lip" between the two, with the barrel ramp being slightly higher. This has caused a few rounds to hang-up, just before entering the chamber. If anyone has had this problem, did you correct it yourself? (And exactly HOW did you do it ????)

Thank you for any input you can give me.
Have a great day... T

Goody · 10-17-2012, 08:19 AM

I would return the product for replacement or repair.

Helix_FR · 10-17-2012, 10:10 PM

adjust the mags so the round jumps to the barrel ramp. The blend problem between the frame and barrel can only be fixed by altering one of the two voiding the warranty and sig does not see it as an issue.

nmckenzie · 10-17-2012, 10:47 PM

Did you purchase the Sig from a dealer? If so, I'd return it for replacement or factory servicing. What with the grip and feed ramp issues I can't help but wonder whether someone was switching out parts. At any rate, anything you do on your own to rectify the problem will more than likely void the warranty - even the missing grip washers (assuming you haven't replaced them) would be enough to raise an eyebrow at Sig. That said, I'd return it for replacement or warranty servicing.

LDBennett · 10-18-2012, 06:38 AM

What you want is for the feed ramp in the frame to end before the ramp in the barrel starts. That is the way all 1911's are suppose to be and as John Browning intended. There is no gun more reliable than the 1911 that is now over a 100 years old. While the two ramps being flush is OK it is better the way 1911's are done as any looseness does not expose a lip for the cartridge bullet, case, or rim to catch on.

What you apparently have is the opposite. That is wrong as it leaves a lip for the cartridge to catch on. Send the gun back to SIG. It is definitely wrong.

If you bought it off the used market (but "new-in-the-box") then have a gunsmith fix the ramp in the barrel to match the frame (as I explained above). Be sure he does not cut the ramp's front edge into the chamber any more than it already is as that will make the cartridge case unsupported and could lead to case blowouts. Just steepen the barrel ramp until its bottom edge is just in front of the frame ramp by about some very small amount. That way the cartridge will jump down to the barrel ramp from the frame ramp with no exposed edge of the barrel ramp to catch on.

LDBennett

caveman60 · 10-19-2012, 06:09 AM

Hello to Mr. Nmckenzie,
Yes, I purchased the gun from a dealer. And, yes, I have replaced the washers. Sending it back for "repair" or "replacement" is not an option for me. I've spent "too many hours" looking for this "beautiful artwork" and will not part with it. There's no way Sig. would replace it and as far as repairing it, I checked and found out exactly what Mr. Helix FR (thank you Mr. Helix, for your input.) stated; Sig does NOT see MY problem as anything to be concerned about. So, I'm going to get out my old dremel, take the gun apart (remove the barrel, to work on the "lip") and "try", very carefully, to remove said "lip". What I really need to know is: What type of compound will remove a "small amount" of stainless steel, without being too abrasive???
Thank you for any input... T

Helix_FR · 10-19-2012, 07:44 AM

There is really no buffing compounds that will take steel down the way your looking for. i have compounds that will cut steel for refinishing reasons but none of them really grind. dremel makes a small sanding drum. this one is about 3/16th dont get the half inch one. use the sanding drum to finish the ramp down then finish up with some 400 grit sandpaper and use your fingers. then you can use the polishing compounds if you like. id still adjust the mags. they seem to be feeding low in the ramp anyway.

fuzebox40 · 10-19-2012, 12:20 PM

Some time ago I found good instructions on the web, via google search, for tuning up a 1911 in the same manner . It was basicaly just as Helix said, but included one or two other areas of the mechanism for fine tuning. It was a bit more detailed but in anycase my project ended up perfect. The most valuable factor, as allways, is the human doing the work.
Sorry I don't still have the link but I think you've got what need here. Good luck.

caveman60 · 10-20-2012, 04:36 AM

Hello again Helix FR,
What exactly do you mean by, "adjusting the mags"?? Adjusting in what way? I read one of your posts a while ago, when you mentioned this adjustment. You asked me to adjust the mags so the round "jumps" to the barrel ramp. How do I do this?
Please explain fully... Thank you for your input... T

caveman60 · 10-20-2012, 04:44 AM

Another question... There are two pins holding the barrel in place. Should I remove the inner one first, or remove them both together? I have the correct size punches for both pins.
Thanks again, for all the input.... T

Rocketman1 · 10-20-2012, 11:22 AM

Brand new gun? There is no excuse, send it back.
Just saw a show about Sig's on Gun Nuts, and they said they pride themselves with Quality!

caveman60 · 10-23-2012, 04:21 AM

Just an update: Stripped gun down... Removed pins holding the barrel in place... (That was the hardest part of the take-down) Knocked out barrel with a plastic mallet (pressed in there, pretty tight - very careful, not to hurt barrel crown)... dremeled down a very small portion of SS... Feels good now... No "lip", to speak of... Going to the range today and try it out???

Question: Where to purchase those pins, that hold the barrel in place? (would like some on hand.) Thank you for any input... Have a great day... T

CloserangeReaper · 10-23-2012, 02:40 PM

When you contacted Sig, did you speak to a customer service manager, or just a rep? I've cussed numerous sales reps out and now just come on the phone and ask for a service manager or gunsmith. They usually answer my questions with little trouble and don't give me the "we don't do that here" bs that I get from the customer service reps if I were to ask them.

Just letting you know for future repairs or remedies. Sig is good people. Fixed a few guns for me in the past.

caveman60 · 10-26-2012, 06:13 AM

Hello to Helix FR,
I found that the "green" colored rubbing compound worked great on the stainless steel. Took about 1/2 hr. using the green and 15min. using the red. (Being VERY careful, in the process.) The weather has been so bad, I haven't been to the club, since my last post. Hope to get there today?
Question for anyone: What different size roll pin punches would I need to completely tear-down this P230? Thank you for any advise on this matter... Have a Great Day !!! T

Helix_FR · 10-26-2012, 07:54 AM

Home Depot carries a 3 piece punch set made by dasco. the 1/8th inch or the middle size one fits the double pin in the slide very well and the pins in the slide. The punch must cover the pin face. All to often ill get a gun with a punch broke off inside the roll pin which makes them very difficult to remove. If you drive the pin out the firing pin will drop out along with the firing pin safety so make sure you know how it is oriented in the slide before you drive the pins out.

caveman60 · 10-27-2012, 04:37 AM

Back to you, Helix_ FR,
Thank you for your reply and cautions... Took the gun to the club yesterday... Fantastic !!!!!! (ALL my thanks, goes to a Gentleman on another forum - His instructions were very clear and very easy to follow.) It's a different gun... Shot 4 different types of ammo and they went into the chamber like silk. I'm glad, at that moment, I happened to be the only one on the firing line, because I was almost jumping up and down !!!! Have a great day... T

10-17-2012, 06:51 AM	#1
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- The first thing I noticed on this "NEW" gun; You could NOT remove the magazine. I removed the grips and noticed right away, what the problem was. Between the time this pistol reached the shores of the "Good old USA" and my hands, someone "not too savy with guns"- to say the least !!! removed the grips (for unknown reasons) and when they re-installed those grips, did not use the MUCH NEEDED washers. Now the screws were too long and gripped the magazine. Now to my real problem: I've been working on my guns for 50+ years (cleaning and replacing parts) and never came across a problem of this nature. If anyone has, please advise: I've found that the feed ramp on the frame does NOT meet the feed ramp on the barrel "flush". There is a slight "lip" between the two, with the barrel ramp being slightly higher. This has caused a few rounds to hang-up, just before entering the chamber. If anyone has had this problem, did you correct it yourself? (And exactly HOW did you do it ????) Thank you for any input you can give me. Have a great day... T -->

10-17-2012, 08:19 AM	#2
Goody V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 333	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- I would return the product for replacement or repair.

10-17-2012, 10:10 PM	#3
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,617	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- adjust the mags so the round jumps to the barrel ramp. The blend problem between the frame and barrel can only be fixed by altering one of the two voiding the warranty and sig does not see it as an issue. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

10-17-2012, 10:47 PM	#4
nmckenzie Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sitka, Alaska Posts: 1,919	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Did you purchase the Sig from a dealer? If so, I'd return it for replacement or factory servicing. What with the grip and feed ramp issues I can't help but wonder whether someone was switching out parts. At any rate, anything you do on your own to rectify the problem will more than likely void the warranty - even the missing grip washers (assuming you haven't replaced them) would be enough to raise an eyebrow at Sig. That said, I'd return it for replacement or warranty servicing.

10-18-2012, 06:38 AM	#5
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- What you want is for the feed ramp in the frame to end before the ramp in the barrel starts. That is the way all 1911's are suppose to be and as John Browning intended. There is no gun more reliable than the 1911 that is now over a 100 years old. While the two ramps being flush is OK it is better the way 1911's are done as any looseness does not expose a lip for the cartridge bullet, case, or rim to catch on. What you apparently have is the opposite. That is wrong as it leaves a lip for the cartridge to catch on. Send the gun back to SIG. It is definitely wrong. If you bought it off the used market (but "new-in-the-box") then have a gunsmith fix the ramp in the barrel to match the frame (as I explained above). Be sure he does not cut the ramp's front edge into the chamber any more than it already is as that will make the cartridge case unsupported and could lead to case blowouts. Just steepen the barrel ramp until its bottom edge is just in front of the frame ramp by about some very small amount. That way the cartridge will jump down to the barrel ramp from the frame ramp with no exposed edge of the barrel ramp to catch on. LDBennett

10-19-2012, 06:09 AM	#6
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Hello to Mr. Nmckenzie, Yes, I purchased the gun from a dealer. And, yes, I have replaced the washers. Sending it back for "repair" or "replacement" is not an option for me. I've spent "too many hours" looking for this "beautiful artwork" and will not part with it. There's no way Sig. would replace it and as far as repairing it, I checked and found out exactly what Mr. Helix FR (thank you Mr. Helix, for your input.) stated; Sig does NOT see MY problem as anything to be concerned about. So, I'm going to get out my old dremel, take the gun apart (remove the barrel, to work on the "lip") and "try", very carefully, to remove said "lip". What I really need to know is: What type of compound will remove a "small amount" of stainless steel, without being too abrasive??? Thank you for any input... T

10-19-2012, 07:44 AM	#7
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,617	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- There is really no buffing compounds that will take steel down the way your looking for. i have compounds that will cut steel for refinishing reasons but none of them really grind. dremel makes a small sanding drum. this one is about 3/16th dont get the half inch one. use the sanding drum to finish the ramp down then finish up with some 400 grit sandpaper and use your fingers. then you can use the polishing compounds if you like. id still adjust the mags. they seem to be feeding low in the ramp anyway. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

10-19-2012, 12:20 PM	#8
fuzebox40 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Apple Valley, Ca. Contributor Posts: 1,485	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Some time ago I found good instructions on the web, via google search, for tuning up a 1911 in the same manner . It was basicaly just as Helix said, but included one or two other areas of the mechanism for fine tuning. It was a bit more detailed but in anycase my project ended up perfect. The most valuable factor, as allways, is the human doing the work. Sorry I don't still have the link but I think you've got what need here. Good luck. Last edited by fuzebox40; 10-19-2012 at 12:23 PM..

10-20-2012, 04:36 AM	#9
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Hello again Helix FR, What exactly do you mean by, "adjusting the mags"?? Adjusting in what way? I read one of your posts a while ago, when you mentioned this adjustment. You asked me to adjust the mags so the round "jumps" to the barrel ramp. How do I do this? Please explain fully... Thank you for your input... T Last edited by caveman60; 10-20-2012 at 04:40 AM.. Reason: Forgot one thing to ask.

10-20-2012, 04:44 AM	#10
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Another question... There are two pins holding the barrel in place. Should I remove the inner one first, or remove them both together? I have the correct size punches for both pins. Thanks again, for all the input.... T

10-20-2012, 11:22 AM	#11
Rocketman1 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,094	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Brand new gun? There is no excuse, send it back. Just saw a show about Sig's on Gun Nuts, and they said they pride themselves with Quality! __________________ There is no such thing as a gun accident. Irresponsible gun owners cause so-called gun accidents.

10-23-2012, 04:21 AM	#12
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Just an update: Stripped gun down... Removed pins holding the barrel in place... (That was the hardest part of the take-down) Knocked out barrel with a plastic mallet (pressed in there, pretty tight - very careful, not to hurt barrel crown)... dremeled down a very small portion of SS... Feels good now... No "lip", to speak of... Going to the range today and try it out??? Question: Where to purchase those pins, that hold the barrel in place? (would like some on hand.) Thank you for any input... Have a great day... T

10-23-2012, 02:40 PM	#13
CloserangeReaper Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Beaufort, NC Posts: 28	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- When you contacted Sig, did you speak to a customer service manager, or just a rep? I've cussed numerous sales reps out and now just come on the phone and ask for a service manager or gunsmith. They usually answer my questions with little trouble and don't give me the "we don't do that here" bs that I get from the customer service reps if I were to ask them. Just letting you know for future repairs or remedies. Sig is good people. Fixed a few guns for me in the past.

10-26-2012, 06:13 AM	#14
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Hello to Helix FR, I found that the "green" colored rubbing compound worked great on the stainless steel. Took about 1/2 hr. using the green and 15min. using the red. (Being VERY careful, in the process.) The weather has been so bad, I haven't been to the club, since my last post. Hope to get there today? Question for anyone: What different size roll pin punches would I need to completely tear-down this P230? Thank you for any advise on this matter... Have a Great Day !!! T

10-26-2012, 07:54 AM	#15
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,617	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Home Depot carries a 3 piece punch set made by dasco. the 1/8th inch or the middle size one fits the double pin in the slide very well and the pins in the slide. The punch must cover the pin face. All to often ill get a gun with a punch broke off inside the roll pin which makes them very difficult to remove. If you drive the pin out the firing pin will drop out along with the firing pin safety so make sure you know how it is oriented in the slide before you drive the pins out. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

10-27-2012, 04:37 AM	#16
caveman60 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 29	Re: Problem with a purchased ("NIB" ???) Sig Sauer P230SL- Back to you, Helix_ FR, Thank you for your reply and cautions... Took the gun to the club yesterday... Fantastic !!!!!! (ALL my thanks, goes to a Gentleman on another forum - His instructions were very clear and very easy to follow.) It's a different gun... Shot 4 different types of ammo and they went into the chamber like silk. I'm glad, at that moment, I happened to be the only one on the firing line, because I was almost jumping up and down !!!! Have a great day... T