Sig Sauer cycles VERY slow

[boseefus402]

I have a sig sauer P229 semi auto. It sat in the gun cabinet for many years now I want to start playing with it more. It's an earlier model, maybe mid to late 1990's.

The slide action is very slow, so much it throws you off and jams half the time. You shoot and it the slide recoil is honestly takes about a 1/2 second and it is real awkward. I remember shooting it 6 or 7 years ago and it was nothing like that.

The gun is pretty dry I added some oil to the slide and it helped a little but not much. Should i just be oiling the crap out of it? if so what should i be using? Maybe the main spring is real weak at this point???

[kobra]

for sitting that long ,clean the gun, springs included. lube it up, rack slide back & forth a few times to make sure there's no binding. Did you store the gun 'cocked'? if so the recoil spring prolly went weak. If that doesn't help it, have it checked out by a gunsmith. Your peace of mind and your gun will thank you later. If the ammo is old, sometimes moisture can enter through the primer pocket causing the powder not to burn all the way. 'like water in the gas' thing. Best of luck... ken

[BradCMSP]

Originally Posted by kobra

for sitting that long ,clean the gun, springs included. lube it up, rack slide back & forth a few times to make sure there's no binding. Did you store the gun 'cocked'? if so the recoil spring prolly went weak. If that doesn't help it, have it checked out by a gunsmith. Your peace of mind and your gun will thank you later. If the ammo is old, sometimes moisture can enter through the primer pocket causing the powder not to burn all the way. 'like water in the gas' thing. Best of luck... ken

Agree on the cleaning and lubing.

Springs do not wear under a static load, they wear during cycling.

[crewchief888]

a weak or worn recoil spring wont give you a slow slide cycle.

[ddawg16]

Originally Posted by crewchief888

a weak or worn recoil spring wont give you a slow slide cycle.

Correct....in fact, it will beat the shit out of you because you take all the recoil in your hands instead of the spring.

I would suggest taking it to a gun smith....the good ones have a solvent tank they put it in..ultrasonic....cleans the bitch real good...also contains a light oil so it helps lub way down where it's hard to get....

I have a friend who owns a range...he does this for me about once a year.....

I would give it a good clean before firing any more rounds.....the dirt could damage the gun.....

[Cobra6]

you said it had been sitting in the cabinet for many years - what about the ammo - is it pretty old too?

Is it a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .357 SIG?

[Lomotil]

Complete field strip, clean, and lube. That's a long time for a firearm to sit unloved without some cosmoline...

[boseefus402]

its a .40. The ammo is probably 8-10 years old so that probably isnt helping.....

main springs look cheap to buy online so I'll go get one of those. What do you guys recommend for a gun lube, just gun/machine oil or something specific?

[Lomotil]

Originally Posted by boseefus402

its a .40. The ammo is probably 8-10 years old so that probably isnt helping.....

main springs look cheap to buy online so I'll go get one of those. What do you guys recommend for a gun lube, just gun/machine oil or something specific?

I like the Teflon-infused Rem Oil, but there's got to be a reason Glocks come from the factory with a copper-laced lube on high-friction areas on their slides.

[geologist]

Time to do a bit of polishing after you field strip and clean it.

[shoturtle]

Ammo can sit along time, we were firing off vietnam era round in the first gulf war. It is all in how the rounds were stored. If it store properly the rounds should last 10 years without any issues.

Originally Posted by boseefus402

its a .40. The ammo is probably 8-10 years old so that probably isnt helping.....

main springs look cheap to buy online so I'll go get one of those. What do you guys recommend for a gun lube, just gun/machine oil or something specific?

[BWS]

Not that an owner can't or shouldn't field strip,detail...or diagnose problems.Thats all part of gun ownership....duh.


But if you can find the right "Smith"....well,building a relationship with a good shop will see many benny's down the rd.I'd do a little research and then once the decision is made....would combine a detail job with a stage one action slick-up........after having a discussion with Smith on exactly how you use the pistol,and what......if/any future plans might be.And maybe snag a cpl mags from him.Money talks and BS walks.....don't be a leaner....and don't waste his/their time.Best of luck,BW

[Cobra6]

Originally Posted by shoturtle

It is all in how the rounds were stored.

I agree - that was my next question.

[shoturtle]

Ah a red leg, you should know about storage.