Posted: 2/2/2014 11:07:11 PM EDT
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Been looking at 9mm P239s, but every one I've tried seems to be very difficult to operate the slide stop (or "catch") with your right thumb. This is with or without a magazine loaded. Of course, easy operation of the slide stop (catch) would be necessary if one of your arms was disabled and you had to reload with one hand in a hight stress situation. Checking the web, this seems to be a common problem with the 239.
It appears that the serrated ear that you're supposed to push down on is bent over at a 90 degree angle, flush with the grip panel, offering little leverage or area to grip with the thumb and release the slide from open to battery. This seems to be different than other SIGs I've seen that have the serrated ear at an angle to the grip panel, making it easy to manipulate. I have seen that there is a JT (or TJ) custom guns that will charge you $85.00 and use heat to bend the serrated ear to a near right angle with the grip panel. which would make it much easier to get purchase on with your thumb and release the slide. I am wondering if anyone has done this themselves (and thus save time and $85.00): say, put the slide catch in a vice, heat the catch with a propane torch and bend the serrated ear as needed to a usable angle with pliers or tapping with a mallet? Thanks! |
| The thing is that as a CCW gun (primarily) the 239 does not need that slide catch lever hanging out 'in the breeze' too far else next thing you know, a light touch downward may prevent it from locking the slide back at the wrong time...or maybe (upward) causing the slide to lock open while still loaded, as many Glock extended slide releases are prone to do. I have had no real problem with my own 239, but it is the only one I have. This is not something I would do, but YMMV. |
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I only use the catch/release for administrative purposes. I ALWAYS use the slide and with the rear sights I can run the slide one handed (weak side too). I use the sights on my holster, extra mag pouch, belt loop, shoes soles, even the side seam on my pants(that hurts as you need to dig in and push back against the gun). Even objects around me if needed, for instance door jams. I am always looking. I practice dry, but I have run many live drills at a Thunder a Ranch and Gunsite just this way.
In my experience dealing with a fine motor skill under pressure does not work out and racking the slide is just a good habit. I have carried a 239 for 14 years and these have been my experiences. Yours may vary. Hope it helps and just my perspective. TJ does great work, he has customized serveral of my sigs. |
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While I don't see it listed on their current web site, I do believe Gray Guns may also offer a similar modification.
I myself have never had a problem with reaching or depressing my p239's slide release, but then I have bear sized paws. 
ETA: I'd echo what Ikor has said above, in that the p239 is objectively a fantastic concealed carry weapon and as such I wouldn't seek to increase the chances that it's going to snag on something, or not lock back when you want it to....a problem common among new SIG shooters who inadvertently ride the slide release. On the other hand, a new p239 slide release can be had for $24 (TopGunSupply)....so perhaps it's worth it to you to try it both ways |
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Quoted:
While I don't see it listed on their current web site, I do believe Gray Guns may also offer a similar modification. I myself have never had a problem with reaching or depressing my p239's slide release, but then I have bear sized paws.
ETA: I'd echo what Ikor has said above, in that the p239 is objectively a fantastic concealed carry weapon and as such I wouldn't seek to increase the chances that it's going to snag on something, or not lock back when you want it to....a problem common among new SIG shooters who inadvertently ride the slide release. On the other hand, a new p239 slide release can be had for $24 (TopGunSupply)....so perhaps it's worth it to you to try it both ways Thanks for the responses! The other Sigs I've tried (e.g. 229s, etc.) all have the serrated wing at @ 30 degrees from the slide, over the left grip panel, giving them adequate leverage and grip to operate the slide catch easily without being overly prone to snags. So it probably wouldn't take much movement to bend the wing of the P239 slide catch 30 degrees to make it easier to operate, without making it a snag catch (probably wouldn't stick out much further than the hammer drop lever). Anyway, I'd probably use an over molded Crimson Trace lasergrip so it probably wouldn't stick out that far away from the grip panel. Like you say it's worth a try with a spare slide catch. Anyway, just wondering if anyone had tried bending the slide catch wing themselves (with heat) and how it worked out. |