The slide on my Sig Sauer P239 9MM won't lock back when the mag empties, why?

Question

Every time I empty a mag the slide doesn't lock back. It's every mag I own, not just one particular one so the mags aren't he problem. I keep the pistol lubricated and it's just about to hit a year old so it's still pretty much new. I use winchestor ball ammo at the range so my ammo isn't bottom line either. Is this something I'm going to have to take to a gunsmith?

Answer 1

I have had this problem with every Sig Ive shot. That's one of the reasons I don't own one. Two of the guys I work with have them and Ive shot both and the same thing happened on both. Ive tried holding the gun tighter, looser and reevaluated how I placed my hand on the pistol. This problem has to be me cause the owners don't have this problem. My advice to you is to try a different brand of ammo 1st. Then try holding it tighter, or changing your grip keep a eye on your thumb to make sure your not bumping or applying pressure to the slide release. You don't need to fill the mag up to test this either just load two in the mag. last have someone else shoot it to see if this continues. If all else fails, your like me and they just don't work for you.

Answer 2

1st off I haven't looked at all the SIG's but some pistols aren't designed to lock the slide back when the magazine is empty and if all your magazines are doing the same thing this might be the case.

If the P239 is supposed to lock back the slide on an empty magazine then you might want to break down your magazines and clean them, Something might be preventing the followers from applying enough pressure to the lever that locks the slide back. The mag tube might simply be dirty and if so it's a quick fix. Another possibility is weak springs, have you left the magazines loaded for extended periods of time ?

Answer 3

It could be that with your grip you are actually holding the slide lock down and preventing it from being lifted by the magazine's follower or the piece the bullets lay on top of in the magazine.

It could also be faulty magazines. How many magazines do you own? You can take it to a shop that has Sigs and try one of their magazines to see if it locks back. If this is not the case either, I would call SIg and let them know your complaint. Sometimes they will send a replacement magazine.

Answer 4

Trying using a bigger 9mm round. There may not be enough force in a 115 gr bullet. Try Fiocchi ammo. It has a little more umpf for a 115 gr. A friend of mine had the same issue with a para warthawg in 9mm. Stiff spring can do that. The shop recommended Fiocchi. I shoot all my 9s with it now.
Happy shooting.

Answer 5

because, there is nothing to load in the chamber thats why and if youve noticed with each shot the slide goes back farther and farther each shot