Like many of you in this forum, I have Chris' armorers DVD for my SIG P229 and I am good mechanically with my hands.

I like the idea and practice of disassembling my pistol completely for inspection, light lube, and reassembling. I like to KNOW I have complete familiarity with my pistol and can make any basic repairs it requires, along with keeping it in a reliable state for years into the future, maybe decades. I want the confidence that it is in perfect working order if called on to be used.

The question is this: based on the pistol's materials and components (let's use the P229 as a reference) - stainless slide, aluminum frame - how often can one disassemble this gun completely, and then reassemble, without any significant damage to its parts? (I understand that as routine, one should replace the FPPP each time, but is that it?)

For example, not that I would, BUT if I chose to disassemble/inspect/lube/reassemble the P229 every month for the next 20 years, would it do damage to specific parts of the pistol?

Thanks.

The FPPP is deformed when installed into the slide, and I must believe that the slide is likewise affected by the process. It may not be much each time, but I personally still avoid unnecessary disassembly for that reason

Another part that is (sometimes) damaged by disassembly is the slide catch lever spring. I've seen obvious wear on the part caused by removing the takedown lever.

The hammer stop pin must be driven out and although I've never seen any obvious damage, it's another part that might end up showing the cumulative effects of removal and installation.

I also avoid removing the grip plate screws unnecessarily. Even if care is exercised to ensure they're not cross-threaded when installed, we're still dealing with steel screws and an aluminum frame.

Otherwise, however, I don't believe disassembly is harmful.

That is a very good synopsis, Sigfreund. As always, you are the man!

Thanks for the feedback, sigfreund. No way to avoid the grip screws with a disassembly other than to be careful.

Since the slide cannot be purchased, I'll leave it assembled except every year or two. The frame will be disassembled for a thorough inspection once or twice a year.

Again, thanks.

Did you listen to Chris in the Video and look at his gun.
I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Yes. He said he disassembled and inspected his P226 once a year.

quote:

How many rounds are you shooting through your SIG each year to warrant a complete disassembly/reassembly of your frame twice a year? 3000?

Is isn't only rounds that have to be considered, it is conditions you carry it in. Grease and oil attract a lot of crap. If you take it out of its case and shoot it once a month at the range it needs a lot less care than one that is carried everyday.

Also if you own a .22 top end for your gun it doesn't take much shooting to really make a mess out of it. Especially if you shoot the value pak stuff.

Get a tub of DunkIt from C&S. Wash, rinse, repeat!