I have a slightly older P220 SN: G 287XXX. Looks like it was made about 1997. I bought the pistol used but it looks virtually new with hardly any wear even on the barrel. It struck me that it had an unusually light DA trigger when I bought it.

The spring must have been changed as it was misfiring. I eventually ordered some Wolff springs. Finally, months later.. I got around to installing the new main spring. Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered that both of the new springs (marked for guns made after SN 219166 (which mine clearly is) were much too long to fit!

I really would like to get this gun shooting, but I don't know what to do about the spring situation. Am I seening something wrong? What do I need to do?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AZ SIG shooter,

Is your spring retainer plastic or steel?

Maybe Wolff mispackaged the springs for your S/N; where the older style springs were longer for the steel retainer, newer plastic retainer shorter. Maybe someone retrofitted the pistol with the steel retainer not intended for your S/N range?

The Wolff springs will sometimes appear that they are too long to fit, but as 2tonic pointed out, if you have the black plastic mainspring seat, you do need to new style (short) mainspring.

The P220 has used at least three different mainspring assemblies. Here is a photo of the first (bottom) and second (top) generation mainsprings. The third (current) generation uses a much shorter spring and a plastic retainer housing. As TGS mentioned, Wolff P220 mainsprings are longer than standard SIG mainsprings but they compress easier. Which of the two in the photo looks like yours?

Here is what mine looks like, with the new spring laying on the frame for comparison. I notice that my retainer at the bottom does not look exactly like either of your examples..it does not have the pin (if that is what it is that separates it from the frame proper.

The extra pin in mine is due to the EU mag release lever at the bottom. You have an American mag release model. Otherwise the springs themselves are the same.

Wolff either sent you the wrong spring(s) or packaged the incorrect spring in their factory packaging. That spring you show is way too long and looks like a coiled "flat" wire, not the usual Wollf coiled "round" wire. Be aware that in my photo the top gun has a Wolff spring in it.

Talk to Wolff and exchange the spring(s). Or just buy a factory spring. BTW, where did you get them from?

I bought them from Brownells but it was at least a year ago now...

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
Here is what mine looks like, with the new spring laying on the frame for comparison. I notice that my retainer at the bottom does not look exactly like either of your examples..it does not have the pin (if that is what it is that separates it from the frame proper.

I don't think the new spring you have picture is gonna work. That's a lot of spring there.
order the right one from TGS.
What you have is the "OLD Style" mainspring assembly.

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
Here is what mine looks like, with the new spring laying on the frame for comparison. I notice that my retainer at the bottom does not look exactly like either of your examples..it does not have the pin (if that is what it is that separates it from the frame proper.

Wow, that thing looks like a suspension spring from a deuce and a half. Even if it could be compressed, it looks like it would "coil lock" before the hammer went fully back.

...Just ordered a factory spring and some gun grease from Top Gun.

Thanks for the assistance, all. Finally I can get my P220 up and running.
It has been just sitting there getting older.

I have the factory spring from the nice people at Top Gun Supply. Now the only problem is, how do you install the darn thing! I got the old one off by cocking the pistol and pulling the roll pin.

Now how on earth does one compress the new spring far enough to reinstall the new spring?

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
Now how on earth does one compress the new spring far enough to reinstall the new spring?

Not easy. See my experiences here (on a p6 which has the same type spring):

http://sigforum.com/eve/forums...30601935/m/437102302

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
I have the factory spring from the nice people at Top Gun Supply. Now the only problem is, how do you install the darn thing! I got the old one off by cocking the pistol and pulling the roll pin.

Now how on earth does one compress the new spring far enough to reinstall the new spring?

You should have spent add'l $14 to convert it to the new setup + the ability to use the slim grips if you opt to do so.

quote:

Originally posted by ergoproxy:

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
I have the factory spring from the nice people at Top Gun Supply. Now the only problem is, how do you install the darn thing! I got the old one off by cocking the pistol and pulling the roll pin.

Now how on earth does one compress the new spring far enough to reinstall the new spring?

You should have spent add'l $14 to convert it to the new setup + the ability to use the slim grips if you opt to do so.

I second that. Once my mainspring goes out, I will be converting to the new plastic housing.

quote:

Originally posted by AZ SIG shooter:
I have the factory spring from the nice people at Top Gun Supply. Now the only problem is, how do you install the darn thing! I got the old one off by cocking the pistol and pulling the roll pin.

Now how on earth does one compress the new spring far enough to reinstall the new spring?

I made this, copied from another one here:
http://sigforum.com/eve/forums...=914107371#914107371