I have changed my two hand grip on semi pistols to the "modern" version - with both thumbs forward. Problem is, when I shot my p220 with this new method, all four of my mags were failing to lock the slide open. I was thinking I needed a repair or some tweaking, until I read about the same thing happening to people who shoot the p220, with the cause being that with the shooting hand thumb up on the side of the gun, the thumb is accidentally putting some pressure on the slide release lever, causing slide lock on last shot failure.

So the last time I went, I changed my grip back to something I'd used before, even though I prefer the "new" method. So now my problem is, it doesn't look like I can "standardize" my grip on semi pistols using this "new" method, depending on the layout of the slide lock controls.

Have you run into this problem, and how did you work around it ?

Any advice appreciated.

It’s a fairly common issue with p series guns and probably a large part of the reason why you don’t see a ton of them in competition circles. I started shooting uspsa with a p228 and had the same problem. I no longer own any Sigs because they aren’t compatible with my grip. I do think this is influenced by hand size and *how* you grip the gun, but as my grip has evolved I cannot shoot classic sigs or cz tac sports without (different) grip related issues.

Spider monkey! Like the quote in his signature.

I have the same problem as well with my new Sig P229. I adopted the grip I’m using from watching John Lovell and was just telling my dad about this issue. Looks like I see why the Legion model has a smaller slide release to help alleviate some of this.

When trying thumbs forward, my weak side thumb kept hitting the magazine release.

Yup, same issue with me. I can't use thumbs forward like I do with my Glocks whenever I take a P-SIG out for a spin. I always have to fly my strong hand thumb or wrap it around the base knuckle of my weak hand thumb, neither of which feels particularly 'right' to me. But it's just one of those things that I've gotten used to doing whenever I grab a P229 or P226 to take to the range.

OP this is why Sig miniaturized the slide lock/release lever on the Legion series guns.


-Freq

I do it with just about every pistol, with two notable exceptions. The P230 and the P7.

I just live with it.

Thanks for the video. A little worried that I need to change my grip, but understand. Guess I should have gone with the Legion for the smaller slide release. Or, would it be a terrible idea to see about changing the slide release lever? Did buy a .22 conversion so I can practice a grip without closing the slide. Keep us updated on how your grip changes or how you overcome the same problem!

Here’s where I learned my new grip that worked really well with my S&W’s and Kimbers, but has given me slight issue with my P229.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n4c7JDXQOB8
Sorry, need to learn how to embed videos, if someone will tell me, I’ll fix it!

Was interested to see when I rewatched that John actually does the same thing as Ospec with his dominant hand thumb, so I’ll be changing that from now on! Thanks for the help all!

My strong hand thumb rides atop the base of my support hand thumb as shown in the Bruce Gray video. I started using this grip since I first started shooting a Beretta 92FS years ago and use it regardless of the model of pistol. I never have an issue with failure of slide lock back due to riding the slide stop lever.

I wouldn't worry about duplicating any grip too precisely. Apply the principles and modify as needed to fit your hand.