Before I start looking for parts I have a few questions. A few years ago I won a beautiful P228 with SAS frame from Q. I carry and shoot this perfect specimen. Work even allows me to carry it on duty.

I have always really liked the DAK trigger. I think I know the parts I need for the conversion. Can I still use my SRT? Can I still use my short trigger?

I know I can use my DA/SA grips with the DAK. Also, any recommendations as to where to acquire the needed parts?

Thank you in advance!

You can use the short reach trigger no problem. You can’t use the SRT sear however.

A good thing about DAK Sigs is that they're unpopular; therefore, you can often them for a steal on the used market. I would recommend getting a P229 DAK. I doubt it'd cost much more than what it would to convert your P228, and if you ever wanted to sell or trade a P228 in DAK, you'd have a lot of trouble moving it.

I didn’t think the P228 could be converted to DAK.

quote:

Originally posted by TheNewbie:
I didn’t think the P228 could be converted to DAK.

Correct, almost. It's because the original P228 frame was never made with the DAK cutout. DAK didn't even exist, when the P228 was in regular production.

But, there are three specific models with the DAK cutout, hence DAK capable, but they were made in later years, when regular production has ceased. These were the P228R, the SAS frame P228 and the stainless frame P228, but they were still factory made DA/SA guns, not DAK.

IIRC, there is one member on here who had his gunsmith convert his P228 to DAK by modifying the frame so it could accept the DAK trigger bar. But, you have to modify the frame to accomplish the conversion, not just getting and swapping parts.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by TheNewbie:
I didn’t think the P228 could be converted to DAK.

Correct, almost. It's because the original P228 frame was never made with the DAK cutout. DAK didn't even exist, when the P228 was in regular production.

But, there are three specific models with the DAK cutout, hence DAK capable, but they were made in later years, when regular production has ceased. These were the P228R, the SAS frame P228 and the stainless frame P228, but they were still factory made DA/SA guns, not DAK.

IIRC, there is one member on here who had his gunsmith convert his P228 to DAK by modifying the frame so it could accept the DAK trigger bar.

Thank you for the information.

I actually like the DAK trigger, especially for its intended purpose.

A DAK P228 would be a nice carry setup.

Thank you, Q! So mine is DAK compatible because I have the SAS frame?

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by TheNewbie:
I didn’t think the P228 could be converted to DAK.

Correct, almost. It's because the original P228 frame was never made with the DAK cutout. DAK didn't even exist, when the P228 was in regular production.

But, there are three specific models with the DAK cutout, hence DAK capable, but they were made in later years, when regular production has ceased. These were the P228R, the SAS frame P228 and the stainless frame P228, but they were still factory made DA/SA guns, not DAK.

IIRC, there is one member on here who had his gunsmith convert his P228 to DAK by modifying the frame so it could accept the DAK trigger bar. But, you have to modify the frame to accomplish the conversion, not just getting and swapping parts.

Yes, Ben.

Pics from the factoids thread. The DAK compatible guns have the window that is open a little wider to the rear, compared to the non-DAK compatible.

Q, are the trigger bars different in the DAK vs DA/SA guns?

Yes, they are specific for the actions. Not the same.

The following info is from our friend TGS' website FAQs page.

Parts to convert from DA/SA to DAK

-DAK Hammer
-DAK Hammer Strut
-DAK Mainspring (red)
-DAK Safety Lever
-DAK Sear
-DAK Sear Spring
-DAK Trigger Bar

Note: Not all frames are DAK compatible. If in doubt, call SIG SAUER Customer Service with your serial number. (603)772-2302 or check further down for photo's showing both types of frames.

---

Parts to convert from DAK to DA/SA

-Decocking Lever
-Decocking Lever Spring
-Decocking Lever Bearing
-Hammer
-Hammer Strut Pin (except P239 which is integral)
-Hammer Reset Spring
-Hammer Strut
-Mainspring
-Safety Lever
-Sear
-Sear Spring
-Trigger Bar
-DA/SA Grips with Decocking Lever cutout

Not much metal left at the DAK cutout - the trigger bar spring looks thicker.

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:
...the trigger bar spring looks thicker.

What do you mean? The last three is just to show that the frames are DAK capable, but they're all DA/SA guns. And, DA/SA and DAK guns use the same trigger bar spring, anyway.

quote:

DAK Sear Spring

What makes the DAK Sear Spring different from the DA/SA Sear Spring?
Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:
...the trigger bar spring looks thicker.

What do you mean? The last three is just to show that the frames are DAK capable, but they're all DA/SA guns. And, DA/SA and DAK guns use the same trigger bar spring, anyway.

Just an observation that the diameter of the trigger bar spring looks like it's thicker/there's more metal there than the amount of metal left where the cutout was made.

Thanks, Q, for all of your help and info!

Is there any reason I shouldn’t convert to DAK? Any disadvantages beside the obvious of not being able to cock the hammer for single action?

quote:

Originally posted by lot_45:
What makes the DAK Sear Spring different from the DA/SA Sear Spring?

The DAK sear spring has lighter tension, from my understanding.

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:
Just an observation that the diameter of the trigger bar spring looks like it's thicker/there's more metal there than the amount of metal left where the cutout was made.

Totally misunderstood your previous post. Apologies.

quote:

Originally posted by BennerP220:
Is there any reason I shouldn’t convert to DAK? Any disadvantages beside the obvious of not being able to cock the hammer for single action?

Different actions for different folks' preferences, so I wouldn't call one advantageous over the other.

Here is a good discussion on DAO and DAK in this thread, https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...870044354#2870044354

That was some great reading! Thank you for sharing.

Something to be aware of is that the guidance that a new DAK sear is necessary when converting from DA/SA mechanism to DAK is true only if the gun was made before the DAK models were introduced and all sears were made to be usable in both mechanisms. And if that were true, it’s unlikely the frame would be DAK compatible.

In any event, this is a Classic line sear that can be used in DAK pistols. The highlighted area is what’s different about DAK-compatible sears; older sears don’t have that.




The comment that the DAK sear spring is somewhat less powerful than the springs used in DA/SA pistols is correct. Although I’m only speculating, I believe the more powerful spring is to help ensure proper engagement between sear and hammer in the single action (hammer cocked) mode. Because the DAK mechanism doesn’t have anything comparable, I suspect a lighter spring is used to help reduce trigger pull weight a bit. Also, the cut pictured above is to allow the DAK sear to move farther when the trigger is pulled, and as the spring is compressed more, the resistance increases. Again, because a more powerful spring isn’t necessary, that’s probably the why of the lighter spring.

Good info, thanks for that Sigfreund!