Looking to buy a used Sig pistol online, and saw in the pictures the left side screw has some rust on it.

Would this be something to worry about, and indicative of further problems?

Or nothing really to worry about, and easily removed?

Link to image

My only concern would be what it might say about the maintenance of the rest of the gun, and that's impossible to know from a single limited photo. I would be more concerned about rust on the slide catch lever, decocking lever, or magazine catch, and I don't see rust on any of them.

That by itself wouldn’t bother me in the least. Rust on SIG Classic line pistol grip screws like that is fairly common due to hand sweat and failure to keep some oil on them. In my experience it would be easy to remove after the screw is taken out to work on. The rust seems minor and might be removed with an oily toothbrush, but a similar brush with copper bristles and oil might be necessary. When used sparingly, copper bristle brushes usually won’t affect the bluing too much.

[QUOTE]That by itself wouldn’t bother me in the least/QUOTE]
Agree. This is what Hoppes is for. I wouldn't even be concerned about other small spots of rust elsewhere, at the right price, as long as the (aluminum) frame and the (stainless) slide are both good.

If you get it, please, out of respect for common decency, replace the grips. OEM or G10.

Common with grip screws that come into contact with sweaty hands. A bit of fine steel wool, some oil and you are all set.

From what we can see, the little 239 looks to be in good condition. The screw is just a fastener made for a simple purpose. I'd say it takes about 30 seconds for one to be machined by a Swiss lathe or screw machine. One drops free from a bar of round stock every 30 seconds. The slots are not a area cut to a fine finish. Rough if you will. Any rust, crud or dull lube can be cleaned from the slot. A burred slot and goobered up screw head can also be cleaned up and recut. It is so minor on that screw, you need not worry. Good luck. Welcome.

A grip screw isn't that big a deal. However, I would get some photos with the Hogue wraparounds off.

If they'll let grip screws rust, there may be bad news under those grips screws also.

quote:

Originally posted by neex:
If you get it, please, out of respect for common decency, replace the grips. OEM or G10.

Not so fast. Hogue rubber grips are generally hated among SIG fans. But, on the P239, it's actually is acceptable to many, and I'm one. Reason for me is, the front strap of this gun is pretty flat compared to other SIGs, and that makes gripping it feel unnatural. The front wrap-around Hogue grip converts it to something more acceptable. In addition, the thicker rubber grip, compared to the really flat and thin stock grips, is a real plus.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by neex:
If you get it, please, out of respect for common decency, replace the grips. OEM or G10.

Not so fast. Hogue rubber grips are generally hated among SIG fans. But, on the P239, it's actually is acceptable to many, and I'm one. Reason for me is, the front strap of this gun is pretty flat compared to other SIGs, and that makes gripping it feel unnatural. The front wrap-around Hogue grip converts it to something more acceptable. In addition, the thicker rubber grip, compared to the really flat and thin stock grips, is a real plus.

I concur.
Gen 1 P239 SAS..



Although the CTC grips are pretty sweet.
This was after some of Brad and Mary's CCR work...

The left side of the gun is the side that rides against the body of a right-handed shooter when the gun is holstered. If you actually use your gun, eventually your grip screws will look like that. A little oil and a brush will probably take care of it, and regular application will help prevent it in the future. New grip screws are pretty cheap, too. A carry gun isn't going to be spotless. And use whatever grips you want...it's your gun and has to fit your hand.

The rust wouldn't bother me nearly as much as the decision to go with those spongy clammy wrap-around grips.

I wouldn't be worried about the rust on the screws. Easily removed. A new set of screws is only a couple of bucks.

I'd look at the internals, and what's under the grips.

quote:

Originally posted by bionic218:
The rust wouldn't bother me nearly as much as the decision to go with those spongy clammy wrap-around grips.

I almost gave up on my P239 .40 until I got those grips. Firing w/ stock grips would move the gun in my hand. Hogue grips to the rescue. Big difference. But no, they aren't finished rare tree grips.

I agree with neex on the G10 grips. OEM are too slippery for me and the rubber ones are ok but always felt they were a little too big. I switched to the G10 piranhas and what a difference. Great gun by the way, very underrated.

They look like they're aftermarket stainless grip screws and can easily be replaced with something new, better or just different if desired.

Also easy to clean up that minor staining too.

The rest of the gun is the more important part.