When I bought my 229 a few years ago it came with two 13 round Mec Gar phosphate magazines. They worked fine, but they were always very rough feeling. I bought two more, and then I decided to smooth them all up, if possible. I cleaned them off with CLP and then I took 0000 steel wool and I rubbed them down good, inside and out. Then I covered them, inside and out, for two hours in CLP. I cleaned off the excess CLP and those formerly rough mags are now as smooth as silk. there are at least 3 suppliers that have them anywhere from $15 to $22. With a little work, they are a GREAT deal.

quote:

Originally posted by Ugrey:
When I bought my 229 a few years ago it came with two 13 round Mec Gar phosphate magazines. They worked fine, but they were always very rough feeling. I bought two more, and then I decided to smooth them all up, if possible. I cleaned them off with CLP and then I took 0000 steel wool and I rubbed them down good, inside and out. Then I covered them, inside and out, for two hours in CLP. I cleaned off the excess CLP and those formerly rough mags are now as smooth as silk. there are at least 3 suppliers that have them anywhere from $15 to $22. With a little work, they are a GREAT deal.

These days, there are no reasons not to simply buy the Mec-Gar 15-round flush fit non-phosphated mags. They are 22 bucks a pop at Greg Cote. Why short change yourself 2 rounds?

Welcome to SIGforum, btw.

FPNI.

Well, because I already had two I wanted to smooth up, and because the last 2 I bought were $15 each, and IDPA won't let me load any more than 10 rounds. I also thought a good number of 228/229 owners, who already have the phosphate mags, would like the information. Also, I needed some more IDPA/range magazines and this was the best bargain. By the way, I have 3 of the 15 round Mec Gars, and thanks for the welcome.

http://gregcotellc.com/cart/si...mgp22815n-p-620.html

These come slick from the factory.

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyChryst:
FPNI.

Explain, please? I'm unfamiliar with the acronym.
Thank you.

FPNI = First Post Nailed It

Thank you.

Ok I get you don't like how they 'feel' but maybe a big huh? The phosphate mags work fine and always have. But I'm guessing your process probably removed most/some? of the phosphate which is the coating used to protect the underlying steel in this type of magazine. The reason these are phosphate coated and its one of the best options for its purpose is because its great at corrosion protection. I'd not recommend anyone remove it. And as 12131 says just get the smooth mec-gar ones is that's the 'feel' you like.

I had done this same process on a slightly rusted blued pistol before, I learned it from others. I see no harm or thinning of either finish.

$23 with blued finish.

https://www.topgunsupply.com/m...d-magazine-blue.html

Even if you got the phosphated ones for $15, with the time and effort into ruining the finish, how are you ahead? Not to mention, you said they work fine and they're hidden inside the gun. What exactly are you accomplishing?

Whatever works I say. I like the 13rd mags but also will buy the M-G 15rd mags for the pre-dash P229. Even liked those better when they were sold by SIG and wore the company rollmark. But who's really into overpaying when essentially the same product just without that 'official' marking is available? I'm at times guilty of doing just that, but I crave bargains as well.

Buddy, I got 2 Phosphate (parkerized) Mec Gar magazines for $30 to use at the range and in IDPA. You think I should have bought blued magazines for 50% more? If you think I have "ruined the finish" please go read up on how bluing is done. (hint: 0000 steel wool is sometimes used) Parkerizing is far tougher than bluing, so I got 2 tougher finished mags for less money. I already had 11 other 229 mags of capacities from 20 to 18 to 15 to 13 and with finishes of anti friction, nickel and phosphate. I am not a big fan of bluing, so I think I got what I needed at a good price, with a little bit of work to smooth them up. Trust me, no magazines were harmed on my work table. I thought a few of you might be interested in $15 dollar Mec Gar mags since Sig charges $33 for them. I thought some of you may learn about 0000 steel wool use on bluing and parkerizing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ugrey,