Good afternoon, SF. As usual, I've got questions.

Straight to the point: is it possible to "revert" a California-model P229 to work like a "normal" model?

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The story:

This afternoon seemed like a good time to clean the P229 (9mm) I've been shooting at the local match. I have a second P229 (9) that I've only shot a couple of times, so I figured I'd clean it too.

My "second" P229 is a California model. I bought it from an online source, without realizing it was a CA model. I can't complain -- that's on me.

As I tinkered with these two, I found suddenly that the trigger on my CA P229 was stuck.

After racking the slide a few times (no magazine inserted), I was totally unable to pull the trigger as I'm used to doing at the end of a match stage. "What the heck, man?!?!"

So I tinkered some more and removed the slide. Still can't pull the trigger. "That ain't right! What have I done wrong here?"

Then I moved the CA slide to my "normal" frame and tried the same thing. All worked as expected. Put the normal slide on the CA frame... can't pull the trigger. I can release the hammer by way of the decocker, but that's all.

I reassembled both and put an empty brass into the chamber of the CA, and found that the slide would not go all the way forward as expected. At that point, I was even more confused.

Finally, I cleared the chamber, removed the slide, and inserted an empty magazine, watching from above to see what all moved around. I could see the slide release lever move as the mag finally seated. And I could then pull the trigger.

At that point, things became somewhat more clear: in order to pull the trigger on a CA model, a magazine must be in place. The normal model doesn't require a mag to be in place.

I had thought several times earlier that I'd like to buy a "normal" slide to go on this CA frame, and that would "normalize" it. But now I'm thinking both the slide and the frame are different on the CA model. Is that a true statement?

I had also thought about shooting the CA model in the next match, just to get it some exercise. I'm not sure now that's practical, really, because we're requested to drop the magazine, show clear, and pull the trigger before re-holstering. I can't do that with this gun.

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The questions:

1. Am I understanding the workings of the CA gun correctly?
2. Am I correct in thinking there's more to "normalizing" it than just getting it a new slide (and barrel)?
3. (Admittedly something I have to decide for myself) If it's possible to normalize it, should I do that? Or just attempt to find someone who wants a CA version and sell it?

Thanks, all.

I believe the CA model has a magazine disconnect safety, I.e. the trigger won’t pull without a magazine inserted.

^^^ Exactly. NDs happen when the mag is out, and many folks, without clearing the slide of the unfired round, assume the gun is empty, squeeze the trigger and *BOOM*. With this Kali compliant feature, that ND wouldn't happen.

quote:

Originally posted by 94hokie:
I believe the CA model has a magazine disconnect safety, I.e. the trigger won’t pull without a magazine inserted.

Aha. So it IS that both the slide assembly and the frame assembly are different, then.

Rats.

I need to pack this in its original box and list it, then.

Thank you, 12131 and 94hokie.

You can remove the mag disconnect, and it becomes a non-commie gun. It's located in the locking insert. There should be instructions on the internet.

I am not specifically familiar with the SIG version but most mag disconnects are fairly easily removed and are not an integral part or using bespoke major assemblies. I would THINK you could simply remove/defeat the disconnect.

All of the CA features can be defeated. The most difficult one is the LCI (loaded chamber indicator) in the slide. Removing it leaves an unsightly opening that could potentially be another area for dirt and fouling to accumulate. It’s best to just get a new non-compliant slide and barrel if you want the LCI gone. I don’t know why SIG chose to do an LCI that way instead of just doing a painted tab (like H&K) or protrusion (like Glock) on the extractor itself. I always figured it was just an intentional “screw California” joke.