P245 with pin in the take-down lever (NEED RECOIL SPRINGS)
I picked up a P245 today with something I haven't seen before, a pin that goes through the take-down lever. I can't find images of it on another pistol and the manual that came with it doesn't show the pin in the diagrams, just a standard take-down lever. The pistol has some light wear marks on the the outside but it's very clean inside, maybe unfired outside the factory. The pin moves left/right and has a detent that keeps it in the middle. The take-down lever cannot be rotated if the pin is moved from the middle position.
I don't see a date code on the pistol but it seems to be 1998 production based on the serial number list.
Any insight?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: photoman12001,
That's the switch for a LaserMax Guide Rod Laser. The system replaced the factory recoil spring guide and takedown lever which incorporated a tiny switch. To activate, the pin was pushed from either the left or right side of the pistol. The central position turned the unit off.
July 15, 2026, 02:39 AM
12131
^^^ Yup. Strange the seller didn’t mention anything to OP.
Q
July 15, 2026, 05:55 AM
nhracecraft
That P245 should have Proof Marks and a 'KJ' Date Code on the left side of the Barrel Hood!
If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 47....Making America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die!
July 15, 2026, 07:48 AM
photoman12001
Thanks guys, that's exactly it. I also see the KJ on the barrel; I was looking on the slide. I missed all this during my pre-purchase inspection despite the literal red flag on the end of the guide rod.
Seems like a good buy overall. I'm looking forward to shooting it.
quote:
Originally posted by 12131: ^^^ Yup. Strange the seller didn’t mention anything to OP.
Me too. I bought it at a well-established local shop and the guy knows SIGs. Well I though I did too so that's not saying much.
I’m not particularly interested in that particular pistol, but since photoman was the OP, I knew that the thread was worth a look!
Serious about crackers.
July 15, 2026, 09:07 AM
photoman12001
quote:
Originally posted by Pipe Smoker: I’m not particularly interested in that particular pistol, but since photoman was the OP, I knew that the thread was worth a look!
Not this time. I'm just in here making a fool of myself.
I'm probably going to get new batteries for the Lasermax to see if it works but I'd like to get the pistol back to factory configuration too. I was able to get a factory take-down lever & guide rod but I can't find recoil springs anywhere. Apparently P239 .40/.357SIG springs will work but no luck there either.
It appears that spring is completely unobtainable at the moment. I would contact Wolfe springs directly or hope someone here on the board sitting on an extra one in their parts bin offers one to you.
_________________________ "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last” - Winston Churchil
July 17, 2026, 02:25 PM
cee_Kamp
ISMI Gun Springs would be worth contacting directly in addition to Wolff.
I saw that eBay listing. Guy is out of his freakin' mind. I got the factory recoil guide rod from Top Gun Supply for $10. I did consider that other system but I'd really like to get it back to factory config. As we all know, SIG had these classic pistols figured out.
Originally posted by photoman12001: I saw that eBay listing. Guy is out of his freakin' mind.
100%! While I respect the free market more than most, that opportunistic $115 asking price is beyond the pale.
July 19, 2026, 09:42 AM
Opus Dei
quote:
Originally posted by photoman12001:
I saw that eBay listing. Guy is out of his freakin' mind. I got the factory recoil guide rod from Top Gun Supply for $10. I did consider that other system but I'd really like to get it back to factory config. As we all know, SIG had these classic pistols figured out.
Assuming everything else is there and working, give the LM a try before ridding yourself of it. I've had one on a 229 for years, and it's been trouble-free. They're a little finicky on the detent, but that's been it-the only consequence is it'll activate when shooting if not just right. The lens will get dirty after a few magazines, but just wipe it off.
July 19, 2026, 10:31 AM
photoman12001
quote:
Originally posted by hjs157:
quote:
Originally posted by photoman12001: I saw that eBay listing. Guy is out of his freakin' mind.
100%! While I respect the free market more than most, that opportunistic $115 asking price is beyond the pale.
I'd figure out a way to make my own spring before paying him that money.
quote:
Originally posted by Opus Dei: Assuming everything else is there and working, give the LM a try before ridding yourself of it. I've had one on a 229 for years, and it's been trouble-free. They're a little finicky on the detent, but that's been it-the only consequence is it'll activate when shooting if not just right. The lens will get dirty after a few magazines, but just wipe it off.
I'm definitely keeping the Lasermax and if it still works I'll use it. I want to have the factory parts readily available though.
Thanks, I'll probably try those. They listing doesn't specify 9mm or 40/357SIG but the few reviews mention use with the 40/357SIG.
Dressed it up with Hogue G10 & matte stainless hex screws. Just waiting on the batteries from Lasermax to take it to the range.
The 9mm p239 springs are around 16lbs. The 357/40 p239 OEM springs are around 18lbs. The original p245 spring was around 18lb. This spring is even heavier at 20lb's, but should work just fine in a p245.
July 23, 2026, 10:23 PM
photoman12001
I contacted that manufacturer and they verified that 20# spring is correct. Midway only had two so I bought them.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: photoman12001, 
This message has been edited. Last edited by: