I have a ? regarding Sig decockers

[1sailor]

I own an older (not W. Germany) Sig P239 and I have a question regarding the decockers on Sig pistols. Is there a firing pin block or some other device that keeps the gun safe when decocking. The hammer seems to want to drop pretty fast and it feels like the only thing slowing it down is pressure on the decocker lever. Seems like it must have some sort of failsafe. On my Beretta it's pretty obvious but I'd like some reassurance on the Sig. Otherwise it's just as easy to physically lower the hammer.

 

[M29since14]

I know SIG recommends that you ALWAYS use the decocker to lower the hammer. That tells me something, but someone more qualified should answer your question directly.

 

[1sailor]

Well, there's no reason for a decocker if it doesn't drop the hammer safely. So, I would guess that there is an internal safety. I just want to make sure.

 

[colt_saa]

The SIG P2XX family of auto loaders has a firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from touching the primer unless the trigger is in the rearward most position

 

[1sailor]

Thanks, that's the info I needed. I don't think I've fired this gun in seven or eight years. Now for some reason I've started paying attention to it and thought I'd take it out shooting again. For what it is it's actually pretty accurate. Especially for a .40S&W which I'm not usually as good with. The target below was shot years ago when I first got the gun. This is 40 rounds at 20 meters.

 

[1sailor]

The grips on mine are the Hogue wrap around with finger grooves. They force my middle finger up against the trigger guard in a pretty uncomfortable way. Have you noticed this issue using straight (non-finger groove) grips? If I decide to hang onto it (no pun intended) I was thinking about something like the G-10 grips.

 

[Doug M.]

Sig is quite insistent that one use the decocker and that lowering the hammer without that is unsafe. Seems like a clue to me.

 

[Krogen]

I use the decocker on mine, but I make sure I point them in a safe direction while using it. I won't do it inside the house when loading a round in the chamber for carry. Outside I go and point at the ground. It gives me pause to see the hammer snap forward like it does. I've always had predictable results with the decocker, but I'm well aware there are risks with things mechanical.

 

[1sailor]

Sig insisting that the decocker be used exclusively doesn't really mean all that much. I'm sure they would also tell you to NEVER use reloads either. However, I will use the decocker knowing there is an added safety feature.

 

[M29since14]

My understanding is that using the decocker brings the hammer to rest in a sort of intercept notch that further protects the weapon against an accidental discharge in case it is dropped. There apparently had been accidental discharges when the hammer is lowered manually and the weapon is dropped, including one that killed a deputy somewhere in California. That tragedy might not have happened if the decocker had been used. (In this case the weapon was a P220.)

I believe the design of the hammer was subsequently improved, but SIG still insists that the decocker is always used, which really is essentially just a matter of common sense. Nevertheless, as pointed out earlier by Krogen, blindly trusting the decocker, like anything else mechanical that could be dangerous in the event of a failure, is not wise.

 

[Bullet Bob]

"Sig insisting that the decocker be used exclusively doesn't really mean all that much"

Since the only alternative would be depressing the trigger while holding on to the hammer, I would think telling people to use the decocker excluisvely would make very good sense.

 

[1sailor]

And as I stated, since there is that extra safety feature then yes, using the decocker makes sense. It makes sense because it is an actual safety feature and not just the Sig lawyers covering the backsides.

 

[Simplereloader]

I have a number of Sig P226s that I've been using for the past 30 years. I drop the de-cocker every time and have never had it fire. I'd call Sig if you are concerned. The customer service and gunsmith team at Sig is still like a small business. I would also recommend the Short Reset Trigger enhancement. If you send it to them for the SRT they will go through the pistol as well free of charge. I can't say enough about their customer service. I hope this helps.

 

[LVSteve]

The only decocker I've heard of that can give issues is on the CZ-52.

 

[rockquarry]

I always use the decocker on my Sigs. I don't know why anyone would do otherwise. Seems to be a very safe system.

 

[cd228]

I've owned SIGs for a while, includig a SIG 239. Great Pistol, it wishes it was a 3913

I was mid way a really convoluted explanation of the firing pin safety and how it worked with the decocker on the SIG.
Then I tried googling an image that would help you visualize it and I found this link:SIG Sauer Classic P-Series (P226, P220, P229) Internal Animations - Real Gun Reviews
If you look at the animation on the bottom of the first page you can see how the trigger and associated levers raise the firing pin safety. When you use the decocker, the firing pin safety remains in place. this prevents a discharge. There is more to it, but we'll keep it simple.

Never decock a traditional P series SIG by pulling the trigger, it deactivates the firing pin safety and if you lose control of the trigger it can fire.

 

[Imissedagain]

We always use the decocker on our Smith M59, Walther PPKs and Sig P239 pistols. We also ride the hammer down with our thumb when using the decocker.
A dumb kid in NYC had the muzzle on his thigh when he used the decocker on a Walther PPK. Bullet and gun powder made for a long hospital stay. Things break unexpectedly.
Been using the Smith 59 for decades.
We have two S&Walther PPKs 380s.
Bought post recall.
Was the recall because the gun would fire, without the trigger being pulled, when the decocker/safety was used?

 

[fleaflop]

If you ever take the slide apart on a Sig 239 it becomes obvious and you will see and understand how the system works... The other option, that you mentioned is thumb drop. This option is not recommended because to release the hammer, even with your thumb on board,... is you must pull the trigger... when the trigger is pulled, the safety that blocks the FP from moving fully forward is disengaged. This allows the FP to have free travel all the way to the primer (if your thumb slips off). Bottom line,... if you slip, she goes off, unless you can get your finger off the trigger before the hammer bottoms out. I would not count on that! The sig hammer drop needs no trigger and is totally safe.... Hope that makes sense.

 

[A10]

Sig 239s are really nice guns. Mine is a 9 and is far more accurate than I am. I'm a lefty and manipulation of the decocker is a bit tricky but certainly doable. The good thing is it assures my index finger is well clear of the trigger when decocking the gun!

 

[HarpHack]

The short hammer and somewhat awkward angles involved remove any thought of
my ever skipping the lever. Cocking for a SA first round is likewise bothersome, but a very small price for SA capability.

I really love mine - not pretty but near perfect for my purposes.