Sig extractors - internal vs. short external

[jeep45238]

How do these two compare? I'm leaning towards a short external extractor, the problem I can see with the internal extractors is I can't find any for sale.

My P225 has an internal, but I'm looking to repace it with a P226 to compare against my 92G.

I don't want to be in a spot where I have an issue and can't get parts, but if the internal extractor never needs replacing, why worry about it? Can they be retensioned like 1911 extractors?

[ReverendMeat]

From a logistical standpoint there are other things besides the extractor on the 225 that will hold you back. I couldn't tell you anything about internal extractor replacement schedules or whether they can be retensioned, but my experience with them leads me to believe the design is not as effective as either the short or long external extractors and I see no reason to buy an older stamped slide internal extractor SIG unless it simply tickles a collector's fancy.

[jeep45238]

Thanks, I appreciate it

[Sal Picante]

From a logistical standpoint there are other things besides the extractor on the 225 that will hold you back. I couldn't tell you anything about internal extractor replacement schedules or whether they can be retensioned, but my experience with them leads me to believe the design is not as effective as either the short or long external extractors and I see no reason to buy an older stamped slide internal extractor SIG unless it simply tickles a collector's fancy.

I know when SIG released the old X5, people had issue with the extractors. Bruce Gray supposedly had a fix, but... IMHO: unreliable, which is why I steered away from the X5 guns.

I wish Sig would just do the shorty extractor - works well, self-tensioning, etc.

I think a long extractor works best when oriented slightly high on the breech - like a Beretta 92. The longer lever arm is more sensitive to tensioning, and can cause feed issues if oriented lower - oriented higher, the rim can slip under easier.

This is an issue with the Tanfo and the CZ, again, IMHO...

[3-7-77]

From an Sig armorer standpoint, short external. I could walk you through replacement procedures over the phone. The internal extractor can be harder to source of you need a replacement and more difficult to replace. The P226 in either flavor is already a durable platform. Stay on top your spring and pin replacement schedule and you shouldn't have issues. The double pin system on the folded slide models can be tricky at first, and you have the breech insert to deal with but its not a huge deal, just more complex. If I were seeking another p226 9mm right now, I'd look for a P226r with a German frame and short, external extractor.

[Hauptmann]

From my experience, all of the Sig extractor designs work just fine, and any benefits/detriments between their designs boils down to non-performance preferrences. I think the optimal combination is a short, machined external extractor for its ease of maintenance, and the fact that it is coupled with a stainless CNC slide.

[M2CattleCo]

I say get a MK25. I think it's the best P226 they've made.

[jeep45238]

Looks like short is winning by a landslide.

Would this style of specimin be considered the best overall mix for the P226 in ya'll opinion?

https://www.gunsamerica.com/976365847/Sig-Sauer-P226-Pistol.htm

[Hauptmann]

Looks like short is winning by a landslide.

Would this style of specimin be considered the best overall mix for the P226 in ya'll opinion?

https://www.gunsamerica.com/976365847/Sig-Sauer-P226-Pistol.htm

Looks to be. Its serial number looks like it was manufactured around 2004, so probably good to go. However, I am not a fan of the solid slide pins as they are can be a PITA(break out drill and hydraulic press) to remove. My preference is either W. German roll pin slides, or later model snail pin models.

[taadski]

Looks to be. Its serial number looks like it was manufactured around 2004, so probably good to go. However, I am not a fan of the solid slide pins as they are can be a PITA(break out drill and hydraulic press) to remove. My preference is either W. German roll pin slides, or later model snail pin models.


The solid pins can be replaced with the new spiral pins, FWIW. And while the solid ones can indeed be a PITA to deal with, I've never had to use a drill or a press to remove them. A little patience and the appropriate cup tipped punch has always gotten the job done for me. I'd prioritize a milled slide over the folded versions from both a durability standpoint and a parts availability one. The internal extractors are indeed becoming more difficult to source.

[LSP552]

The solid pins can be replaced with the new spiral pins, FWIW. And while the solid ones can indeed be a PITA to deal with, I've never had to use a drill or a press to remove them. A little patience and the appropriate cup tipped punch has always gotten the job done for me. I'd prioritize a milled slide over the folded versions from both a durability standpoint and a parts availability one. The internal extractors are indeed becoming more difficult to source.

This is my experience also, except I was unaware that you could use a spiral pin to replace the solid FFPP. I learn something every day here!

[M2CattleCo]

Looks like short is winning by a landslide.

Would this style of specimin be considered the best overall mix for the P226 in ya'll opinion?

https://www.gunsamerica.com/976365847/Sig-Sauer-P226-Pistol.htm

Not to me. I don't like the Sig rail. The MK25 and original Combat P226s are the best ones they've ever made IMO. I had a very early MK25 and I have two made last year and I haven't had a bit of trouble out of any of 'em.

[jeep45238]

Think cheap bastard that's not willing to buy new - the more scuffed up the outside is, the cheaper I can buy it for. I also don't own a weaponlight, so while the flexibility for future options is nice, it's not a deal breaker currently to either not have a rail, or have a non-pic, so long as I can get holsters for it.

[M2CattleCo]

Ok. Be careful with beat up Sigs. They don't have grip bushings and the aluminum threads in the frame are super easy to strip. MANY old Sigs out there with a stripped frame hole or two...

[jeep45238]

Appreciate the heads up. More of a reason to attempt a try before I buy if possible.

[Hauptmann]

Ok. Be careful with beat up Sigs. They don't have grip bushings and the aluminum threads in the frame are super easy to strip. MANY old Sigs out there with a stripped frame hole or two...

I agree. The more beat up the Sig, there is a likelihood that it might have something damaged on it like stripped out grip screw threads. However, the only time I have encountered stripped out threads has been on P229 .40/.357s as they have thinner mag wells. It is hard to get a full inspection on a used pistol when ordered online.

Personally, I would buy new.......anything made after 2012 for the peace of mind, and full Sig Sauer warranty.

[David S.]

Ok. Be careful with beat up Sigs. They don't have grip bushings and the aluminum threads in the frame are super easy to strip. MANY old Sigs out there with a stripped frame hole or two...

I believe that any P226/P229, even the older ones, can be retrofitted to use E2 grips.

ETA: OTOH, that's a pretty expensive conversion (http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-e2-grip-kit-p229.html) ($70) if you have to buy the new style trigger bar ($60) and mainspring ($7).

[David S.]

As far as I can tell, the general consensus over at SIGForum is that they seem pretty satisfied with the performance of the new long extractor. On the other hand, there are still a bunch of purists that don't like the aesthetics of the new design, but those are the same guys that bitch about the unsightly rail.

They will acknowledge that SIG Sauer went through a major rough spot for the first few years ('08-'12????) after Cohen took over. There were serious QC issues and they produced some questionable guns. The overall consensus seems to be that those problems to have since been resolved and they are now making guns that are as reliable as they ever have been, and will probably last longer than the older style.

[jeep45238]

Had a brief time with a p225, shot it spooky accurate, but can't justify running a gun that doesn't have mags or major internal parts easily available (like the extractor).

We'll blame this on the whiskey and coke, as always look at software over hardware (and lusting for a Sig again): but when I shot 1911's exclusively, from Rock Islands, Para, and Colt, I always had an internal extractor. Before I knew dilly about minor smithing, maintenance, etc., to when I understood how a firing pin stop profile can impact hammer spring selection - always had an internal extractor.

I also never had a single issue with extraction or having to replace them. Wasn't a very high volume shooter by any means, but at the peak I was looking at about 700 a week with no issues, dunked the thing in an unltrasonic cleaner filled with atf and mineral solvents, and never thought twice about replacing the extractor; they were tensioned correctly from the get go and never provided a problem for me.

Let's just pretend that an older P228 presents itself at a reasonable price. I can't find a single damn place that has internal extractors for the old school p226/228/229 pistols, although I hear rumors that there's one guy who makes them (and his website is down) and other rumors that Sig will still service/replace them if the pistol is sent in (just not available for sale anymore). How likely am I to have similar experiences with my old 1911's of 'always feed from the magazine and no problems' versus the thing work hardening and failing?

Part of me likes the internal for keeping exterior goop out of there and it looks like it's easily cleaned - part of me likes the short extractor for maintenance with no sacrificial pins - but the wallet is dictating price is right rules, which probably means older, and maybe an internal extractor 228 or 226.

It will be a shooter, but work will be shared with my Beretta (the primary piece).


Blame whiskey for rambling, back to your regularly scheduled PF....

[LSP552]

Oops...old post