#8: Mainspring Assembly - Upgrading a West German P226 to Legion Specs

Video 8 of 10 in a series that shows each step in upgrading a West German P226 to P226 Legion specs. This video shows how to upgrade to a modern mainspring assembly like the one in the P226 Legion. Based on the article at www.realgunrevi...
Full series playlist is here: • Upgrading a West Germa...

[@johnk6315]

Wolff Springs says that the factory steel base main spring is #24 and the factory plastic base mainsprings are #21.

[@user-rj6he4qo3t]

The E2 Style mainspring with short plastic seat and long strut is rated at 21 lb. This aplies to Legion and regular models.the older west german models had a 24 lb mainspring. Sig tech verified this.

[@bumper4312]

Not exactly. SA trigger pull weight is also affected by mainspring strength. This is due to the sear positive engagement angle with the hammer full cock notch. This angle, while ensuring a safe "lawyer" trigger, means that the sear must cam the hammer back slightly, further compressing the main or hammer spring, in order to disengage from the hammer full cock notch as the trigger is pulled. Especially on a stock gun, you can observe this by watching the hammer from the side as you slowly pull the trigger. I would not recommend adjusting the sear angle free hand. I use Power Custom Series 1 and 2 fixtures for this. Reducing sear positive angle by about half, approximately 7 degrees, nets a SA pull weight of just under 3 lbs with an 18 or 19 lb mainspring.

[@user-rj6he4qo3t]

It is more accurate to measure pull weights fro middle of the trigger.if you take it near the bottom, the weights will be lighter and not reprsentative of the true weight.

[@joec1665]

Great series. After some extensive research reading Steve’s articles I swapped out my Mainspring in my P6. This one was really easy. Although it’s the mainspring seat didn’t work with my pachmyr grips.

[@markricher7362]

One time on my P229 E2, the back of the Trigger bar got caught on the front of the Hammer Strut. I had to take the grips off and use a hammer and punch to free the trigger bar. Figure that one out.

[@charvelmodel2]

You’re videos are outstanding! I have been binge watching them most of the day and can’t get enough. Very good narration and description of what you are doing. Thanks and keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@stephenallen3551]

Great informative video!!! Question will this upgrade apply to my Sig P 239 SAS 9MM manufacture dated 2014, with the old euro type mainspring assembly?

[@wooddawg4868]

The new style main spring factory strength is 20lb

[@Satchmoeddie]

It is also a shorter spring that sits in a plastic retainer. I just bought a Wolff spring kit to go with my E2 kit for my German P228R.

[@ericeckert2812]

The spring u used is a 21lb spring not a 24lb trigger spring like the old German models 24lb main spring. I use 19lb or the factory 21lb.

[@texasranger6362]

I am fixing to replace my main spring would you say it would have a better trigger pull if I got a Long Hammer strut and short seat

[@Apostasy_Plague]

i wonder if the mainspring assembly in the E2 kit is lighter than the standard assembly? maybe theyre trying to shift weight to the front?

[@T1374]

Have you noticed any parts that are polished or stoned by sig to smooth out the trigger pull? I'm starting a p228 build.

[@lightwarriors7778]

Great video as always..so I was just curious if I could upgrade my 1986 west German p220 main spring as well and if so who do you recommend getting the parts from. Thanks again!

[@crazyskyguy]

Does this mean you could readily swap E2 grips onto a Legion? That might make my day...

[@chef.papa.6tango523]

Yes

[@vdpeer]

So Steve, are you a gun smith? Sig tells me if I mess with my pistol the warranty is no longer in effect. Seems the short reset trigger is no big deal to do though.

[@SteveJenkins]

Hi +Dixon Peer. I refer to myself as an "amateur gunsmith," but I am not a SIG-certified armorer (though I'd love to take that course). SIG may choose to invalidate their warranty if a non-SIG armorer works on the gun, though I haven't heard of that happening yet... unless the individual really hosed something up. :)

[@rickbaugher6569]

Hey Steve, doing my own project. Will the E2 grip work on the west German frame? Thx Rick

[@jonnytestnj2668]

Did you ever find out why the legion P226 has the E2 spring and strut?

[@briantarka6146]

The "new style" was discontinued and replaced with the E2 style.

[@vincer8691]

I put a 18 lb spring and it works every time.

[@teejaver5518]

Does this work for the Sig p227?

[@Goin_In_Dry]

Awesome video series. I just received my sig short reach trigger (prefer it over the Grayguns tigger) and SRT kit in the mail today. I've already upgraded to the G10 and installed a steal guide rod. Did you ever ask Sig why they used the E2 mainspring assembly? I plan on this being my next and most likely final upgrade since I'm happy with the night sights that came on my 226 and the low profile controls aren't something I'm to concerned about.

[@SteveJenkins]

After you install it, lemme know what you think! And wait until you get to video 10. I was very surprised...

[@danrichmond4278]

Have you heard of any problems with reliability with this modification?

[@SteveJenkins]

Hi +dan richmond. As long as you're using factory spring weights, this won't affect reliability at all. It's only when you start putting in aftermarket mainsprings with lower weights (like 17 or 19 lbs) that you run the risk of generating light strikes. Although, I haven't heard of any problems with the 19 pounders, either. The 17s CAN cause some problems, depending on other elements in the action.

[@T.A.B.Videos]

Thanks for the how to

[@davelpz3340]

Any word on the E2 style main spring? I have a 90 German Sig I think I may try the upgrade on.

[@SteveJenkins]

Yes, turns out SIG did it so that owners could easily swap to E2 grips if they want, without changing the strut.

[@yukikazewayne]

+Steve Jenkins (Ferrari Steve) But the E2 kit comes with all those parts, right? You have to purchase them anyway.

[@SteveJenkins]

YukikazeWayne Yep! The kit has everything in it. I also wonder if SIG is just trying to standardize on one mainspring hammer.

[@davelpz3340]

+Steve Jenkins (Ferrari Steve) sig have standardized parts ?lol. I haven't been messing with sigs very long, but man their parts are crazy and can be condusing.

[@montefly88]

Or those aluminum grips

[@vdpeer]

Guess I poster to the wrong video.

[@texasranger6362]

I am cousin to replace my