Light Strikes?

thinktwice · September 15, 2012, 09:06 PM

Does anyone know of a good defensive hollow point ammo in 9 mm that is known for soft primers? I have a Sig Sauer P-290 that gives me a light strike whenever it feels like it. It has re strike capability but I am still not comfortable carrying this pistol. I have had the problem with Federal 115gr fmj target ammo and Hornady Critical Defense. I did send the gun back to Sig, and they found nothing wrong with it. However doing sa little research it seems this is a problem with this pitular model. I really like this pistol and would hate to get rid of it so if anyone can help me I sure would appreciate it. Thanks.

TunnelRat · September 15, 2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

I have had the problem with Federal 115gr fmj target ammo

Federal generally has pretty soft primers ...

. If that won't work I'm not sure what to recommend.

Did they say what they examined at the factory?

thinktwice · September 15, 2012, 09:43 PM

Actually they said their gunsmith fired 55 rounds with various ammunition with not one light strike, however they did install the re-strike upgrade. I have no other complaints with this pistol, it feeds and ejects perfect, It just has a light strike problem. I am really stumped and don't know what to do at this point.

TunnelRat · September 15, 2012, 09:47 PM

Quote:

It just has a light strike problem.

To me that's like saying my car just has a stalling problem. That's not a problem I want.

If you had to estimate, how frequent? Like 1 in 100, 1 in a mag, etc... And has it ever happened with defense ammo like the Hornady you mentioned or just range ammo.

**JohnKSa** · September 15, 2012, 09:51 PM

Have a gunsmith check the chamber dimensions. It could be that the chamber is slightly undersize. If it is, that would be a fairly easy fix.

rodfac · September 15, 2012, 11:00 PM

I'd strip the bolt/frame hole that encloses the firing pin...clean it thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and while doing it, check for any burrs. My P290 has had one light strike/failure to fire that fired on the 2nd attempt...I've cleaned mine with no further issues. Short of that, I'd call Sig again and tell 'em you've still got problems. Rod

thinktwice · September 15, 2012, 11:41 PM

I haven't fired much defense ammo yet. Only the Hornady Critical Defense I mentioned. Most has been range ammo, however today I did fire some mixed defense ammo today but most of it was what I had left of the Critical Defense and a few Winchester hollow points. Out of 40 rounds I had one light strike. But then last week I fired a 50 round box of Federal range ammo without one light strike. So really there is no set pattern. The only thing I see that all the ammo has in common is they were all 115 gr, and I can't see where that would have anything to do with this problem.

tipoc · September 16, 2012, 12:09 AM

You may want to drop by the Sig forum to see if this problem is common with a your model.

Meanwhile the gun is not good for carry till the problem is corrected. Have a smith look at it or back to the factory.

This is not a common problem with Sigs in general.

tipoc

September 15, 2012, 09:06 PM	#1
thinktwice Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Posts: 293	Light Strikes? Does anyone know of a good defensive hollow point ammo in 9 mm that is known for soft primers? I have a Sig Sauer P-290 that gives me a light strike whenever it feels like it. It has re strike capability but I am still not comfortable carrying this pistol. I have had the problem with Federal 115gr fmj target ammo and Hornady Critical Defense. I did send the gun back to Sig, and they found nothing wrong with it. However doing sa little research it seems this is a problem with this pitular model. I really like this pistol and would hate to get rid of it so if anyone can help me I sure would appreciate it. Thanks.

September 15, 2012, 09:51 PM	#5
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,972	Have a gunsmith check the chamber dimensions. It could be that the chamber is slightly undersize. If it is, that would be a fairly easy fix. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

September 15, 2012, 11:00 PM	#6
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	I'd strip the bolt/frame hole that encloses the firing pin...clean it thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and while doing it, check for any burrs. My P290 has had one light strike/failure to fire that fired on the 2nd attempt...I've cleaned mine with no further issues. Short of that, I'd call Sig again and tell 'em you've still got problems. Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

September 15, 2012, 09:43 PM	#3
thinktwice Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Posts: 293	Actually they said their gunsmith fired 55 rounds with various ammunition with not one light strike, however they did install the re-strike upgrade. I have no other complaints with this pistol, it feeds and ejects perfect, It just has a light strike problem. I am really stumped and don't know what to do at this point.

September 15, 2012, 11:41 PM	#7
thinktwice Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Posts: 293	I haven't fired much defense ammo yet. Only the Hornady Critical Defense I mentioned. Most has been range ammo, however today I did fire some mixed defense ammo today but most of it was what I had left of the Critical Defense and a few Winchester hollow points. Out of 40 rounds I had one light strike. But then last week I fired a 50 round box of Federal range ammo without one light strike. So really there is no set pattern. The only thing I see that all the ammo has in common is they were all 115 gr, and I can't see where that would have anything to do with this problem.

September 16, 2012, 12:09 AM	#8
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	You may want to drop by the Sig forum to see if this problem is common with a your model. Meanwhile the gun is not good for carry till the problem is corrected. Have a smith look at it or back to the factory. This is not a common problem with Sigs in general. tipoc