TL;DR on How to Disassemble and Reassemble a Sig Slide
Learn how to fully disassemble and reassemble Sig pistol slides for the P220, P225, P228, P229, and M11.
Covers both carbon steel and stainless steel slide versions.
Step-by-step guide for removing and reinstalling the firing pin, extractor, and breach block.
Uses clear, hands-on guidance so you can follow without needing visual cues.
[Tools Used Guide – Coming Soon!] will list all the tools needed for the job.
How to Disassemble and Reassemble a Sig Slide Intro
Working on a Sig slide might sound complicated at first, but once you understand the differences between carbon steel and stainless steel versions, it all clicks. In this guide, we’ll walk through disassembling and reassembling the slides for the Sig Sauer P220, P225, P228, P229, and M11 pistols. Whether your slide is carbon steel or stainless steel, we’ve got you covered step-by-step.
How do you tell if your Sig slide is carbon steel or stainless steel?
Start by looking at the finish. Carbon steel slides usually have a darker, blued appearance, while stainless steel slides are lighter and silver in color. If you pick them up, stainless slides tend to feel heavier than carbon steel.
How do you remove the breach block from a carbon steel Sig slide?
Hold the slide firmly and locate the breach block pin. Use a punch to push the pin out from the side. Once the pin is removed, the breach block will lift out of the slide. You might need to give it a gentle nudge if it feels snug.
How do you remove the firing pin safety lock and firing pin assembly from a carbon steel slide?
Press down on the firing pin safety lock button. While holding it down, slide the firing pin assembly out the back of the slide. Move carefully—there’s spring tension here, so keep your hand ready to catch it.
How do you remove the extractor from a carbon steel Sig slide?
With the firing pin removed, you’ll see the extractor sitting inside its channel. Take a punch and gently tap the extractor pin out. Once free, lift the extractor out of the slide.
How do you reinstall the extractor in a carbon steel Sig slide?
Position the extractor back into its channel. Insert the extractor pin and gently tap it back into place. Make sure the extractor moves freely when you’re done.
How do you install the firing pin spring on a carbon steel Sig slide?
Slide the firing pin spring onto the shaft of the firing pin. Seat it firmly so it doesn’t shift during installation.
How do you reinstall the firing pin into a carbon steel Sig slide?
While pressing the firing pin safety lock button, insert the firing pin assembly back into the slide. Release the button once the firing pin is seated and make sure it moves freely when pressed.
How do you reinstall the breach block into a carbon steel Sig slide?
Set the breach block back into its slot. Line up the pin holes carefully. Tap the breach block pin back in gently until it’s flush with the slide surface.
How do you remove the positioning pin from a stainless steel Sig slide?
Locate the small positioning pin near the breach block area. Using a punch, carefully push the pin out. Stainless pins can be tighter, so work patiently.
How do you remove the firing pin and firing pin safety lock from a stainless steel Sig slide?
Press the firing pin safety lock and slide the firing pin assembly out the back. Just like on the carbon steel model, watch for spring tension.
How do you remove the extractor from a stainless steel Sig slide?
After removing the firing pin, push the extractor pin out gently with a punch. Stainless extractors fit tightly, so don’t rush it. Once free, lift the extractor out.
How do you reinstall the extractor in a stainless steel Sig slide?
Place the extractor back into its slot. Align it carefully and reinstall the extractor pin. Tap the pin into place firmly but gently.
How do you install the firing pin spring on a stainless steel Sig slide?
Slide the spring onto the firing pin shaft and make sure it’s seated fully at the back.
How do you reinstall the firing pin and firing pin safety lock in a stainless steel Sig slide?
Depress the firing pin safety lock, slide the firing pin assembly into the slide, then release the lock button. Test the movement to make sure it’s smooth.
How do you reinstall the positioning pin into a stainless steel Sig slide?
Align the breach block carefully. Push the positioning pin back into its hole until it sits flush with the outside of the slide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sig Slide Disassembly and Reassembly
Is it hard to take apart a Sig slide?
It’s not hard once you know the differences between carbon steel and stainless steel setups. Taking your time is key.
What tools do I need to disassemble and reassemble a Sig slide?
You’ll need a basic set of punches, a non-marring hammer, and a clean work surface. No specialty tools are required.
Can I replace parts like the extractor while working on the slide?
Yes, slide disassembly is a perfect time to replace worn parts like the extractor, firing pin spring, or safety lock.
How do I know if my Sig slide is carbon steel or stainless steel?
Carbon steel slides are darker and lighter, while stainless steel slides are silver-colored and heavier.
Do I have to remove the breach block every time?
No, full breach block removal is usually only necessary for deep cleaning or part replacement.
Final Thoughts on Sig Slide Disassembly and Reassembly
Taking apart and putting your Sig slide back together doesn’t take special tools—just a little time and patience. Knowing whether you’re working with carbon steel or stainless steel makes a big difference in how smoothly the job goes. As always, slow steady pressure beats forcing anything.
Stay organized, take your time, and double-check your work. If you want to see exactly what tools we recommend for the job, check out our [Tools Used Guide – Coming Soon!].
Sig Slide Disassembly and Reassembly Video Index
Time
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0:00
Intro
0:33
Identifying a Carbon Steel Slide from Stainless Steel
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Original Content by The Rogue Banshee / My Rogue Solutions LLC. Credit: Jason Schaller Email: jschaller@trb.fyi
About the Author: Jason Schaller is a former FFL holder and founder of Eagle Eye Shooters Supply in Helena, MT, where he provided professional gunsmithing services and guided customers on all aspects of firearms ownership. Today, he teaches DIY gunsmithing at The Rogue Banshee and serves as a Chief Instructor at Freedom Crew University. With over a decade of hands-on professional experience with firearms and nearly 30 years in IT, Jason also holds top cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC. When he’s not geeking out, he’s helping others build self-reliance, critical thinking, and firearms proficiency through real-world content.
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