A problem is a problem, regardless of how easy it is to fix. This mag base was just too tight.
While it is a very minor problem and was easily fixed, I did run into a snag with the 12 round P224 magazines seating correctly while running the gun. It was a problem particularly if I was doing a reload with retention where the slide was in complete lock up. It turns out that the base pads on both magazines were slightly oversized. If you look at the picture above, you can see a very tight fit, especially in the area where the base pad steps up to meet the grip shell. I found myself periodically having to smack the bottom of the magazine to get it seated correctly.
Problem solved. But should it have happened in the first place?
I did not have to take much off of the base pads to get them to work better. A few passes with a smooth cut file and I was done. They insert properly in a single motion now and have only slight bit of movement in lock up.
The rest of this update is a comparison in pictures. According to each company’s web site, the P224-9 SAS weights 29 ounces dry; the Glock 19 weighs 21.6 ounces empty: the Glock 26 weighs 19.75 ounces empty and the M&P9C weighs 21.7 ounces dry.
P224 next to the M&P9C
P224 next to the Glock Model 26. (it is actually a G27 because one was handy, but they are the same size.)
P224 next to a Glock 19.
I have one more range session planned for the P224-9 and I will post those results once I am done. I plan to go only to 5000 rounds with this gun. I do not find anything smaller than a G19 or a P228/9 comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time and I have no real desire to push it.
For a winter carry IWB or shoulder carry I’m looking for a proven design in 40. I’ve always been interested in the sig P239 as a cleaned-up/graced-up slimmer 225. The 239 actually has an older European look to it. At any rate I’ll be giving the P224 a look in addition though it will be a drastically higher priced pistol compared to the 239. I’ve handled the p239 before and right away liked the ergonomics of it but felt that much thinner grips would be nice to take advantage of the singlestack. Also even though empty weight on both of these is the same the p224 will be a little heavier loaded with 10 rds vs 7 rds for the singlestack, but that’s not criticall again considering this for winter carry. I also don’t mind a thicker gun for winter carry. 10rds is better then 7rds of 40 but if I can carry a 239 with the longer grip not printing I’m leaning that direction as its full 3 finger grip is preffered and I think with much thinner aftermarket grips the gun will not dig into me as much-though again winter carry not as much an issue with undershirt and good belt. The classic line of Sigs are not as size or weight efficient as a lot of other choices including CCW 1911s, but a classic Sig is reliable and instintive to shoot for me. The Sig DA/SA system is one of the best and I’m quite accurate with it not having to concentrate as much on my technique as I do with say a Kahr or other smaller carry guns with odd triggers.