Is there a decent gunsmith in the Philadelphia area?

[runningfast]

Hey, everyone.

I'd like to have the magazine catch on my Sig Sauer P229r swapped to the right side of the frame. I've downloaded the armorer's manual for the Sig Sauer P Series, and it wasn't of much help to me. I've pressed in on the indent on the side of the magazine catch, but it wouldn't 'give' at all, so I'm a bit lost.

I called Sig Sauer and they're asking $24.99 for shipping back to me, plus whatever it costs me to ship to them, and then $59.99 for the actual service. That definitely strikes me as excessive. I asked them whether having a local gunsmith do the change would void my warranty- they told me no, so long as the gentleman was a Sig Sauer certified armorer.

So, I'm looking for: a decent gunsmith in the Philadelphia region, accessible by SEPTA, and preferably who is certified to work on Sig Sauers.

[JayBell]

Go see John at Classic Pistol, he'll fix you up.

[SierraPapa]

I'll second John. He's THE man when it comes to gunsmithing in the area...

[topsykretts]

I'll second John. He's THE man when it comes to gunsmithing in the area...

tag for future reference

[runningfast]

I called John at CP. He would charge $35 which is much better... but he is not Sig certified. I know that he has a very good reputation but, even so, I'm not sure I'm comfortable voiding the warranty on my brand new Sig.

[cyclesteel]

Try Sean over at CDI I am not sure if he is Sig certified or not but it does not hurt to ask

His number is 215-996-1603

[JayBell]

"sig certified" like "glock certified" is a crock...its a fucking MAG RELEASE..

the man builds custom guns from SCRATCH, and has done so for me, just go take it to him.

sheesh

[Smalls]

"sig certified" like "glock certified" is a crock...its a fucking MAG RELEASE..

the man builds custom guns from SCRATCH, and has done so for me, just go take it to him.

sheesh

I called John at CP. He would charge $35 which is much better... but he is not Sig certified. I know that he has a very good reputation but, even so, I'm not sure I'm comfortable voiding the warranty on my brand new Sig.

As long as he's not popping it out with a dowel rod and a claw hammer, Sig will never now the difference of work from a competent gunsmith and a "Sig Sauer" competent gunsmith.

I've had my 220 Elite worked on by a non certified and you can't tell a difference at all. It's hype

If the gentleman can build a fully functioning weapon from scratch. I'd imagine he has a handle on how to do a mag release

[RickD]

Thought experiment: you have the mod done by John. Years from now you need to send it to the factory. If they even notice the left hand mag release, they shrug and just fix whatever you sent it in for.

I don't think they'll ask who made the modifications at some vague distant date in the future.
BTW, I spoke to him today. He's quite modest but I think he could do it in his sleep. With his hands tied behind his back. Under water.
I seriously think this is much a-doodoo about nothing. Just get it done and enjoy.

[runningfast]

Thanks, all.

This being my first gun, I'm just a little paranoid I guess. After speaking to a few people (gunsmiths and then you guys here) it seems like a very simple job.

Chris at CDI said "what kind of work do you need done? will it require machining?" and I responded "I need the magazine release on my P229 reversed for a left handed shooter" and he sounded kind of puzzled. He asked whether he'd have to make a spot for it, and I told him no, there was already a 'perforation' or 'plate' or something in the spot, and he just laughed and went "uh... I dunno, $10?"

Heh.

I'll just have it done locally, depending on which smith has the shortest turnaround. John at CP told me two weeks which kinda sucks so I'll call around a little more tomorrow.