paperchasin

I did a quick search here but did not see any mention of it, so I thought I'd start a new thread. Anyways, being from CA, I was very excited to see that the P229 Enhanced Elite model made it onto the "Safe" roster. I was very close to purchasing when when I saw this picture of the LCI on the top/rear of the slide and was infuriated. Here is a picture of it (I borrowed the picture from the Original Owner)

Reliable

I predict that alot of slides will be refinished in Kalifornia.

ChefJeff1

A loaded chamber indicator is fine but is the arrow and double type really necessary.

Kenny D

I just don't know anymore. I can't believe that they would have to put that lettering directly on the weapon. I believe that if someone is that ignorant to need it spelled out with a big white arrow then they do not need to handle a firearm. I guess its just like every other item, it has to be "idiot proofed". Seriously if someone can't read the description in the owners manual then how are they going to be able to read it on the gun. Just my opinion.

paperchasin

I agree 100%. I thought about it all day and was hoping that there would be some way to remove the writing. I asked around and I was told that the writing is laser etched onto the slide. I'm wondering if a touch-up pen would work to change the white lettering to black.

sigp229r

Wow... this looks like Sig's way to protect themselves against frivolous lawsuits.

larr12

x2

x1000

Kenny D

Is this a California thing or is this going to be on all Sigs sold in the U.S.?

Reliable

From what I have read, it is a California thing at this time.

Mpower5266

I never understood loaded chamber indicators. I was taught that all guns are always loaded, if you treat guns that way you would never need such an indicator.

Reliable

Correct and well said!

txshurricane

Agreed!

SmevSIG

I have the LCI on my Ruger LC9. The wording they put on it is discreet and not at all obnoxious.

As it's my carry gun, I alternate between having a round in the pipe for carry and not when it's sitting at home. I live alone and don't feel the need to put it away. It stays on a side table in my family room during the day and on my nightstand at night. As the rare visiting friend or my girlfriend might for some reason pick it up, I prefer to leave it unchambered though the mag's full. Safety's always on too. If I were planning a party or dinner, I would of course put it in a safe location. Also, it's a new gun so I frequently swap the full mag for an empty for dry fire practice. (Yes...I always clear it prior to the swap) As my situation allows me to safely and conveniently alternate between chambered and not, I like having the LCI.

I, of course, always treat every gun I pick up as if it were loaded and verify this, but I like the additional measure of safety on this particular gun.

That said, I would not want it one my 226. It's a different gun to me; hard to explain so I'm not going to bother. Not to mention the fact that they went way overboard on the accompanying graphics. (Damned lawyers)

As a note: there's a company offering a replacement piece to remove the LCI on the LC9. It is black like the rest of the gun and makes it barely noticeable. Maybe someone will do the same for affected SIGs. Too bad that they chose to deface the slide with the hideous and apparently permanent graphics. I can't imagine the effect on downstream value of one of these.

SmevSIG

I have some experience with laser etching and other product graphics.

If indeed the graphics are laser etched, it will make the letters etched in the surface permanent, but it won't turn stainless white. Therefore, the white can most likely be removed. The white is probably a paint of some sort that could be removed with solvent without affecting the nitrile, but the etched letters would remain.

Maybe (hopefully) it's just a decal or pad print. If so, benzene or acetone would wipe it off. I'd have to see one first.

Not by any means a recommendation, rather a measure of hope. I would certainly try any solvent in an inconspicous area to see if it affects the nitrile before wiping the top of my slide. When trying solvents, always start with the least volatile first and work your way up. Evaporation rates are a good indicator, though I'm not a chemist.

paperchasin

^^^A measure of hope indeed. I hope someone that has one would figure something out before I take the plunge.

txshurricane

I handled an LC9 on Saturday and I would not say that it's any more discreet than the Sig that is pictured above:





By no means am I saying that it's particularly obnoxious, but it's definitely an eyesore - in my opinion. Not to mention the offensive principle of the thing. And on top of all that, it's ripe for a backfire: making more shortcuts for inexperienced shooters is not going to make them safer firearm handlers...in fact, it could have the opposite effect.

Myself, I shy away from trigger safeties (see: Glock / Springfield XD) and any loaded chamber indicators that change the profile of the gun, even minutely. As far as I'm concerned LCIs are just another way for the gun to get snagged in a holster or to impede your sight picture.

SmevSIG

By saying that it was "discrete and not at all obnoxious" I was refering to the fact that it's etched within the LCI and painted black as opposed to the high contrast white lettering on the black frame. Also, this allows for the wording to be removed when the silver LCI bar is replaced with the blank black bar. Perhaps I should have said that it was more unobtrusive and easier to "correct".

I too was concerned that it might interefere with the sight picture, but I can't see it at all when sighting properly.

As an experienced gun owner, I by no means completely rely on it or consider it a shortcut to proper safety. I do agree that if used for this purpose, depending on the LCI instead of properly clearing the gun, it could easily foster bad habits in new shooters. I hadn't considered the inexperienced owner aspect, but you are right on.

I also agree on principle. My first thought was that it was mandated for supposed "safer handling" and done so by people who've likely never handled a gun in the first place.

I'll have to give it more thought, but for now I'll say that any subjective pros and cons of the LCI didn't dissuade me from purchase and it doesn't bother me. The fact that the gun was slim, lightweight, and well suited for it's intended purpose made my decision. USA made to boot!

As for the trigger safety, you can simply not use it or remove the mechanism entirely in a matter of minutes. You can even paint over the red dot that remains on the frame insert.

txshurricane

You have to figure: these are both designed in a way to catch the eye. Just depends on who's looking at it, I suppose.

That's good. Since I was handling it at a retailer I didn't have a chance to load it, for obvious reasons.

All good news for anyone looking to buy.

zulu

Compliments of Dianne Feinstein, Chuck Schumer's California twin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gun owner for 50 years---

sigp229r

I was also taught "Do not put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire", and I have lost count the number of times I have seen people pick up a gun and their trigger finger is resting on the trigger almost immediately.