Sig Sauer Legion PVD finish concerns

Melnibonean

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On a number of social media groups and online forums across the internet, there have been reports from Sig Sauer Legion owners of the finish on their handguns wearing off, rusting in spots, or cracking off after relatively little time of ownership or use. Initially it appeared to be user blame in some of the cases, but a general search reveals that a number of owners are coming forward with complaints. The finish in question is their PVD process that uses a abrasion-resistant finish. Also, the pistol has an Alloy frame, with a Stainless Steel slide. For those who don’t know, PVD is-

“Physical vapor deposition (PVD) describes a variety of vacuum deposition methods which can be used to produce thin films. PVD uses physical process (such as heating or sputtering) to produce a vapor of material, which is then deposited on the object which requires coating.”

These are 11 PVD finish issues I fround concerning the Legion. This is also just from a simple Google search of Legion finishes.

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Pistol 2-

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Pistol 3-

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Pistol 4, more of that ring rub again. Also the holster is made by Savage Holsters in case you were wondering!-

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Pistol 5-

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Pistol 6-

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Pistol 7 this Legion left the factory and a gun shop without any Sig markings on the slide-

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Pistol 8-

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Pistol 9-

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Pistol 10, the slide is flaking

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Pistol 11-

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Pistol 12 and 13, not pictured as I’m not able to get pictures at this time of rust on the slide and frame. If I can get pictures of them, I’ll update it.

Places the finish is becoming worn down are specifically the front strap of the grip, and the top of the slide. In addition to the usual spots being worn down on the slide rails on the frame, and inside the slide itself. A common cause for probable wearing down of the front strap is “ring rub” or a shooters gold wedding band scratching up the frame. Although this may be the case for a number of shooters, I think the fact remains that this isn’t common across the spectrum of modern handgun finishes. Two Legion owners that I know personally stated that rust was beginning to form on the top of the slide, and the back strap of the grip. The second owner stated that it was probably from carrying the pistol appendix style, so sweat accumulation could be the culprit.

All firearms wear down. They get shot, dropped, handled, holster wear, etc… But the rate that these Legions are wearing seems to be much faster than other modern non polymer frame handguns. If this is happening within the first year of sales, what will these Legions look like five, ten years down the service road?




Luckily, Sig Sauer seems to be very responsive to owner complaints and is shipping back slides and frames when owners are calling up about them. In addition it appears that the PVD finish complaints are more leveled at the 2016 series instead of the 2015 manufacture series.




http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/10/13/sig-sauer-legion-pvd-finish-concerns/
 
Why did they switch finishes? What was wrong with Nitron slides and anodized lowers?

Actually I just answered my own questions... nothing was wrong with those.

The real question is, why the new finish?
 
Because people who are Legion need to make sure you know that they're Legion. They also need know from a distance who is eligible to coin at the local range. Can't do that if your 226 looks like everyone else's 226.
 
They also need know from a distance who is eligible to coin at the local range.

Where I'm from you have to earn a challenge coin... some clown flashing a coin he got with an overpriced pistol will get exactly what he deserves if he's running around like that...

That said, Sig USA seems plagued with problems. Too bad for a once great and unquestioned brand.
 
Both of ours are great--no issues.

Say what you will about the marketing, both the P226 Legion SAO and DA/SA models seem to have quite a few happy purchasers.
 
No brand is immune to occasional issues. My old Gen 4 glock 19's finish was ####.
 
I was so tempted to get one, for a long time, but I got over it by shooting my Stainless Elites repeatedly. They are already a fantastic firearm (if heavier then some like, I don't mind them) and the are capable of more than I bring to the table in my shooting. They consistently make me look good though. And I'm sure they finish won't wear or chip.
 
Personally, my 226 US made dark elite has run flawlessly and the finish is still great. I suspect this new finish they put on
Is having teething pains, nothing more.
 
The Legions are a normal p-series with a discounted upgrade package, the large chunk of that being the undercut, serrations and checkering, X-ray sights and the Grayguns trigger. The PVD finish is whatever, it's a finish.

All that said, mine runs flawlessly and has a touch of normal wear from holster draw but was great from the factory. Trigger is fanfukentastic and the sights are some of the best I've tried (for combat style night sights).

I was worried about the PVD and bought anyway. If there is an issue, MDC and Sig will take care of it. Or there is always custom cerakote. ;)

The coin and case are $30 worth of swag, but it didn't factor into my choice of P226 models. The mechanical upgrades did.
 
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