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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

OFFSET Extended Mag Release

What's the trick to removing the factory mag release?

  • The magazine release is secured (on the opposite side) by a plastic retaining plug's locking tab that sits inside a ramped channel on the magazine release. The internally held tab is accessed through a disassembly hole that is visible when fully depressing the magazine release button. Pushing a rod into the hole bends the tab, allowing it to slip over and out of the way of a retaining wall lip at the end of the ramp.

    INSTRUCTIONS: UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM. With the release button in a horizontal or downward facing orientation, SIMULTANEOUSLY apply thumb pressure to FULLY EXTEND the magazine release while,
    • EASY - Using a small picture hanger nail, grip-able push pin, or T-pin. Insert the tool into the disassembly hole at a 45 degree angle and apply pressure while rocking the handle of the tool down towards the grip, as to "PRY" the retaining plug out.
    • HARDER - Using a steel L-shaped rod or hex wrench less than or equal to 1.4mm (0.055") diameter. FLUCTUATE PRESSURE on the tool as it is inserted into the disassembly hole. (Too much pressure effectively pins the entire retaining plug against the grip module wall. Too little pressure will not sufficiently bend the tab to clear the lip of the ramp it is resting in.) Simultaneously, hook your thumb nail into the notch exposed on the fully extended retaining plug. LIFT STRAIGHT OUT.

          Will this fit my specific brand of holster?
          • With hundreds of holsters on the market, there is simply too many to verify. We recommend checking your holster of choice to see if it partially or fully covers the magazine release. While most rigid injection molded or thermoform plastic holsters are drop-in ready and clear the magazine release, a few may require relieving the material covering the release by touching it to a Dremel® or other sanding/buffing tool to fit. Otherwise, a heat gun or hair drier may be used to soften *only* the affected segment of Kydex/Boltaron and then reformed by fitting the enhanced pistol in the holster and allowed to cool. *Disclaimer, make sure you take all safety precautions by wearing appropriate protective gear and are familiar with the manufacturer's recommended operation of any tools you utilize. Any modifications made to your equipment is your responsibility. Align Tactical, LLC will not be held liable for damages made. If you are not comfortable operating tools or following these modifications, seek appropriate assistance or consider a supplemental holster that does not cover the magazine release.

          Can't I just flip the "right-handed" OFFSET Extended Magazine Release to the other side for us lefties?

          • It will physically install, however, doing so would negate the benefits of our release. This is because the grip-blending bottom cutaway portion of the release will be on the top, thereby lowering your grip on the pistol as the OFFSET button is pushed lower down the grip frame.

          When are you going to have a "left-handed" version of the OFFSET Extended Magazine Release?

          • 9 out of 10 people are right-handed so it makes sense to bring it to market first. When there is enough demand to cover tooling, we look forward to adding the left-handed version to the product line and those who sign up for the "wait list" below will be the first updated.

            Why does the part appear to have a wet sheen?

            • Parts ship with a light coating of an oil-based protectant that absorbs into the steel after application of the Black Oxide finish. This improves corrosion resistance during storage and can be wiped off the button face before use. The finish should be black without discoloration, if not let us know and we'll replace it.

            What grip modules will this work on?

            • The OFFSET Extended Magazine release is designed to replace any grip module that makes use of the triangular factory magazine release, such as Sig's standard and X-Series® grip modules (including Legion® series) and aftermarket modules such as Wilson Combat's WCP320® and Icarus Precision. However Sig's aluminum AXG® grip module is not compatible as it uses a different style of rounded release.

            Why am I shifting my grip to actuate the release?

            • There are two grip styles to be aware of that impact the amount of leverage you have on a magazine release. Grip the pistol in one hand and check if it aligns through the center of your forearm. This is a "vised grip" with front-to-rear clamping pressure and should provide adequate thumb reach for most shooters. However, if the pistol's centerline is offset from the centerline of your forearm, it pivots your thumb rearwards and trigger finger forwards, shifting leverage away from the release to the trigger. This style of grip is often used by "double-action" pistol shooters who need additional reach and leverage to pull through heavier triggers that are set farther forward. While potentially a future taller competition-only paddle may help address double-action grip types, this product was designed to work exceptionally well in both carry and competition as a balance between the two.

            THUMB REST Takedown Lever

            How do I replace the takedown lever?

            • Disassembly of the pistol and removal of the takedown lever is found in the Sig Sauer P320 manual that ships with the pistol and should be your primary reference material to study if not familiar with the operation of your firearm. We recommend reading it before continuing. Once reviewed, the following steps are used to highlight the material.

              INSTRUCTIONS: UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM and ensure the pistol remains pointed in a safe direction.
            • Remove the Magazine from the firearm and set it aside (Disassembly CANNOT be completed without REMOVAL)
            • LOCK the slide back and ensure the chamber is EMPTY
            • ROTATE the takedown lever CLOCKWISE until it comes to a complete stop (approximately 125 degrees). IT WILL NOT ROTATE IF THE MAGAZINE IS STILL INSERTED.
            • Grab onto the slide and pull it rearward as to disengage the slide stop lever, and then guide it forward until it is removed from the pistol.
            • ROTATE the takedown lever COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and pull it out of the pistol.
            • INSERT the new THUMB REST Takedown Lever in its place. If the safety blade is inadvertently activated, you'll see a 45 degree metal segment obstructing the hole. Simultaneously ROTATE the lever while PUSHING it through the grip module and FCU to allow the takedown lever's chamfered end to align and ride up over the blade. Ensure it is fully seated in order to reassemble the firearm.

             

            How do I properly index my grip with the takedown lever?

            • The THUMB REST Takedown Lever is designed to use a modern high-thumbs forward grip as popularized by Brian Enos and Rob Leatham, such that a straightened trigger finger symmetrically extends forward the same amount as the support hand's out-stretched thumb. Sig Sauer's team captain Max Michel Jr. provides a good example with images that can be researched online. The design of our Thumb Rest uniquely provides a 15 degree slope away from the P320's slide catch notch, as to avoid slide bite. This allows the thumb to settle into the proper indexed position with the thumb resting flat against the ledge (as if using a finger-print reader). This is an extension of the thumb's normal canted roll and allows for even pressure against the ledge during muzzle flip. Had the ledge been designed with a flat 90 degree orientation, any exaggerated rotation would cause the EDGE of the thumb to plant against the ledge, such that stability would be sought by pushing the fleshy part of the pad against the slide, which is incorrect. The ledge is designed to be a natural extension of your grip. Only a "MODERATE" application of downward PRESSURE is needed for establishing traction (too much will cause slippage), while a LOCKED THUMB and WRIST provides the resistance needed to effectively combat muzzle rise. The ledge ensures you are not applying excessive pressures in the wrong direction, as too much pressure to the side of the pistol can cause lateral pushing and stringing of shots. Too much downward force can cause porpoising, where the sights dip below the target and back up during recoil. The ledge provides an additional contact point with the pistol for recoil control and serves as an index point for consistent gripping.

                  How do I properly maintain my takedown lever?

                  • Takedown levers require little to no maintenance but should be periodically inspected along with all parts for any signs of wear or damage. Sig Sauer offers recoil spring weights as low as 12 lbs to properly cycle lighter competition loads for their steel guide rods, and 14 lbs and above for normal to +P loads. Recoil springs should be replaced every 5,000 cycles to maintain the proper spring weight. A spring weight that becomes too low will create an excessive slide velocity that will batter the takedown lever and can eventually lead to material failure in the form of stress cracks/fractures in OEM and aftermarket parts. While we selected the toughest "shock" resistant Hardened S7 Tool Steel to provide increased durability beyond our competitors, we recommend following Sig Sauer's maintenance recommendations. Takedown levers also ship with an installed rubber O-ring that provides a negligible amount of friction for improved fitment. They are not necessary for the function of the lever or pistol. To maintain smooth rotation, they may require a drop of oil to prevent the rubber seal from drying out and inducing drag when rotated.