The SIG Nightmare Carry is quite the opposite of what it’s name represents. It has a stainless steel frame, grip, and mainspring housing on the 1911 Fastback Carry Nightmare pistol. Stainless steel controls, barrel bushing, extractor, and grip screws contrast with its Nitron-coated frame.
The grips of the Nightmare are black G10 double diamonds, giving this 1911 SIG Sauer the look and feel of a high-end firearm. But that does not spare it from problems.
The most common problems with the SIG Nightmare Carry are sight adjustment issues, magazine problems, trigger issues, safety issues and slide stop lever issues.
After reading this article, you will know the solution to all these problems. You will also know how the users feel about this product. So stay tuned!
Features & Specifications of SIG Nightmare Carry:
Cartridge | 45 ACP. |
Capacity | 8 rounds |
Barrel Length | 4.2 inches |
Weight | 38.8 oz |
Length | 7.7 inches |
Width | 1.4 inches |
Height | 5.5 inches |
Safety | Manual safety (Grip safety). |
Sights | SIGLITE (tritium). |
Common SIG Nightmare Carry Problems and Solutions
The owners deal with many common SIG Nightmare Carry problems. Here are some of the issues and how to solve them.
Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions
Problems | Solutions |
Sight Adjustment Issues | Troubleshoot with Loctite. |
Magazine Problem | Change magazines. |
Trigger Issues | Troubleshoot with sandpaper. |
Safety Issues | Switch to ambidextrous safety. |
Slide Stop Lever Issues | Replace the lever. |
1. Sight Adjustment Issues:
You can’t adjust the rear sight as it is too tight. The gun might shoot about 1 inch left at 25 yards for example. The rear night sight slides to the right side of the weapon.
The only distinguishing mark is “MH3 AN” on the front sight (but only on the front sight). It has a tiny hole in the top or middle that appears to be big enough for a tiny Allen key.
The Fix:
Front sights on Sig 1911s are pinned. Pinned sights cannot be adjusted unless the roll pin is removed and then secured with Loctite. By unfastening the set screw and tightening it after adjustment, the rear can be modified.
SIGs night sights have a standard screw size. Either an allen head or a Torx head set screw can be used universally.
2. Magazine Problem:
After the last shell is fired the slide never locks back. With an empty mag, it would be hit and miss doing it by hand. Both mags, neither one may lock the slide back when shooting though.
Additionally, some you notice random instances where the slide won’t lock open on the last round after 1 or 2 years. Even racking the slide manually cannot get the slide to lock on an empty magazine.
The Fix:
It could be a magazine problem. The lips might be too bowed in for the mechanism to push the latch up in the final shot. Change the magazine to, say, a WC one. This might solve the problem.
Consider checking your recoil spring too. The recoil spring may be deteriorating a little if you’ve had the pistol for a while and have fired more than a thousand rounds through it. Replace it if needed.
3. Trigger Issues:
A gritty trigger is a common complaint. The trigger bow slides back and forth inside. You may find a very rough, unfinished cast surface.
This is seen if you disassemble the gun. There’s a lack of any type of attempt by SIG to smooth that out at all. You may end up spending a couple of hours fixing the trigger bow.
The Fix:
The channel in the frame that the bow goes through needs to be crisped up. Take an 80 grit sandpaper and smooth the trigger bow out. Do your best in terms of not taking too much material out.
Cylinder and Slide make excellent triggers. Although they do have an oversized frame. Simply take your time and slowly sand or file the shoe’s top and bottom while remaining flat against the portion.
After each tiny bit of filing or sanding, try it in the frame. A flat block can be used for sanding, but a file is preferable. Once it fits with just a little pressure, you can either lap it in or finish the fit using 1500 grit sandpaper.
4. Safety Issues:
The safety on this gun is on the right side. This is a bit difficult for lefties. Moreover, there are many extractor issues and others that make this gun terrible in defensive situations.
Some people think the expanded thumb lever’s design is too short or stubby. It causes more problems in operating the thumb safety. Overall, the design is not user-friendly.
The Fix:
The only safety mechanism for a carry gun is a titanium firing pin. It is just as effective and has none of the drawbacks as a Schwartz safety. The Nightmare one sucks, to be honest!
As a lefty, you need to find an ambidextrous safety. The best ambidextrous currently available is the Wilson BP. A Ruger is also a good one, and so is the Kimber “pinned” ambidextrous safety.
EGW and John Harrison are allegedly working independently, to take the place of Wilson BP. John Harrison might also be producing a right side solely.
5. Slide Stop Lever Issues:
The slide stop lever may appear to have some wiggle. It may go forward a few tenths of an inch. This means that when you push it out and then rack the slide with the magazine in, it won’t lock back.
Additionally, the plastic follower may be slipping past the slide stop lever. Take the factory mags out to see if the metal followers in them also fail to lock the slide open.
Along with this, the sliding takedown lever would occasionally refuse to revolve during assembly.
The Fix:
Slide stops aren’t supposed to move on their own. You should be able to budge the lever without help.
These minor issues go away after a few hundred rounds and a few cleanings. If it doesn’t, call SIG, and they should install a new Slide lever for you.
User Feedback on SIG Nightmare Carry
Other than the issues I discussed, some shipping issues have been noticed by users. For example, incorrect installation of the magazine catch.
You may find only half of the catch depressed. Thus the magazine wouldn’t lock into place. A simple screwdriver would solve this problem in a jiffy.
The SIG Nightmare Carry is dependable and precise. The gun’s sights are perfectly aligned. Round grips are very popular among users.
The bobbed butt is a hit with users because of how it looks and feels in their hands (fastback). However, the magazine base plate protrudes downward, which is a complaint from certain users. It doesn’t fit.
The 2 factory magazines appear to be quality mags but a poor fit still. Despite how nice the grips feel, they are a real pain to clean. However, SGM Grips, for example, offers good quality replacement grips.
The SIG Nightmare shoots well and is easy to carry, despite its full weight. The trigger is a bit heavy, according to users.
If you want a lighter trigger among the same year gun range, the TACOPS 1911 can be the handgun of choice. It comes with a 5lb trigger, which is full size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is SIG Nightmare Carry a DA/SA like other SIGs?
No. It is an SA only.
Is the barrel ramped on SIG Nightmare Carry?
No. The ramp is a frame component, and the barrel has a bevel. The barrel is conventionally non-ramped and beveled, whereas the frame is ramped.
Does the SIG Nightmare Carry .357 have a bobtail?
Yes, it has a bobtail. Black with SS accents and black.
Conclusion
At first glance, it’s hard to tell it from other guns in the crowd. The carry Nightmare is a commander-sized model. The pistol is far more accurate than the people who are firing it.
There are a number of additional brands of magazines (other than SIG) that will operate with the IG pistol, including Ruger, Springfield, McCormick, etc.
The Nightmare’s grip arrangement is exceptional. You either like or dislike this type of thing. People with larger hands are likely to appreciate this.
As a whole, I think this is a fantastic gun for you. There’s no reason to be hesitant about making a purchase!
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