Hi guys, new to the forum!

So the other day at the range the slide kept sticking back very often. Usually, I would just hit the back of the slide with the palm of my hand and it would spring back and be good for a few more magazines. Then it started happening every few shots. I cleaned the gun and realized that when I field strip the gun, and pull the recoil spring out, that when I slide the barrel out of the front of the slide (as it does when ejecting/chambering when firing) the barrel gets jammed forward and has to be forced out. there are very small wear marks on the sides of the barrel from interference with the slide. Also, when it the slide sticks back when I'm shooting, the barrel has no play to it. That makes me believe that my issue is the barrel jamming into the end of the slide.

So why is the gun doing this, and has anyone else had any issues with this? I bought the gun new 10 months ago and it probably has about 1,200 rounds threw it.

The fact that this started happen after 1200 rounds ... I'm drawing a blank. If it was doing this from the beginning, I'd just say that something is out of spec and maybe you need a new slide or barrel or something.

1) When the slide is locked back, is the barrel frozen in place (unlike the barrel being loose when slide is locked back with the slide lock).

2) On the left side of the frame, check for a spring that may be in the way of the slide's movement.

Refer to this thread: Fix Your Shield Before It Fails!!!

Look at the “Similar Threads” listing below.

it would make a lot more sense if this were a brand new gun. not sure why tolerances would change causing it jamb up after 1200 rounds unless the recoil spring was tight enough to keep the slide from ever getting back that far and it just took it that many rounds to wear in. maybe a couple dabs of lapping compound on those marks on the barrel and just rack the heck out it for bit? or try and just clean it up really good and put some good grease on those spots and shoot it. or send it in.
good luck

__________________
Equal opportunity shooter

The one time a photo would've been a big help. I can't see the barrel getting that out of spec.

Use a micrometer or precision caliper then measure the outside diameter of the barrel along it's length. (pay particular attention to the place that it sticks)

With the problem happening after that many rounds it sounds like you might have an expanded barrel from possibly a squib getting stuck then the next round forcing it out, or from an over-pressure round.

If no micrometer or caliper then remove the barrel & turn it around then slide it back into the slide from the front. If you find a tight spot when sliding it in then suspect an expanded barrel (same reasons as above)

If you suspect an expanded barrel then contact S&W customer service or have a gunsmith look at that gun.