Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols SD & Sigma Pistols in All Generations


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-24-2016, 09:19 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Default Slide lock issue

I've have an SD9VE for about 2 years. Until this week it has functioned flawlessly with whatever I fed it. This week, however, I got to the range twice and had the same issue both times. The slide has started to lock open on the next to last round, leaving one live round in the mag. Doesn't matter if I load 2 or 5 or all 16 - happens with both mags BUT not every time with every mag. I'm also getting light strikes on primers occasionally. Brand of ammo doesn't seem to matter - Winchester, Blazer, Prvi and Tula all did the same thing. I've stripped the slide, cleaned the striker channel and the rest of the gun, but it hasn't helped. Any suggestions or advice would be welcome.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-25-2016, 08:33 AM
star1's Avatar
star1 star1 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 290
Likes: 14
Liked 197 Times in 123 Posts
Default

Striker: Call S&W and ask for a new striker, I had that issue and they sent a new one to me(other people have said S&W won't send one, just call back and see if you can get a different tech)

Slide lock: Not sure but perhaps slide lock lever got bent up just a bit
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 06-25-2016, 09:14 AM
3hounds 3hounds is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: PA.
Posts: 607
Likes: 440
Liked 121 Times in 94 Posts
Default

Did you ever change any springs in the gun ?

Slide lock issue - Lock slide back insert only one bullet in mag insert mag slowly see if bullet is tripping slide lock ?

There's a little tab sticking out on the slide lock comes pretty close to bullet nose.

Mag lip might be bent out too far or little tab on slide lock
might be bent in to far ?

3
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-25-2016, 09:28 AM
Arc Angel's Avatar
Arc Angel Arc Angel is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Penn's Woods
Posts: 212
Likes: 64
Liked 263 Times in 105 Posts
Default

First thing I'd do is replace each of the following springs: (1) striker, (2) recoil (guide rod), and (3) on both magazines. (I prefer to use Wolff Gunsprings over OEM.) Two years sounds about right on a fairly well used pistol.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 06-25-2016, 06:29 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Thanks, guys. 3hounds - never replaced any springs. Should have thought to check the tab - had that issue with my 738 TCP Taurus and had to file a little off the tab.
Arc Angel - the Wolff springs wear better?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-25-2016, 09:00 PM
Arc Angel's Avatar
Arc Angel Arc Angel is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Penn's Woods
Posts: 212
Likes: 64
Liked 263 Times in 105 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by histed View Post
Thanks, guys. 3hounds - never replaced any springs. Should have thought to check the tab - had that issue with my 738 TCP Taurus and had to file a little off the tab.

Arc Angel - the Wolff springs wear better?
Better spring steel, more resilient, more flexible, and Wolff springs tend to last much longer, as well.

I once asked Dave Koebensky @ Wolff, 'Why' they didn't make flat-wound springs? His reply was,

'We're a multimillion dollar company, one of the largest gun spring manufacturers in the world.' 'Quite frankly, we've tested those springs; and, if they worked better than what we're selling now, Wolff would be selling them, too; but they didn't; and we don't!''

Shut me up!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 06-25-2016, 09:24 PM
ou1954's Avatar
ou1954 ou1954 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 951
Likes: 682
Liked 301 Times in 210 Posts
Default

Wolff FAQ uses the term "pound of energy" in their FAQ section.

Energy could be expressed as "inch-pounds" but not just "pounds". That bothers me.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-25-2016, 11:27 PM
3hounds 3hounds is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: PA.
Posts: 607
Likes: 440
Liked 121 Times in 94 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ou1954 View Post
Wolff FAQ uses the term "pound of energy" in their FAQ section.

Energy could be expressed as "inch-pounds" but not just "pounds". That bothers me.
It actually say's 1 pound of energy, don't over think
this problem.

Your are a very smart man ou1954.

I'm sure I can learn a lot from you, I'm NOT BEING
SARCASTIC.

Thanks, 3
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-25-2016, 11:59 PM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,083 Times in 8,897 Posts
Default

Have somebody else shoot it . . . .
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 06-26-2016, 06:16 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
Have somebody else shoot it . . . .
Because???
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-26-2016, 06:38 PM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,083 Times in 8,897 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by histed View Post
Because???
Because of this: I don't know anything about you or how you shoot. I have many, many years of experience in the teaching people to shoot field. I know from that many, many years that it is entirely possible that something in your grip or mechanics has changed just enough to cause the slide stop lever to prematurely lock open. This troubleshooting method is always my first response to a malfunction question, and more often than not, the solution lies within . . .
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Last edited by Muss Muggins; 06-26-2016 at 06:41 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 06-26-2016, 07:30 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
Because of this: I don't know anything about you or how you shoot. I have many, many years of experience in the teaching people to shoot field. I know from that many, many years that it is entirely possible that something in your grip or mechanics has changed just enough to cause the slide stop lever to prematurely lock open. This troubleshooting method is always my first response to a malfunction question, and more often than not, the solution lies within . . .
Makes sense. Don't know you either, so you should know my question was serious and not meant as hostile. Human error is a possibility - and its cheaper than replacing parts if they don't need replaced.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-26-2016, 07:46 PM
ou1954's Avatar
ou1954 ou1954 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 951
Likes: 682
Liked 301 Times in 210 Posts
Default Meaning of "Flat Wound"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arc Angel View Post
Better spring steel, more resilient, more flexible, and Wolff springs tend to last much longer, as well.

I once asked Dave Koebensky @ Wolff, 'Why' they didn't make flat-wound springs? His reply was,

'We're a multimillion dollar company, one of the largest gun spring manufacturers in the world.' 'Quite frankly, we've tested those springs; and, if they worked better than what we're selling now, Wolff would be selling them, too; but they didn't; and we don't!''

Shut me up!
When I first read that statement by Wolff I assumed it meant they only use wire with a round cross section, i.e. like piano wire.

Now I'm not sure what it means. In particular they make variable rate springs which would be virtually impossible with round wire. A variable rate spring generally relies on progressive "stacking" of areas with closer coils. Round wire wouldn't reliably stack, so my interpretation must be wrong.

So, what does "Flat Wound" mean?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-26-2016, 08:12 PM
huafist huafist is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 104
Likes: 48
Liked 69 Times in 46 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ou1954 View Post
When I first read that statement by Wolff I assumed it meant they only use wire with a round cross section, i.e. like piano wire.

Now I'm not sure what it means. In particular they make variable rate springs which would be virtually impossible with round wire. A variable rate spring generally relies on progressive "stacking" of areas with closer coils. Round wire wouldn't reliably stack, so my interpretation must be wrong.

So, what does "Flat Wound" mean?
My understanding was always that a "flat wound" spring had coils that were taller than they were wide, like a damper spring in a valve spring assembly.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-26-2016, 08:20 PM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,083 Times in 8,897 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by histed View Post
Makes sense. Don't know you either, so you should know my question was serious and not meant as hostile. Human error is a possibility - and its cheaper than replacing parts if they don't need replaced.
I'm good. I don't read tone into an internet post, and your response is exactly my point . . .
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 06-26-2016, 09:11 PM
ou1954's Avatar
ou1954 ou1954 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 951
Likes: 682
Liked 301 Times in 210 Posts
Default Flat wound

Quote:
Originally Posted by huafist View Post
My understanding was always that a "flat wound" spring had coils that were taller than they were wide, like a damper spring in a valve spring assembly.
Not sure what that post "from" Wolff meant but in my mind it means wound with flat wire such as in the SD recoil springs. I think we are saying the same thing.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 06-26-2016, 11:00 PM
ou1954's Avatar
ou1954 ou1954 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 951
Likes: 682
Liked 301 Times in 210 Posts
Default Solved?

Quote:
Originally Posted by histed View Post
Thanks, guys. 3hounds - never replaced any springs. Should have thought to check the tab - had that issue with my 738 TCP Taurus and had to file a little off the tab.
Arc Angel - the Wolff springs wear better?
Was it the tab?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 06-27-2016, 06:25 AM
Arc Angel's Avatar
Arc Angel Arc Angel is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Penn's Woods
Posts: 212
Likes: 64
Liked 263 Times in 105 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ou1954 View Post
When I first read that statement by Wolff I assumed it meant they only use wire with a round cross section, i.e. like piano wire.

Now I'm not sure what it means. In particular they make variable rate springs which would be virtually impossible with round wire. A variable rate spring generally relies on progressive "stacking" of areas with closer coils. Round wire wouldn't reliably stack, so my interpretation must be wrong.

So, what does "Flat Wound" mean?
Wolff explains constant vs. variable weight springs in the very first answer on their FAQ page. Personally I've only used Wolff springs for pistols like: Glocks, Brownings, and Colts - None of which were compensated. Neither have I ever seen a flat-wound (or as you infer, 'variable rate') Wolff spring.

I'm not saying they don't exist; only that I've never seen one. When Dave Koebensky made that remark we were talking about conventional, 'constant rate' flat wound springs; and that is the context in which he replied.

In reading over Wolff's FAQ's I did not notice any remarks about, Wolff's, 'variable rate' springs having to be from only flat-wound wire. Personally, I don't see any reason why round wire springs couldn't be used? Then, there's the following from Wolff's semi-auto title page:

Quote:
'LOAD-RATED RECOIL SPRINGS are precision springs designed to exact load ratings. The load rating of these springs is determined with the slide in full recoil position. Load-rated recoil springs are designed to offer maximum flexibility for the shooter by allowing adjustment of the recoil function to individual requirements.'

'Factors such as ammunition loadings, individual pistol characteristics, compensators and individual shooting styles all influence the recoil function. Optimum recoil and pistol functioning can usually be obtained by changing the recoil spring rating to meet these variables. Due to these and others variables, W.C. Wolff Company can not make specific recommendations regarding which recoil spring is correct for a particular combination or situation.'

'We do recommend that recoil springs lighter than the factory rating not be used with full power ammunition loads - damage to the pistol may occur. An extra power firing pin spring, or striker spring where appropriate, is supplied with all Wolff recoil springs, unless noted otherwise.'
Sounds like you've got a good question for Wolff technical support. (Which is who I call whenever I want to know something about either gun springs, or certain guide rods.)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 06-28-2016, 07:07 PM
Sidnne's Avatar
Sidnne Sidnne is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 68
Liked 51 Times in 29 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
Because of this: I don't know anything about you or how you shoot. I have many, many years of experience in the teaching people to shoot field. I know from that many, many years that it is entirely possible that something in your grip or mechanics has changed just enough to cause the slide stop lever to prematurely lock open. This troubleshooting method is always my first response to a malfunction question, and more often than not, the solution lies within . . .
That actually happened to me with my SD40VE. It was just fine early on, but then the slide stopped locking open on empty. I realized that my grip had changed and I was subconsciously placing my thumb on the slide lock when shooting, which was preventing the slide lock from holding the slide open. I had to go back again and consciously focus on my thumb position to keep it off the slide lock, and then I had no problems.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 06-28-2016, 07:54 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by ou1954 View Post
Was it the tab?
Looks like it. The TCP would do that with wider hollow point or cast bullets. I had forgotten that. Looks like the nose may have been bumping the tab, though why it happened ONLY on the last round is a mystery. I tried tweeking the mag lips, then filing the tab a few strokes at a time. I was working when I had to leave the range today (MASSIVE rain storm!!!) I'm going to try some handloads later this week or early next. If they cycle, we're home free. Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 06-28-2016, 07:57 PM
histed's Avatar
histed histed is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Liked 20 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sidnne View Post
That actually happened to me with my SD40VE. It was just fine early on, but then the slide stopped locking open on empty. I realized that my grip had changed and I was subconsciously placing my thumb on the slide lock when shooting, which was preventing the slide lock from holding the slide open. I had to go back again and consciously focus on my thumb position to keep it off the slide lock, and then I had no problems.
That would't bother me - I'm left handed, so no worry about the slide lock. I get concerned that I'm dragging my thumb on the slide - just enough to slow it down
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 06-28-2016, 10:20 PM
3hounds 3hounds is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: PA.
Posts: 607
Likes: 440
Liked 121 Times in 94 Posts
Default

There's less pressure on the last round from the mag. spring, so your
round tends to move around.

Also lose mags. don't help the situation, tweaking mag lips might help
as you say.

Bullet configuration also matters like you discovered.

3
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 06-28-2016, 11:32 PM
Steve912 Steve912 is offline
Member
Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue Slide lock issue  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 4,172
Liked 2,327 Times in 1,194 Posts
Default

Don't tweak any of your mag lips...that's not what's causing the slide stop problems AND it's 99.9999% guaranteed to cause feed problems (ie, ruin a good magazine).

Speaking of mags, have you marked your mags, to be positive the problem occurs with all mags, or just certain mag(s)?

Try looking at what's going on with slide & barrel off, and putting a loaded mag up into the grip. Strip rounds from the mag, give it a good jarring, and watch for something going on with the slide stop.

There's a slight interplay between underside of slide and topmost round in magazine, when slide is forward--not much, and hopefully you'll still be able to figure out what's going on.

Having someone else fire the pistol is also a good suggestion. Does the situation occur with other shooters, or not? Shifting grip over a long fire string might actuate the stop.

Last edited by Steve912; 06-28-2016 at 11:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Issue with M&P 9 FTE / Slide Lock Endy16 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 15 02-22-2015 12:39 AM
6906 Slide Lock Back Issue indymike S&W-Smithing 8 03-14-2014 02:29 AM
Slide Lock Issue on My Shield shieldfan Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 5 10-01-2013 09:07 AM
M&P Shield .40 slide lock issue? lumberjack2003 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 5 09-19-2013 02:28 PM
Slide lock/ bolt catch issue Derek33 Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 17 11-12-2010 08:21 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:17 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)