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  #1  
Old 09-23-2013, 04:07 PM
khoward khoward is offline
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Just joined the forum and have been reading for the last hour. Great group here! I purchased and SD9VE a little over a week ago. Cleaned and lubricated it and headed to the range. First magazine was flawless. The next 4 mags I went through the slide failed to lock back after the last round. This is with Monarch 115 gr ammo. Came home and cleaned and oiled again. Went to the ranch yesterday and put about 50 rounds through it. Had 3 rounds that failed to eject and the slide failed to lock back all 3 times. Thoughts? I'd really like to avoid sending it back to S&W but will if y'all think it's a manufacturing issue. The Monarch ammo is cheap, but I don't feel that I should be having this many issues. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old 09-23-2013, 06:01 PM
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How experienced are you with handguns? It sounds like limp wristing to me.
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Old 09-23-2013, 06:06 PM
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or wimp ammo
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Old 09-23-2013, 08:58 PM
WGSNewnan19 WGSNewnan19 is offline
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or both -------
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Old 09-23-2013, 09:26 PM
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Monarch ammo is noted for problems like this.

3
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Old 09-23-2013, 09:34 PM
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Or it could be another SD9VE has a problem. I would definitely try another ammo. Monarch is about as bad as it gets.
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Old 09-23-2013, 09:52 PM
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Welcome to the forum!

I'd suggest these things:

1) Clean (but don't lube) your magazines, load them to capacity, and let them sit for about a week.

2) Lock your slide open, chamber empty, and let it sit for about a week, while the mags are sitting.

3) Buy some better ammo, and several different brands. (May be tough to do these days, but try what you can find...and use FMJ rounds at first, before your defensive rounds.)

4) If you know an experienced shooter, ask them to shoot your gun as well.

You don't say if this is your first gun, or what your shooting experience is. You may be limp-wristing it...you may have a gun that is ammo-sensitive...and/or it may just need a break-in period (locking the pistol open and loading the mags helps) although that's not usually the case in these guns. The steps listed above introduces several variables at once, which usually isn't what you want to do when trouble-shooting, but I think you will find that your problem is either limp-wristing or ammo-related, so steps 1 & 2 probably won't help or hurt in your case...but they are what I do with every new gun I buy.
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Old 09-23-2013, 09:58 PM
khoward khoward is offline
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I'm a fairly experienced shooter and limp wristing isn't the issue. I figured it might be the ammo but unfortunately that's all they had at the store. I've put thousands of rounds of Monarch through my Glock and never had a problem. I'll try some different ammo when I can get ahold of some. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Old 09-23-2013, 10:26 PM
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I put about 500rds of monarch through my sd9ve without an issue. In fact, no issue with any ammo as of yet. I just thought I would contribute that.
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Old 09-23-2013, 10:32 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Get some real NATO-spec 124 grain hot ammo so you have enough energy to really run the slide, and if you are still having problems, then you need S&W.
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Old 09-23-2013, 11:22 PM
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Something I read, but can't find right now...load your mags with three rounds, and see if the slide locks open. Then 4, and then 5, and so on...to see if there is a point where the problems begin with a certain number of rounds in the magazines. Also, note if this occurs with ALL magazines, or only one of them.

Also, I assume you bought the gun new? If not, do you know the round count? Seems unlikely, but maybe the recoil spring is the culprit.
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Old 09-24-2013, 04:25 AM
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I find the Slide lock lever rides right next to my thumb and if i do not make a conscious effort to keep my thumb away it causes issues with the function of that lever. Either locking the slide open when ammo is still in the mag or not locking open on the last round.

Is it possible you are riding the lever and not allowing it to move up?
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Old 09-24-2013, 08:57 AM
khoward khoward is offline
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EBK, I saw that you posted that somewhere else on the forum. At least I think it was you. I checked my grip before I posted thinking this was a possibility. Unfortunately that wasn't it. Hopefully I can find some decent ammo soon and see if I can figure out what's happening. Thanks again for all of the suggestions.
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Old 09-24-2013, 12:52 PM
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It sounds like you have about 100 rounds through the pistol? I have to admit my SD9VE has NEVER bobbled with any ammo HOWEVER there are more than a few manufacturers of pistols that cost WAAAAY more than your SD9 that recommend running alot more rounds than that through them before its "broken in".

In fact some manufacturers wouldn't accept a pistol for return until alot more ammo than that has been run through them. They'd say keep shooting it some more and THEN we'll talk about it!

I've fired a fair amount of Monarch through mine without a hitch but I have to admit I do some "cleanup" on all of my pistols before I fire them, even for the first time.

I'm guessing you have a nice, tight SD9 that'll take a few rounds through it to loosen it up a bit.
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Old 09-24-2013, 01:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
In fact some manufacturers wouldn't accept a pistol for return until alot more ammo than that has been run through them. They'd say keep shooting it some more and THEN we'll talk about it!
Sounds like K(m)imber!

If you have a problem with one of their guns, the first question they ask is, "How many rounds have you fired?" If you answer less than 500, they will tell you to shoot 500 rounds and then call them. If you still have a problem after 500 rounds, they will tell you that it's your ammo or grip, and to try again.

That's why I no longer own the three Kimber 1911s I once had...and will never have another.
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Old 09-24-2013, 02:22 PM
khoward khoward is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
It sounds like you have about 100 rounds through the pistol? I have to admit my SD9VE has NEVER bobbled with any ammo HOWEVER there are more than a few manufacturers of pistols that cost WAAAAY more than your SD9 that recommend running alot more rounds than that through them before its "broken in".

In fact some manufacturers wouldn't accept a pistol for return until alot more ammo than that has been run through them. They'd say keep shooting it some more and THEN we'll talk about it!

I've fired a fair amount of Monarch through mine without a hitch but I have to admit I do some "cleanup" on all of my pistols before I fire them, even for the first time.

I'm guessing you have a nice, tight SD9 that'll take a few rounds through it to loosen it up a bit.
I hope this ends up being the problem. Was out at the ranch again today and shot, but very little. Still the same ammo because I didn't have time to get by the shop. Two mags, no ejection issues, but the slide didn't lock back either time. I've now put about 150 rounds through it and only had the slide lock back on the very first magazine. I've tried full mags, one bullet, two bullets, three bullets......
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Old 09-24-2013, 02:51 PM
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Default I am very positive it is the ammunition.

About 3 months ago, I took an officer to qualify with his SD9VE. He had bought a box of Monarch 115 FMJ from Academy. First ten rounds are double taps from the waist one handed after drawing from the holster. It jammed on all rounds. I then loaded another magazine and fired all 16 two handed weaver and not one jam. I then tried it at the hip side. Jam and jam.
I pulled out some Winchester White box 115 grain FMJ and repeated the side hip from the holster. NO jams.
I tried the replicate it with a Glock 19 using the Monarch. Could not get the Glock to jam. Tried it again with the SD9VE and Monarch. Jam.
We started again and used all Winchester. No problems at all for the next 150 rounds.

I have had problems with Monarch in the past. Ruger P-95 and German P38 will not cycle Monarch 100%. Recoil springs too strong.

Found that some rounds of Monarch will not penetrate a 2X4 at times. Winchester, Federal, Remington all run my guns perfect. The only reason I use Monarch is because at times it is all I can find. In a normal combat two handed hold, it does fine thru Glocks, SD9VEs and SW9VE.
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Old 09-24-2013, 10:31 PM
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Take a close look at the magazine followers. With an empty mag in the gun, push the slide back slowly. How well does the follower contact the slide stop? Does the magazine spring have enough tension to push the lock up? Does the gun seem to bind just before the moment of lock?
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Old 09-25-2013, 07:38 AM
WGSNewnan19 WGSNewnan19 is offline
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pull the slide off, insert empty magazine, and take a look at it. does the magazine follower contact the slide stop properly. it might need a slight adjustment.
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Old 09-25-2013, 10:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GKC View Post
Sounds like K(m)imber!

If you have a problem with one of their guns, the first question they ask is, "How many rounds have you fired?" If you answer less than 500, they will tell you to shoot 500 rounds and then call them. If you still have a problem after 500 rounds, they will tell you that it's your ammo or grip, and to try again.

That's why I no longer own the three Kimber 1911s I once had...and will never have another.
Yeah, that's the primary manuf I was referring to although others do that as well (Kahr). ;-)
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Old 09-30-2013, 09:09 AM
khoward khoward is offline
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Just a quick update. Was out at the ranch all weekend and did quite a bit of shooting. I put about 200 rounds through my SD9VE. The slide didn't lock back after the last round one single time. I fed it lots of different ammo. Lawman, WWB, Fiocchi, Blazer Brass, and Remington UMC. 124gr and 115gr. Guess I'll have to send it back to Smith. Other than that, I'm loving this gun.
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Old 09-30-2013, 09:50 AM
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Are you absolutely positive that you're NOT hitting the slide release with your thumb/finger? Just sayin'.....
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Old 09-30-2013, 12:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
Are you absolutely positive that you're NOT hitting the slide release with your thumb/finger? Just sayin'.....
I did think that was a possibility but I checked it before and I'm not. Also, two other experienced shooters shot it this weekend with the same issue.
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Old 09-30-2013, 12:54 PM
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Did you look to see if the mag follower is making contact with the slide stop?
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Old 09-30-2013, 02:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Badquaker View Post
Did you look to see if the mag follower is making contact with the slide stop?
I think I follow what you're saying. With an empty mag, the slide locks back when I pull it back. If the follower wasn't making contact, this wouldn't happen correct?
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Old 09-30-2013, 02:59 PM
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Correct

If the slide locks back with an empty mag, when hand operated, you have eliminated one cause.

Now pull the slide all the way back and release it. If the stop catches the slide, then something in the recoil motion is over power the stop. Lock the slide back and take a picture of the stop/notch area for us to see.

Have you cleaned it? Some guns require the recoil spring to be installed in a specific direction.
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Old 10-01-2013, 11:45 AM
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If I pull the slide back and release it the stop does catch the slide. I have cleaned and lubed it and put the recoil spring back in correctly. Could it be that the recoil spring just needs more breaking in?

Here's a couple pics. Taken with my phone so the quality isn't the best. If you need pics of other areas please let me know. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1380642297.237558.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1380642317.268760.jpg
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Old 10-01-2013, 03:48 PM
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So the slide lock functions correctly under hand power, but fails while firing.

1.The slide is not traveling fully to the rear due to under powered rounds (doubtful) or a bind (you should be able to feel it when you work the slide by hand).
2.The lock is disengaging during the recoil cycle. Inertia, thumbing, or the leading edge of the lock is angled poorly are all possibilities.

Take a pic from the side with the slide locked back.
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Old 10-17-2013, 03:16 PM
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I've shot all different types of ammo including Monarch out of mine without any problems.
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Old 10-19-2013, 08:06 AM
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Guys, I don't have access to my SD9VE right now but looking at the second picture does it look like the slide release sticks out kinda far on the tail end of it?

It almost looks like it's bent outwards alittle bit...
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Old 10-19-2013, 09:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
Guys, I don't have access to my SD9VE right now but looking at the second picture does it look like the slide release sticks out kinda far on the tail end of it?

It almost looks like it's bent outwards alittle bit...
I didn't notice that before but you are correct.

Bill
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Old 10-19-2013, 05:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
Guys, I don't have access to my SD9VE right now but looking at the second picture does it look like the slide release sticks out kinda far on the tail end of it?

It almost looks like it's bent outwards alittle bit...
I noticed the same thing...looks like an adjustment might correct the problem, or a new slide release.
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Old 10-19-2013, 09:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khoward View Post
Just joined the forum and have been reading for the last hour. Great group here! I purchased and SD9VE a little over a week ago. Cleaned and lubricated it and headed to the range. First magazine was flawless. The next 4 mags I went through the slide failed to lock back after the last round. This is with Monarch 115 gr ammo. Came home and cleaned and oiled again. Went to the ranch yesterday and put about 50 rounds through it. Had 3 rounds that failed to eject and the slide failed to lock back all 3 times. Thoughts? I'd really like to avoid sending it back to S&W but will if y'all think it's a manufacturing issue. The Monarch ammo is cheap, but I don't feel that I should be having this many issues. Thanks for the help guys.
Mine did the same thing. After about a 100-200rds it went away so i'm guessing it was the break in period. Now its one of my best pistols with the Apex Spring Kit and Trigger installed.
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Old 04-17-2016, 09:58 PM
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I've had the same problem with mine. It was suggested to me to bend the piece that catches the magazine follower down a bit. When i did, it helped, but 400 rounds later I've got to do it again. Just a suggestion...
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Old 04-18-2016, 01:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by copterdrvr View Post
Guys, I don't have access to my SD9VE right now but looking at the second picture does it look like the slide release sticks out kinda far on the tail end of it?

It almost looks like it's bent outwards a little bit...
Wow, good observation, that's more than "a little bit".

Did it come from the factory that way?

Last edited by ou1954; 04-18-2016 at 01:15 AM.
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Old 04-18-2016, 01:56 AM
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Within the first 200 rounds, my slide failed to lock open twice AND locked open on mags with rounds still in the magazine !! This was with Perfecta ammo, 115 FMJ. Now, after almost 3,000 rounds, it runs fine w/ every-thing. I HAVE caught my RH thumb rubbing the slide stop and must make sure it isn't close when I'm firing. This is a technique issue and I'm not very worried about it. I've heard about several ammo related issues on this forum, it does pay to try as many brands of ammo as possible !! Hope your issue get's resolved, the SD9VE is a great pistol.
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Old 04-18-2016, 12:12 PM
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I've had the slide not lock open only twice and it was not the gun, the magazine or the ammo. It was pure operator error. I had my thumb on the slide release. I've fed it every piece of **** ammo I can find and it simply works. The SD9VE has been super reliable, even with underpowered cartridges. Any errors have been 100% on me.

Last edited by Vandalct; 04-18-2016 at 12:13 PM. Reason: typo
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  #38  
Old 04-19-2016, 05:57 PM
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Could be thumb fouling of the slide stop. The SW and SD series of pistols do have a very long and large slide stop lever and I have at times caught my thumb on it. I had a buddy that could not stop doing the thumb on the slide stop problem. He liked his SW9(this was several years ago, mind you), and we corrected it by trimming the lever down to a shorter size. Worked good for him, but I do not recommend that trick to everybody. Also, dis-assemble you mags and clean them out good. Make sure your magazine springs are orientated correctly in the mag body upon re-assembly. I have seen new factory mag springs that have been put in wrong and that caused a fail to feed and fail to lock open problem that drove the owner of that particular pistol crazy, until we found it and corrected it. Just thought I would mention it.
Try better ammo, and watch your thumbs, see if that doesn't fix it.
Good luck and stay safe.
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Old 04-19-2016, 06:30 PM
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It would seem that the OP posted a picture showing the lever seriously bent away from the frame such that it couldn't possibly stop the slide.

Doesn't that explain his problem?
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  #40  
Old 04-19-2016, 08:57 PM
BigAl512 BigAl512 is offline
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Hello All,

From What I can see and From My experience , The SD9 Has a lot of Stamped steel Parts, and Indeed it looks Bent , easy fix though, simple tweak, I Have about 400 rounds so far in Mine no issues with Ammo, and have done some tricks to Smooth everything out , See SD & Sigma Upgrades, BigAl512, for trigger enhancements, Shoots Unbelievable now , Had to Adjust the rear sight was over too far to Left from the Factory, These Guns are built rather ............ inexpensive and do not have a lot of moving Parts, But can be made to shoot really well, Have just done a sear pivot smoothing and striker face Smoothing , Crisper and quick, and Less pull, will find out tomorrow with Scale
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Old 04-20-2016, 04:57 PM
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Ofc.JL Ofc.JL is offline
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It is possible that the slide stop lever is bent so that it will not engage, but not likely. I wish I had the pistol in my hands, I am almost sure I could find the problem and correct it real quick. It could be a number of things, all of which are simple.
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  #42  
Old 04-20-2016, 05:40 PM
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Default Slide stop issue

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Originally Posted by Ofc.JL View Post
It is possible that the slide stop lever is bent so that it will not engage, but not likely. I wish I had the pistol in my hands, I am almost sure I could find the problem and correct it real quick. It could be a number of things, all of which are simple.
My prior post that the lever was bent out too far to engage was made without a careful look.

The fact is that the lever folds over the frame from the inside and the "active" engaging area can't be bent to become unable to engage.

I'll look carefully next time before making a snap judgement.
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Old 05-14-2016, 10:21 PM
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alright guys and gals I have this same problem but I'm left handed so its not my thumb hitting the lock. I did however change brand of ammo today and its the first time I've had this problem. so I am thinking ammo problem at least I hope.
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Old 06-06-2016, 11:36 PM
Gortz86 Gortz86 is offline
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Default SD9VE issues

Hello everyone I'm literally brand new to the forum registered about 5 mins ago. Here is my question. Ive had my pistol (SD9VE)for around 2 years now. I have put close to 250 rounds through it. I know, haven't fired it as much i as i would like. Recently after i fired about 2-3 rounds the magazine would just fall out. Any suggestions??? This is my first pistol. Im very good at cleaning after the times it was fired. I've also dry fired to make sure my fingers haven't touched the release while firing. Not sure whats going on...
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Old 06-07-2016, 12:04 AM
dlombard dlombard is offline
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I'm a left-handed shooter, so I can't release the magazine from the well unless I "pinch" my gun in a way that I've trained to be very comfortable, deliberate and secure. Otherwise, if you're a right handed shooter, your right middle or trigger finger may be inadvertently hooking the mag release button on recoil. This can happen if your finger is in too far on the trigger in the trigger guard.

I *HAVE* to over hook my finger on the SD40VE due to the serious trigger weight and super long reset distance, but because the mag release switch is in the palm of my hand, I can't accidentally release it. Double check your finger tip pad is pressing the trigger face and you aren't hooking it with your foremost inner knuckle.
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Old 06-08-2016, 09:07 AM
lionquest1 lionquest1 is offline
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Why does everyone make excuses for this gun? If something is wrong it is everything from ammo to operator error, but it is never the gun itself. This is a budget pistol and as far as I know, it is Smith's lowest production model. It is not intended or made to be a quality firearm. It is intended to be mass produced and sold at a relatively cheap price. You might get a good one, but then again you might not.
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Old 06-08-2016, 10:33 AM
Steve912 Steve912 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lionquest1 View Post
Why does everyone make excuses for this gun?
It's not a matter of 'making excuses', it's going after low-hanging fruit, first.

Any firearm is part of a 'system', comprised of the gun, the shooter, the ammo (and magazines, if applicable).

If a problem is not readily and obviously identifiable, it makes sense to modify what can be modified locally (as in, at owner's discretion, vs. sending back to mfr.), to see if problem responds to systemic changes.

Change a mag, change shooter, change ammo. Easy and quick. Did one change eliminate the problem?

Could it be the gun? Of course, but doesn't it make sense to check the easy stuff first, before sending it off for weeks?
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Old 06-08-2016, 02:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gortz86 View Post
Hello everyone I'm literally brand new to the forum registered about 5 mins ago. Here is my question. Ive had my pistol (SD9VE)for around 2 years now. I have put close to 250 rounds through it. I know, haven't fired it as much i as i would like. Recently after i fired about 2-3 rounds the magazine would just fall out. Any suggestions??? This is my first pistol. Im very good at cleaning after the times it was fired. I've also dry fired to make sure my fingers haven't touched the release while firing. Not sure whats going on...
I had a similar problem when I recently borrowed a gun for my CCL test. I have never hit the release button at any other time, but something about that gun didn't like my grip. I had it happen 3 times during the test, and at least one other time I had to check it. I passed, but could have done better without the distractions.

I also have the SD9VE and have had no problems so far with 180 rounds. I'm about to go to the range (My Backyard) and try to add another 100 rounds to that count.
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Old 06-09-2016, 10:05 AM
lionquest1 lionquest1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve912 View Post
It's not a matter of 'making excuses', it's going after low-hanging fruit, first.

Any firearm is part of a 'system', comprised of the gun, the shooter, the ammo (and magazines, if applicable).

If a problem is not readily and obviously identifiable, it makes sense to modify what can be modified locally (as in, at owner's discretion, vs. sending back to mfr.), to see if problem responds to systemic changes.

Change a mag, change shooter, change ammo. Easy and quick. Did one change eliminate the problem?

Could it be the gun? Of course, but doesn't it make sense to check the easy stuff first, before sending it off for weeks?
Low hanging fruit? I have to laugh at that. I asked a question about this firearm in another thread and got bombarded by that fruit. The quality control in manufacturing is just not there with this firearm. You might get one that is put together well and then you might not.

However, that doesn't help the original poster's questions. I just wanted to point out that just because someone asks for feedback, there is no reason for people responding to assume that because they are asking a question, they have no familiarity with shooting fundamentals or firearm handling.
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  #50  
Old 06-09-2016, 12:43 PM
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Default Magazine retention

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gortz86 View Post
Hello everyone I'm literally brand new to the forum registered about 5 mins ago. Here is my question. Ive had my pistol (SD9VE)for around 2 years now. I have put close to 250 rounds through it. I know, haven't fired it as much as I would like. Recently after I fired about 2-3 rounds the magazine would just fall out. Any suggestions??? This is my first pistol. Im very good at cleaning after the times it was fired. I've also dry fired to make sure my fingers haven't touched the release while firing. Not sure whats going on...
I keep seeing posts at this level.

It seems to me that the issue can be solved by a simple inspection of the magazines, the spring in the grip, and the retention piece. This assumes that the shooter knows he is not hitting the release button at any time.
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