So, my S&W 39 likes to give me issues when I eject loaded cases.

It apparently isn't an issue with the extractor, because when I put a loaded cartridge under the extractor, the slide actually has no issue retaining the case. In fact, even if I shake the slide a bit, it stays right where it is.

Now, I have a hypothesis.

The reason the gun ejects empty cases fine, but likes to give me issues (that look like double feeds, or stovepipes, or whatever other weirdness) with loaded cartridges is because the loaded cartridges are heavy enough that when they impact against the ejector, they cause it to pivot downwards a little, and it plays hell with ejection.

Alternatively; modern 147gr 9mm are long enough in overall length to get caught in the ejection port. Maybe a combination of both.

Anybody have any thoughts?

Could be an extractor spring issue.
Jim

Model 39 doesn't have one.

That's a 39-2. The original no-dash guns act as their own extractor spring.

I did an extractor test on this gun, by sliding a loaded cartridge under the extractor with the slide off. It holds it very firmly. Extractor is totally fine. Great tension.

Upon further examination I'm leaning towards the ejection port being smaller than a loaded cartridge being a culprit.

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"Your other right........."

Factory rounds or reload OAL?

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"Your other right........."

FMJ reloads. They cycle fine, and shoot just fine.

I'd be curious to know if you have the issue with 115gr or 125gr bullets. I'm leaning toward your hypothesis of the 147gr bullets.

I am not an expert on 39’s, but some guns are not designed with ejecting live rounds in mind - which may sound weird. 1911s without a flared/lowered ejection port are known to do this - i.e my Ruger, Dan Wessons, Les Baer, S&W. My Colts don’t have that ussue with the lowered/flared ejection port.

The issue here is ext. and ejecting LOADED rounds? Who cares. It was not designed to perform that task.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

In any case, if you have to unload and clear a live round often enough, drop the mag first, then pull back the slide; but don't let it go immediately - the extractor should loosen its hold on the rim, then just let the round fall through the magwell.

Technically you are correct, but.. when we were assembling these guns we cycled full dummy rounds through all of the autos from 52's to the 41's. personally I've never seen this problem.

I understand this was a customary procedure during final assembly.
Were all the autos subject to live ammo test fire at the range?

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Every single gun was test fired. If there was a malfunction it came back to the person who assembled it for repair. Being on piece work at the time, you did not want repairs.

Just an academic question. If an auto came back with an ejection
issue, what was the remedy?

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

No specific remedy, ejector lever, check the extractor. Usually replacing these are quick and we had no shortage of parts. It's hard to recreate an ejecting problem on the bench having no access to the range and only having full dummy rounds to cycle through the guns.