New .380 EZ Issues

[Bigborgel]

Bought a new 380 EZ and on the first 2 times out, it was fine, today, on the third time out, about 15-20% of last rounds in the mag stovepiped, and 2 light strikes, both of which fired on their second try. I've heard that the S-P's are a magazine issue and I should be looking to install stiffer springs in the mags.
Can anyone tell me where and from whom to buy these springs?

 

[Ranger17]

If it is brand new, why not contact SW to see about different mags or springs? Just thinking out loud.

 

[christak]

If it is brand new, why not contact SW to see about different mags or springs? Just thinking out loud.

I worked with Smith from January until August of this year trying to sort out the last round stovepipe issue with my EZ. Bottom line is that when the (already weak) mag springs wear and the sloppy fit of the mag in the mag well allow too much movement, the last round issues occur. Result is either a live round stovepipe or a live round completely ejected from the gun. Good luck getting it fixed...I've given up.

 

[LVSteve]

What ammo were you using?

 

[Bigborgel]

I was using Privi-Partisan.
After reading the very long thread about this issue, I feel that it is caused by 2 issues. One The mag spring is too weak, and two, the lips on the mag tops are too open, and do not push the shell forward, but rather, push it upwards resulting in a stovepipe. I will be calling SW this coming week to get new springs.

 

[christak]

What ammo were you using?

I've used 8 different brands. Makes no difference.

 

[Fishinfool]

Just guessing, but I wonder if it is the mag spring? The guns slide is picking up the last round, not riding over it like it might in a gun with a weak mag spring (think chopped 1911's, and how a weak mag spring combined w/ fast slide speeds results un the slide overriding the last round)

It sounds like its more an "angle" issue, either caused by slop in the mag fitment, or the mag lips are off.

Those are the two things I would look at first, anyway.

I am not sure how hot PPU loads its .380 ammo, but a milder domestic brand might be more reliable if it is a weak mag spring, as the slower slide speed would give the gun a little more time to pick up the next round out of the mag.

Larry

 

[pakettle]

I gave up on mine, traded for MP compact 9 2.0 3.6
No more problems.

 

[Rastoff]

It doesn't make sense that a weak spring would cause the stove pipe issues. If anything, it would be a combination of too strong a spring and open feed lips. It could also be a design flaw in the follower. This is a very common problem with the 380EZ.

The light strikes are completely different. On that issue you should definitely call S&W.

 

[JJEH]

There is a product advisory out there, not sure if this has anything to do with it.

M&P(R)380 SHIELD™ EZ™ Consumer Advisory Serial Number Lookup | Smith & Wesson

But it only affects the models with thumb safety.

 

[gc70]

My wife's EZ has not had a single last-round stovepipe since I put a spent casing in the mag between the bottom of the spring and the base plate retainer.

 

[christak]

It doesn't make sense that a weak spring would cause the stove pipe issues. If anything, it would be a combination of too strong a spring and open feed lips. It could also be a design flaw in the follower. This is a very common problem with the 380EZ. ...

I thought it was too strong a spring problem at first, but I'm convinced the spring is too weak and with minimal wear the issues can show up. I'm also convinced the mag well allows too much movement of the magazine near the slide. The combination is the problem. The feed lips and followers may also be a problem, but I think the first items I mentioned are the real cause. Design flaw is believable.

 

[christak]

My wife's EZ has not had a single last-round stovepipe since I put a spent casing in the mag between the bottom of the spring and the base plate retainer.

This makes sense to me... Wish there was a stronger mag spring available for the EZ.

 

[christak]

There is a product advisory out there, not sure if this has anything to do with it.

M&P(R)380 SHIELD™ EZ™ Consumer Advisory Serial Number Lookup | Smith & Wesson

But it only affects the models with thumb safety.

Has nothing to do with it.

 

[Bigborgel]

Update: Called S&W, spoke with a C/S rep and explained my issue,(stovepipes), she said they would send me 2 revised spring rate springs. I'll install them and see if there is any improvement. Not feeling very optimistic, may go with the spent shell option.

 

[christak]

Update: Called S&W, spoke with a C/S rep and explained my issue,(stovepipes), she said they would send me 2 revised spring rate springs. I'll install them and see if there is any improvement. Not feeling very optimistic, may go with the spent shell option.

Please let us know if the springs have yellow paint on them (or maybe some new color). The original springs had no paint...the revised have yellow paint on the first few coils. Interested to know if they have revised a second time.
The first revision wasn't the answer... Good luck!

 

[JNewell]

Please let us know if the springs have yellow paint on them (or maybe some new color). The original springs had no paint...the revised have yellow paint on the first few coils. Interested to know if they have revised a second time.
The first revision wasn't the answer... Good luck!

Second this. Lots of us here would like to know how this works out.

 

[SJK2]

Second this. Lots of us here would like to know how this works out.

Agreed lots of concerns on this here............

 

[D.L.Quick]

S&W sent me two new springs w/yellow paint. The two that came with EZ had yellow paint. They also sent a new mag. yellow on the spring. They sent two new followers. Exactly the same as the ones in the first mags. Out of 21 rds. with new springs one stove pipe. The new springs arrived at 5 3/8" long. After being installed a while they have set at 4 7/8". First mag. springs have set at 4 3/4" after a longer time. A pistol that will be an EDC will need to be loaded for quite some time with the spring compressed. I have three mags. loaded w/7 rounds just waiting for a period of time before using them to see how they work in the pistol and if they take more of a set. In spite of all this I believe the fault lies with the follower as much as with the spring. Christak, just like you I hate to give up on this thing. Maybe someday S&W will come up with an answer. Quick

 

[Rastoff]

I thought it was too strong a spring problem at first, but I'm convinced the spring is too weak and with minimal wear the issues can show up. I'm also convinced the mag well allows too much movement of the magazine near the slide. The combination is the problem. The feed lips and followers may also be a problem, but I think the first items I mentioned are the real cause. Design flaw is believable.

What makes you convinced that a weaker spring will push the round up more and cause the last round to become a stove pipe?