Issues With New Smith and Wesson Victory

[Splitear]

I got a few hours to hit the range this morning, and decided to break-in my new S&W Victory. The night after I got it, I took it apart and then lived it per the manual.

This morning was nothing but frustration. Literally 6-7 rounds out of 10 got hung up either in the ejection port or inside of the next round. I only took a box of bulk Federal Automatch with me, so it could be the ammo, but honestly, I bought this gun because most of the reviews I read said it would run anything they put through it. I shot about 8 mags hoping things would loosen up and correct, but no such luck. 

I took a photo of the empty casings, you ca see how they were getting crushed on the ends. Does anyone have an idea of what might be happening, and is it something that I should contact to get warrantied? At this point, the pistol is pretty much unenjoyable to shoot. This is the first new firearm I've ever bought, so I'm not experienced in warranty expectations. 

 

[walnutred]

Looks to me like the fired round are extracting but not ejecting. You said this is a new firearm so my first question is did you clean it before taking it to the range. Grease in the chamber could cause slow/short extraction or something causing resistance with the extractor. After a good cleaning I'd try a different ammo. One of the few new firearms I purchased was a Ruger Mk1 that gave similar problems. After a few GOOD cleanings and a few hundred rounds through it the jamming went away.

 

[Splitear]

I did not clean it, just lubricated according to the manual instructions. Thanks for the advice.

 

[wproct]

I'm going to guess that the issue may be with the ejector. If you remove the bolt from the receiver you can see the ejector that is spot welded to the receiver. Sometimes the ejector needs to be bent ever so carefully to the center so that it rides against the bolt a little more and that often takes care of the issue. Just take your time and and go at it slowly. Of course the other option is to call Smith & Wesson and request a return label to send it back to the mother ship for service.

 

[Electraclyde]

A SLIGHT!! bend of the ejector will solve that problem. You will probably not be able to see a difference in the ejector, it does not take much.

 

[Splitear]

If this was a used gun, I'd absolutely bend that ejector myself. However, since I'm seeing now that this is a known issue, and since my life's not depending on it at the moment, I'll call S&W tomorrow and have them do it. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[D Brown]

If you decide to fix it yourself, this link will be helpful.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/140001595-post45.html

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Sorry you're having problems........You can easily fix that problem with a swap to a Ruger MKiv or Browning Buckmark....I don't like the looks or style of the victory...........BUT that's just me.........Go forth and be happy.

 

[Splitear]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I found some time over lunch today to tweak the ejector and test fire. 40 rounds went through it seamlessly, so hopefully it's all set now. Thanks again!

 

[wproct]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I found some time over lunch today to tweak the ejector and test fire. 40 rounds went through it seamlessly, so hopefully it's all set now. Thanks again!

Good to hear! I think you will be good to go and saved yourself of the hassle of sending it back to S & W.

 

[fiasconva]

Glad to see it worked out for you. We have some very knowledgeable members here that are always willing to help. A simple fix is always the best way.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Also sorry you're having issues but to echo poster #8 or a Colt Woodsman. I also think S&W dropped the ball on the Victory giving into manufacturing cost deciding the design and look of the pistol over it's esthetics. There's got to be a middle ground. Given the beauty of their Model 41 or a Woodsman, just my .02. Glad you got it running. Seems to be the way of the world today, buy something and then have to go on line to learn how to fix it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Also sorry you're having issues but to echo poster #8 or a Colt Woodsman. I also think S&W dropped the ball on the Victory giving into manufacturing cost deciding the design and look of the pistol over it's esthetics. There's got to be a middle ground. Given the beauty of their Model 41 or a Woodsman, just my .02. Glad you got it running. Seems to be the way of the world today, buy something and then have to go on line to learn how to fix it.

Aaaahh!!! To have a Woodsman "slabside" Match Target.

 

[.38SuperMan]

A SLIGHT!! bend of the ejector will solve that problem. You will probably not be able to see a difference in the ejector, it does not take much.

My Victory worked perfectly for the first 700 rounds then started the same issue. Bending the ejector a couple thousandths resolved the problem. I've probably put 5000 rounds through it now and no problems.

 

[wproct]

I have stated before that I was initially very turned off by the styling and looks of the Smith & Wesson Victory. However, with the very good price and reports coming in from other shooters on the gun forums I decided to give it a try. I guess I have come to adapt to the "beauty is as beauty does" saying with my Victory, and after adding some aftermarket goodies it has become my favorite rimfire semi-auto pistol. One of my main complaints on the Victory was the shape of the grips, but after trying it and adding my Bullseye G10 thumbrest grips I have come to like it very well.