Just picked up a new .380, took it apart to clean and lube it up. I can not for the life of me get the takedown lever back in. I looked at manual, YouTube videos and I'm doing everything right. Never had a problem like this. Any suggestions? Even if I try putting it in with the slide off, it seems the hole on the right side of the frame is not big enough, but it must be, because it was in there before I stripped it down.


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I usually have to fiddle with it a while but always manage to replace it. It seems to me you should insert it at about 9:00.

Now I remember you also need to be certain that the barrel is forward first. I'm betting that's where you're having trouble.

Beside that, it seems there's a special tool that can be useful. Maybe you need to buy one? Look at 6:20 into this video.

Well ****. Will try inserting at 9:00 position. It'd be nice if they said that in the freakin manual!


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It can be a pain. Like Jeppo said, make sure to pull the barrel forward. Also make sure to get the takedown lever seated flush when you're done. The first time I did mine I got it back in but didn't click it in all the way. It didn't look right, because it stuck out a little, but seemed to function fine. Then I pushed it in with my thumb and it clicked in flush.

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5903,Shield9&45,BG380,586,V22

I've stripped my BG numerous times, and each time getting the pin installed gets easier, 'cause ya figure out the little tricks. Now I can insert it no sweat . Kinda like the universal frustration of re-assembly of the Ruger MKI-MKIII; after a few times it becomes easy

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John

Yeah, I agree.

Feeling your pain, I just now pulled mine out of the safe and played with it a bit. Now I think I'm an expert. What seems to work is:

barrel forward

insert at 9:00

gently wiggle it as you push in order to line up all the internal parts

when you have it almost all the way in, keep it at 9:00 and push it gently towards the rear of the gun while still pushing in towards its seat.

Hope it works for you.

LOL - I still haven't got down reassembly of my Mark III. I just don't clean it any more..


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Well I got home and investigated. Determined that I put the recoil spring on backwards, which kept the barrel from going completely forward to allow the takedown lever to go through. Figures.


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Hickock 45 said you have to hold your mouth right when preforming this task. Sounds weird but what do you have to lose?

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

It also helps if you're not "hamfisted". Watching Hickock45 was painful.

Yeah, that'd do it.

Glad you got it all sorted. Enjoy your BG!

Also you may need to stick out your tongue, but be careful not to bite it! LOL!

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It's The Carbonaro Effect!

I dont think the recoil spring can be installed wrong?. It could be installed either end and still work.

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm

I don't know. All I know is nothing would work till I took it apart again, flipped the spring around, reassembled and lever went back in flawlessly.


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