39-2 return to battery

[WestDivide]

Hello all:
older member, few posts. I acquired a 39-2 several years ago and shoot it some. Carry sometimes, although my 1911 is main carry gun. This 39-2 occasionally fails to return to final battery. It stops about a quarter inch from complete slide closure. A gentle push to finalize slide battery is necessary. The gun is relatively accurate, and I like it. Question is: will a new recoil spring alleviate this problem? And, since it's quite out of production, how available are such springs?
Thanks, -West

 

[Pine_Worker]

I would replace the recoil spring with a Wolff factory weight spring and see how that works.

 

[jsbethel]

Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring S&W 5903TSW 5906TSW 5943TSW 39 3904 3906

 

[federali]

Spring Ahead

As Pine Worker said, replace the return spring. They are not expensive. They should be changed every few thousand rounds anyway. I assume you are shooting factory loads as reloads should not be used to either assess a gun's reliability or to troubleshoot a stoppage.

Also, try a different magazine and polish the feed ramp. If something is bringing the slide nearly to a halt, I could then understand why it doesn't go into battery.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello West Divide, I like your choices of a 39-2 and a 1911.
Recoil spring replacement is a good choice. While you are there, replace the guide. How clean is the old girl. Let me know. Mike

 

[stansdds]

Make sure that Model 39-2 is clean and properly lubricated. If you have somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 rounds through it, I'd say the recoil spring is shot. S&W recoil springs are plentiful and cheap. For a few dollars more, you can get a Wolffe recoil spring, which tend to be a little better quality than most factory springs. Stick with the factory 14 pound rating, no need to beat these pistols with heavier or lighter springs.


Also, take a good look at the bottom edge of the extractor. A chipped bottom edge might be sharp enough to hang up on a round as it is entering the chamber.

 

[WestDivide]

All:
Thanks for the replies. I did find and order a Wolff recoil spring from bethel's link at Midway.(thanks) I also cleaned it up and dremeled a little 400 rouge in the feed ramp, although didn't look bad to start.

Stan: Checked out the extractor with a 10x glass, didn't see any damage to extractor edge.

We'll see how it shoots when spring gets here and we get back from Rockies spring training, if we go....
Later, -West

 

[gmborkovic]

Hey West, what is your ammo of choice? Did you get anybody else to shoot the 39? Sometimes! people may limp wrist while shooting. Im not saying you are a limpy, so no disrespect implied.

 

[WestDivide]

Reply to GMB

Aye Mike, no insult taken!

Not saying I'm not limpy, but don't see the issue with either my 6906 or Sprg1911; or earlier semi-auto's I've had.

Ammo is mostly commercial 124 grain and 115 grain Win, Rem and S&B. Just got a bunch more Win flag box 115 FMJ. Years ago, loaded some 9mm for earlier 6906 and it shot OK. Don't remember the loads, and too lazy to check back in the book. I was contemplating buying 1K bullets and loading some more, but the CHEAPAMMO deal was pretty good. Have about 1 K loaded 9mm now, so won't load any 9mm for a while.

Recently, I've been concentrating on loading 38 & 357, using up about 1200 bullets from 20 yrs ago. I shoot at least 50 rds/gun a month to keep 'sorta' practiced, not perfect, but keeps my finger loose and works the guns.
This M39-2, I ran across in WA state few years ago, and having read the history of the P-38 and relation to the M39, looked at it and liked it. Got it shipped to my FFL here in CO and been playing with it since. It carrys OK, as does the 6906, but not as well as my 1911, all in Alessi IWB holsters. Sadly, I think I learned ALESSI closed up. I'm still pondering some nice Hogue grips for it.

Post is getting long, so enough for now. -West