3913 - can't remove slide

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TriggerHappy1

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Hi Guys. I recently picked up a 3913 sold as new with box (but no manual.) No reason to think it's not as advertised... except... can't get the slide off. I imagine the recoil rod and spring assembly disengaged from the notch on the barrel shroud. Just guessing. Any tips how to diagnose and/or fix? Thanks.
 
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Have you looked for a video online to disassemble your pistol? There should be many available.



[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l2AKE3KC2s[/ame]
 
Last edited:
BLUEDOT37 said:
Did you get the slide stop assembly out?

If so, can the slide be moved forward at all?

.
Click to expand...
I can remove the slide stop/takedown lever. The slide can then move forward on the frame approx 1/4 inch before it hangs up. I don't know for sure what it's hanging up on when I try to slide it off the front of the frame, but it feels like it's binding on the recoil spring. I have another functioning 3913, so I can visualize the internals. On the functioning 3913, with slide assembly mounted on the frame, then the little spring-loaded pin on the back of the guide rod inserts into a small hole in the frame, and the recoil spring seats in a larger diameter cavity concentric with the small hole. The guide rod and recoil spring in the gun with the stuck slide seems to have the same proper alignment as the functional gun. In other words, with the slide stop removed, when I look through the slide stop hole on the side of the frame (above the serial number), I can see the guide rod pin protruding through the hole. Hope that's a clear enough description. Thanks.
 
I've had some that were stubborn to get off because "something" was hung-up but they eventually came off, a little roughly, after reinstalling/removing the slide stop, cycling the action a few times, & then cussing at it a bit.

You might try removing the grips & mainspring to see if that helps, by chance.

.
 
I presume you also removed the magazine? The slides on S&W pistols can be a bit "bumpy" and "rough" during disassembly as they pass over the little levers located near the rear of the receiver. It sometimes takes a bit of effort and the recoil spring guide rod can pop out of that tiny little cut in the barrel and launch itself, so be careful.
 
I had a similar experience. It wouldn't go forward after removing the magazine and slide stop. Finally took a rubber hammer and gently tapped it out. This is how I solved my issue, I don't recommend you do this unless you're completely out of ideas and no one else here has a more viable solution.
 
It reads like the magazine is still inserted. I did that a time or two myself in my early days. All semi-autos will stop forward movement if the magazine is in the way.

Let us know how it goes.
 
As I try to mix and match my 2nd & 3rd Gen parts, I'm finding that I too have to back up and maneuver parts to get them to get back in place... I never had that problem with the 1911 platform, but metal frame Smiths just seem to be naturally cantankerous by design. :rolleyes:

I'll be interested to hear how your problem was resolved.

Froggie
 
Hey thanks for the tips. Sorry I was busy today, Sunday. Yes, I had the mag out. I'll disassemble as much of the frame as I can. I'll call S&W for any advise they can provide. I doubt they'll offer for me to send it to them for repair. If they do, it would probably be a six month wait considering COVID. Whacking with a mallot is of course absolute last resort. One thing I'm thinking about doing is grabbing the guide rod with a pair of vice grips to compress the recoil spring. Maybe it'll free up the assembly so I can get the slide off. I'm willing to let the guide guide rod get chewed up a bit. This so feakin wierd because the slide racks fine otherwise when the gun is assembled. BTW, I also used Kroil penetrating oil. That stuff is magic for most uses but didn't seem to help free up the slide in this case.
 
TriggerHappy1, you seem to be familiar with the 3rd Gens, so I'm hesitant to mention this, but here goes.

Is the safety off? With the safety engaged, the 3rd Gen slide will not come off.
 
TriggerHappy1 said:
Whacking with a mallot is of course absolute last resort. One thing I'm thinking about doing is grabbing the guide rod with a pair of vice grips to compress the recoil spring. Maybe it'll free up the assembly so I can get the slide off. I'm willing to let the guide guide rod get chewed up a bit.
BTW, I also used Kroil penetrating oil.
Click to expand...

Oh, MAN! You used Kroil, that's what messed ya up--
--shoulda used Ballistol!! :rolleyes:


Seriously tho, tap back end of slide lightly with pine 2x4,
before wrangling on the guide rod with visegrips.
 
GaryS said:
TriggerHappy1, you seem to be familiar with the 3rd Gens, so I'm hesitant to mention this, but here goes.

Is the safety off? With the safety engaged, the 3rd Gen slide will not come off.
Click to expand...
Yes the safety is off, but thanks for helping.
 
Steve912 said:
Oh, MAN! You used Kroil, that's what messed ya up--
--shoulda used Ballistol!! :rolleyes:


Seriously tho, tap back end of slide lightly with pine 2x4,
before wrangling on the guide rod with visegrips.
Click to expand...
I'll give it a shot.
 
TriggerHappy1 said:
Hey thanks for the tips. Sorry I was busy today, Sunday. Yes, I had the mag out. I'll disassemble as much of the frame as I can. I'll call S&W for any advise they can provide. I doubt they'll offer for me to send it to them for repair. If they do, it would probably be a six month wait considering COVID. Whacking with a mallot is of course absolute last resort. One thing I'm thinking about doing is grabbing the guide rod with a pair of vice grips to compress the recoil spring. Maybe it'll free up the assembly so I can get the slide off. I'm willing to let the guide guide rod get chewed up a bit. This so feakin wierd because the slide racks fine otherwise when the gun is assembled. BTW, I also used Kroil penetrating oil. That stuff is magic for most uses but didn't seem to help free up the slide in this case.
Click to expand...


I would not dismiss SW option - I had a 5904 with problem reassembling after I had some difficulty getting slide off (nothing like what you had - it was just stiff). It also had recalled grip. I emailed and told them what I had. They send return Fedx label with understanding that if it was not covered by warranty, they would give me estimate before proceeding.

Pistol went back first week of August and I heard nothing but it showed up today (5 weeks) working fine, with correct new grips, and looking like new. I understand that there have been others with less positive experiences, but I would have to rate my experience as A+++ despite Covid.
 
The MANUAL



https://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/si...rs-manuals/S&W_Metal_Frame_Autos_10-01-15.pdf


You may have to convince it!


iu
 
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