3914 reassembly assistance

[newboy]

A friend of mine has a Model 3914 that she hasn't shot in over a decade. I took her shooting and at first it shot fine and then after about 30 rounds it would jam on every shot. I told her it might need some lube and a cleaning.

I took it apart and cleaned it as well as lubed the usual areas.

When I try to reassembly it out smarts me.

There is no way there are this many positive reviews, and it is this difficult to put together. Therefore I have to be doing something wrong.

I have no experience with S&W semi-autos. my experience is with Beretta, Glock, Walther, and H&K.

I think I am having a problem with the recoil spring guide not setting properly.

Could someone please offer me some assistance.

Thanks.

 

[40cal]

YouTube 4506 takedown

You could seach YouTube for a 4506 S&W 3rd gen. takedown. More or less the same parts as your 3914.

Be sure all the levers are pushed down as you put the slide onto the frame. Make sure the slide stop notch line up. Dont forget that the mag is out of the pistol also.

 

[MTS Cop]

On my 3914 I often have difficulty sliding the frame past the levers at the rear of the frame (i.e. the ejector, mag disconnect etc). I find pulling the hammer back slightly allows the levers to go all the way down, then the slide can travel all the way back.

Don't know if this helps...

 

[RKS]

Yeah, they're kinda' tricky compared to the Sigs, Berettas, etc. But you'll get it down pat.

 

[kbm6893]

Just press the three levers down as you move the slide over them, and I find it is easier to do with the safety in the "off" position.

 

[paddingtonbear]

Owners Manual on the Smith & Wesson Site will help

Some 3rd gens are easier than others. I have four and my 3913 (SS ver of the 3914) gives me the most trouble getting past the three levers. As MTS Cop said, I have to pull the hammer back slightly to get the levers all the way down.
I tried to attach the manual here, but the file is too large to attach here.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/SW_Metal_Frame_Auto_Pistol_06_16_08.pdf

If the link above does'nt work, go to the S&W site scroll down to customer support on the bottom of the page. Click the link for manuals on the left and then look for Metal Frame Pistols.

 

[newboy]

Thanks for the input everyone. I did not have the recoil spring guide rod set properly and that was my problem.

Extra points for suggesting the youtube search under model 4506.

Everyone have a great day and be safe shooting.