3rd Gen (4053) slide not locking

[TAROMAN]

Slide doesn't lock back after last shot.
Catches below the sideplate spring:

Removed and replaced, same issue. Drops down again.
Don't see any obvious damage.
Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[armorer951]

Have you checked to see that the sideplate is in the correct configuration and is undamaged? Looks like the angled tab on the sideplate that interfaces with the plunger on the slide stop might be out of position....a bit too high.

Can you show a photo of the rear of the slide stop? Looks different than the one on my 4053.

Carter

 

[jsbethel]

Perhaps the sideplate prong is bent or broken under the grip - the assembly looks too high to manipulate the catch plunger.

 

[TAROMAN]

Thanks guys.
Images. Sideplate may be the culprit. Wonder if it shouldn't wobble around the bottom pin?

Amazing how much crud shows in on macro images!
Time to clean better!

 

[jsbethel]

The sideplate shouldn't wobble. You may be able to bend the right prong back but you will probably end up needing a new one.
Replacement Smith & Wesson Model 4506, 4546DA, 4586DA, 645, 745, 1086DA Sideplate Assembly

 

[armorer951]

Smith and Wesson part number is 10860. You may be able to source one there. 1-800-331-0852

 

[TAROMAN]

Tried bending it back, no joy.
Parts hunt begins.
thanks..

 

[stansdds]

My first thought is to replace that side plate spring. Also, check the receiver, make sure some Bubba did not file the slide stop notch deeper than spec.

 

[TAROMAN]

Back again. Fighting this gun.
Thanks for everyone, the sideplate was determined to be the culprit.
4053 sideplates are made of unobtanium.
And it seems that most parts vendors cannot understand the difference between the 4053 and a 4053 TSW.
Now have several un-returnable TSW ones.
After a long search I finally sourced a 4054 sideplate.
Should fit the same, but the problem persists:

There's a few thousandths clearance, can't imagine that is a problem.
Would appreciate any additional thoughts before I dump it and get a Beretta.
Maybe ship it to BMCM?

 

[stansdds]

At this point, I'm going to say that Bubba filed the bottom of the slide stop where it would contact the edge of the hole in the receiver or actually reamed/filed the hole in the receiver.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

I HAVE SIDE PLATES FOR THE 4053 DOUBLE STACK.

 

[TAROMAN]

As do I. Mine is the SS version and I have several DS sideplates sold by persons unaware that they are not the same.

 

[JohnHL]

Back again. Fighting this gun.
Thanks for everyone, the sideplate was determined to be the culprit.
4053 sideplates are made of unobtanium.
And it seems that most parts vendors cannot understand the difference between the 4053 and a 4053 TSW.
Now have several un-returnable TSW ones.
After a long search I finally sourced a 4054 sideplate.
Should fit the same, but the problem persists:

There's a few thousandths clearance, can't imagine that is a problem.
Would appreciate any additional thoughts before I dump it and get a Beretta.
Maybe ship it to BMCM?

Yes, that clearance IS a problem.

The sideplate lower legs should snap tightly around the sear pin.

Your single stack 4053 is built on the "large frame" (45, 10mm) and uses the same side plate as any of the DA/SA or DAO 45 or 10mm models. (Even the blued ones will work. But not the Sig style, frame decock models.)

But they must SNAP TIGHT around the sear pivot pin or your problem will persist.

To explain, because the upper, horizontal leg of the sideplate is longer than the lower, vertical legs any misalignment of the lower legs will be AMPLIFIED at the upper leg.

John

 

[BMCM]

Yup, quite obvious a sideplate issue.

108600000 would be the most recent version
106990000 will also work (early version)

Same sideplate as used in any of the full size single stack 10xx & 45xx models expect as previously noted the frame decocker guns.

40xxTSW guns use a 5906 sideplate not compatible with a single stack .40 whereas your 4053 takes a 4506 or 1006 sideplate.

Jack First has them...
S&W 40 S&W Series sideplate assembly, models 4013, 4053 .837" post #1040-10860

Likely S&W will have some too.

And I have a few in the bin here somewhere.

Cheers
Bill

 

[TAROMAN]

Thanks for checking in on this, Master Chief.
This one shoots like a laser and I sure hope to save it.
Appears the Numrich one was used/damaged.
Ordered from Jack First.
Hope they have new parts!