908S magazine release problem

[hgmike]

hello everyone! i picked up my first S&W today, a 908S (used) for $300. it's in excellent condition and looks like it's seen little use. the only problem is when i put the magazine in. i have to jam it fairly hard for the magazine to lock in.

from the pictures i've seen on this board and online stores, it's the original magazine and i don't see any type of damage.

so anyone else have this type of problem before? i've never had to get a gun fixed before so should i be looking for a S&W armorer? or will any reputable gunsmith do? thanks in advance.

 

[handgunner356]

Are you talking a fully loaded magazine with the slide closed? Or does it do the same with the slide locked back? Reason being when you insert a loaded mag you're pushing the top round down about a 1/8" and you know how hard it is to get that last round in. If it's a problem regardless then a little penetrating oil on the catch might help.

 

[alde]

My 908 does the same thing with the slide closed. Just like handgunner356 said it's normal.

 

[hgmike]

ah ha...the mag goes in fine with the slide locked back. i can feel the difference. i'll try the oil suggestion.

so this is normal? it's not a problem since this will be my carry gun and i keep one in the chamber. but it seems odd you can't have a mag inserted w/o having to chamber a round doesn't it?

 

[Fastbolt]

It's not uncommon to have to firmly seat a fully loaded magazine when the slide is forward in battery in the 39XX/908 series pistols (or the 4040PD for that matter). This will often lessen as the tension in the mag springs starts to relax a bit.

The mag catch is not an assembly which requires lubrication. The 908 mag catch uses a nylon 'button' which snaps over a raised ring/spot on the steel mag catch body. I wouldn't introduce oil to the other end of the mag catch body which could allow it to reach the inside of the mag body and ammunition, either.

 

[maggie]

hgmike , did they have any more , what part of Ga. ? thanks