BG .380 FTF and slide lock failure

[thedeere]

Just bought a new BG .380. I understand weapons need some break in time but I am concerned with the performance. Out of 50 rounds, had about 6 FTF and the slide fails to lock after last round is spent. I was using some factory reloads as that is all the shop had at the time. I will try some Federal as that is what the first spent round that came with the weapon was. The slide will lock with an empty mag, just not after the last round for some reason. Any suggestions before I send back to S&W? I love my M&P shield 9mm but this BG is something else!

 

[Rodfac]

I've got just under 300 rounds through mine and have noticed some fairly light firing pin craters with both R-P 95 gr FMJ's as well as Federal's. All fired successfully, but they don't look quite right. I'm a handloader and tried Winchester Sm Pistol Primers and got the same light detent on my own loads. Switching to Federal caps resulted in a better looking crater, normal in all respects. BTW, Federal Critical Defense rounds also had a light, shallow firing pin crater, but fired every time.

You might try cleaning out the firing pin race with brake cleaner or a similar, under pressure product and check the firing pin for burrs as well. Aside from that, it sounds like you have a customer service issue.

HTH's Rod

 

[thedeere]

Thanks. I'm hoping it is just the ammo. Sometimes the double strike would get the round to bang. Ill keep posted.