Chambering problem

[RooiValk]

I've recently begun experiencing a problem with the breech staying open when I put a mag in.

This causes issues with competition shooting because I have to slam the damn mag in for the breech to close automatically and chamber a round, and if that doesn't work I have to waste precious time cocking the thing.

Any ideas on this one? Would really appreciate any help on this.

 

[Dragon88]

If I understand correctly, you want to slide to go forward on it's own when you insert a new magazine? The slide lock is designed to stay engaged even when a new magazine is inserted. Sometimes slamming in a magazine will bump it out of place and send the slide forward, but this is more of a "bonus" not a design feature.

Stroking the slide after inserting a new magazine to chamber a round is normal, not a problem...

 

[RooiValk]

If I understand correctly, you want to slide to go forward on it's own when you insert a new magazine? The slide lock is designed to stay engaged even when a new magazine is inserted. Sometimes slamming in a magazine will bump it out of place and send the slide forward, but this is more of a "bonus" not a design feature.

Stroking the slide after inserting a new magazine to chamber a round is normal, not a problem...

Oh cr@p, and there I was thinking it was really cool that my slide closed automatically, while my buddies FN-X didn't. Sure is a much quicker mag change when it closes and chambers "by itself" . Thanks for the response.

 

[Dragon88]

You might be able to tweak the slide stop and spring. This will make it easier to bump out of place when slamming in a magazine. However, it may also make it unreliable in catching the slide on the last round. Best bet it to train yourself to rack the slide every time. If it's already forward or you see/feel it go forward, quickly finish the hand motion anyway and continue shooting. Alternately, training to rely on an unpredictable slide stop auto-activation will cause you to lose time in the end.

 

[RooiValk]

You might be able to tweak the slide stop spring to give it less tension. This will make it easier to bump out of place when slamming in a magazine. However, it may also make it unreliable in catching the slide on the last round. Best bet it to train yourself to rack the slide every time. If it's already forward or you see/feel it go forward, quickly finish the hand motion anyway and continue shooting. Alternately, training to rely on an unpredictable slide stop auto-activation will cause you to lose time in the end.

Agreed, it makes sense to simply practice racking it each time so that I don't have to anticipate a time when it doesn't work automatically.

 

[chuck s]

The slide should remain open after inserting a magazine. If it closes when you slam a mag in it's really a defect being advertised as a benefit!

Unless you cycle the slide you really don't know if there's a cartridge in the there. Fine for games, though, as all you can lose is points...

-- Chuck

 

[Houdini1953]

My S&W M&P9 does the same thing but the problem is that I expect to rack the slide so I drop a round, no big deal with a 17 round magazine though!

 

[Dos Cylindros]

Auto forwarding when you firmly insert a magazine is a known thing with all of the M&P line. It is also fairly common on Beretta 92 series of pistols as well. It is not a problem, and it has more to do with how you insert the magazine as opposed to how firmly you insert it. If you insert you mag with your hand directly on the bottom of the mag, the gun will typically not auto forward. If you strike you palm on the mag when you seat it at a 45 degree angle, the guns will reliably auto forward. If you have not seen Magpul Dynamics Art of the Dynamic Handgun, you should get it an watch it. They do a good job of explaining how it works. I prefer to rack the slide as opposed to using the auto forward style.

 

[Hawaiianbro40]

My M&P 40 did that every time when I was at the range. Id empty a mag put a fresh mag in and it automatically loaded and was ready to fire. I did put it in with some force not a lot more or less just typically putting a mag in.

 

[Helderberg]

Auto slide close.

I have a M&P 45 large frame and the slide would auto close and chamber a round if I "slammed" the mag home. I called S&W tech and asked if this was correct. The man on the phone said it was supposed to do this as it was a combat desirable feature. I don't know if this is the company making lemonade out of lemons but it is fine with me. I like that it does this and do not have a problem with it. Kind of wish my BG380 did it also.
Best, Frank.