CS 9 Failure to Fire?

[rsmithtesiusa]

I love my CS 9 and has been my daily for several years, but I occasionally get a FTF at the range. Always a feed issue.
I have learned that theCS 9 likes to be clean and hates to be dry. My issues are always when it has been neglected and not at least oiled recently. From what I have read this appears normal - is that correct?
If so can someone tell me exactly where to oil on a regular basis and best lube to use. As you can tell I am not current on my gun maintenance knowledge.... But it makes sence to lube it in specific minimal areas rather than slather it everywhere?

Also could my problem be a spring issue? I haven't swapped out the recoil spring could that make issue worse?
Thanks for helping out the less informed...

 

[mauser9]

Mine has done the same thing a couple times in the past so you could be right about the cleaning/lubing. I blamed the ammo at first as it was the 115 grain Rem. white box FMJ. Don't know how many rounds you have fired in yours but mine does not have many rounds through it at all so a spring issue is doubtful. A decent cleaning and experimenting with different ammo can sometimes help. Mine fed the Blazer aluminum stuff without a hitch. Great pocket gun for concealment.

 

[jsbethel]

While it may or may not be part of the issue, a new recoil spring is always cheap maintenance for a decade-old pistol.

Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring S&W CS9C CS9S

 

[armorer951]

In my experience, the shorter barrelled guns tend to be harder on recoil springs, so the age of the spring(s) is certainly a factor.
Magazine springs also need periodic attention and replacement. The type of ammo you are using could also contribute to feeding problems.

I would agree that maintenance, cleaning and lubrication are very important, especially for carry guns. As an armorer, I've seen service guns from one end of the spectrum to the other in terms of care. Some owners shoot them until they stop or break, with no thought to cleaning or care....then they are mystified when the gun doesn't work properly. Unbelievable.

As far as ongoing maintenance is concerned, don't neglect the area under the grip and the interior of the magazines when you do your cleaning and inspection after use. Another area to pay attention to is the firing pin channel. This area can get contaminated with a lot of crud and debris. After cleaning, leave this particular area and the pin/spring "oil free" and dry when you reassemble.

Keep in mind that the viscosity of many lubricants is affected by temperature extremes.....so choose wisely, particularly if the pistol is exposed to harsh environments. I use Tetra brand gun grease in the summer and synthetic oil in the winter. Do some reading and research, and use something designed specifically for firearms. As you know, and as you will see as your thread progresses, there are many product choices out there, and just as many incredible (false) claims and opinions.

S&W suggests light lubrication of contact points with a high quality light weight gun oil....like the slide rails, recoil guide, and the locking points on the barrel. (hood, foot and bushing) For me, less is better.