Double stack mag rattling.

[HighStrung]

I'm sure this is a beginners question but I'm troubleshooting a jam issue that I've had a couple times out of the last 500 rounds. It's not a stovepipe, it's like the round isn't making it all the way to the ramp and it's getting hung up just below it. It's always the bottom edge of the flat nose of the round that gets hung up. The ramp is mirror smooth so I don't think thats the problem. This is my first gun (SW40VE) that has a double stack mag. When I've got the mag loaded to approx 10 or more rounds, if you shake the mag you can hear the rounds rattling a little. This makes me wonder if the spring is getting weak. I did buy the gun used so not 100% sure how many rounds have been thru it. I've cleaned/lubed as recommeded both here and by the book. I'm still working to see if it's happening on both mag's or just one. I'm working through a variety of ammo and so far, it's happened on Rem white box and Amer Eagle. I've got a couple other brands that I'm gonna run through it. I've also heard the limpwristing idea but don't believe thats the problem, could be I guess. Other than this, my sigma has been flawless. Any ideas guys/girls? Thanks in advance.

 

[DWinter]

My 40VE clips rattle only after I load the 14th round. I haven't taken them apart yet to see the cause but all 4 clips I have rattle. I'm sure someone else here has the answer.
Duane

 

[handgunner356]

Weak mag spring or spring in backwards not putting tension on the front of the follower.

 

[Pisgah]

Many, if not most, double-column mags will rattle a little. It usually has nothing to do with spring tension, rather the fact that it is mighty hard to precisely match the taper of the mag to the slight taper of the cartridge. Normal manufacturing tolerances in mags and cartridges can combine to create the conditions for the rattle. Usually, it has no affect on feeding, and is the very last thing I would look at if I were having a feed problem.

 

[KurtC]

1. Weak mag springs effecting the timing.
2. Weak recoil spring not pushing the cartrigde.
3. Weak ammo not sending the slide rearward enough to gain full use of recoil spring.

Does the cartridge get hung up if you pull the slide all the way to the rear and let it go, or just when firing?

 

[HighStrung]

Thanks for the reply's so far. KurtC~It's only hung up when firing. Anytime it's happened, I simply pull the slide back, then it feeds the hung round perfectly fine. Something I didn't mention (not even sure it matters), but it's only hung up on me in the middle of a mag. The first 3-4 rounds have aways cycled fine as have the last 4-5.
Dwinter & Pisgah~thanks for the insight on the rattle. I was guessing it was the taper causing it, but wanted to ask to make sure.

 

[KurtC]

I would try some premium ammo first. If it still does it then change your recoil spring, then mag springs.

 

[Racer X]

On a related note, KelTec P-11 mags frequently rattle when new. This is significant in that they are new, made by MecGar, are shortened 59 series mags, and MecGar probably made your factory S&W magazines as well. Some people make it stop by using the Wolff +10% magazine springs. Others pinch their magazines ever so slightly down about where the 10th rd sits.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I'm doubting the rattling mag has anything to do with feeding issues. Rattling double stacks is a common and well documented occurrence with some of the newer Smiths. It's got to do with how the case rims stack in the mag. This doesn't effect the top round in the mag at all.( There is much discussion on this at m-pforum) My M&P 9 does it with both factory mags until I insert the mag into the gun (putting pressure on the top round.)

hth

 

[PDL]

My double stack mags all 'rattle'. I think it's more a matter of the design of the double stacks than anything else. Only one of the stacks will be under pressure at the top of the mag, so the other side can have some movement.
Not what brand, but what bullet weight are you shooting when you get the FTFe? I've had mis-feeds with light bullets in my .40VE.

 

[kbm6893]

S&W mags rattle when fully loaded. I'll bet if you download it by one round, the rattle goes away. Another quirk they have is that when you chamber that first round, and then drop the magazine, the top round in the chamber will either be pushed forward, or will drop out of the mag well as the mag is dropped. Neither quirk affects function or reliability at all. I have thousands of rounds through my S&W autos over the years, and not one malfunction.

It's normal. Don't worry about it.

 

[conn ak]

I wouldn't worry about mag rattle. I bought a 9VE with four hi-cap mags-each magazine brand new and each rattles when loaded. Same with my current 40VE, 4 new mags, all four rattle when loaded.

 

[Walthernut]

Federal 180 gr hydra-shok, Winchester White box 165 gr & Blazer 180gr all work well in my Sigma.
Let's try this:
Determine if the problem is with one or all of your magazines. Once you have these results give S&W customer svs a call. If it's only one mag they should replace it, recoil spring maybe they'll send you a new one. If all else fails consider sending it back to S&W under warranty.
As others have said rattle is common.

 

[HighStrung]

Thanks for all the input

Well, I'm happy to hear that the rattle isn't a problem. As for the few rounds that have been FTF, I believe those were 165grain but I'm not totally sure. I've got 100 or so rounds of 180 that I plan on shooting in the next few days so maybe I can check which (or if both) mag's are causing this as well as the weight of the round. I'm trying some different brands as I'm planning a bulk purchase in the very near future and want to make sure I buy something my gun likes.

Also, I'm assuming that since I bought this gun used, I'm not covered under any lifetime warranty am I? Yes, I have the receipt from where I purchased this gun, but I didn't figure S&W would honor a warranty. Am I wrong?

 

[mattjp]

I have the same problem with my 5903 mags.

I have a 15 round mag given to me by my father from his 5906, and a 14 round that came with my 5903 and they rattle once i go past 13 rounds.

I took my magazines apart (simple enough with a thin screw driver) and stretched my springs and still no luck. I did find that if i load it up to capacity and give the mag a tap to my palm the rattle goes away.

A few hours ago I loaded up the mag completely with snap caps and cycled them just by pulling the slide back, and no problems ejecting all rounds and they all seated and functioned.

I'd try the palm tap and see if that gets the rattle to go away, if not try to pop your mag open and stretch the spring out... But don't immediately reload the mag give it a day or so to settle before reloading them.

 

[PDL]

Make it easy on yourself, put a sharpie mark on the mags so you can identify them.
My problem was with 155s, but the gun only had a couple of hundred rounds thru it. 180s and 165s from Speer, Remington, CCI/Blazer, and Fiocchi have all worked well so far.

 

[Walthernut]

Well, I'm happy to hear that the rattle isn't a problem. As for the few rounds that have been FTF, I believe those were 165grain but I'm not totally sure. I've got 100 or so rounds of 180 that I plan on shooting in the next few days so maybe I can check which (or if both) mag's are causing this as well as the weight of the round. I'm trying some different brands as I'm planning a bulk purchase in the very near future and want to make sure I buy something my gun likes.

Also, I'm assuming that since I bought this gun used, I'm not covered under any lifetime warranty am I? Yes, I have the receipt from where I purchased this gun, but I didn't figure S&W would honor a warranty. Am I wrong?

You are covered under warranty. You don't have to produce a sales receipt. If you have to send it back I suggest LSG. (325-885-2700, e-mail [email protected])

 

[Ogandydancer]

I have a Sig P229R and one of my mags. has always rattled a little but, as far as I know has never caused a problem. However since I have read some of these responses, the next time I am at the range I am going to make sure I use that Mag. only and see if there are any problems.