EZ 380/ Laser Cartridge Question

[suzanlyn]

I recently bought a second Smith and Wesson EZ 380. Same gun different color. I use an iTarget Pro for dry fire practice. With the first EZ 380 I had no problem whatsoever with the cartridge. With the new EZ 380 the cartridge will not fit. I have removed the o-ring and oiled, still cartridge will not fit the gun.

Any suggestions? Is it possible there is that much differential in the size of the barrels?

Thank you so much any direction.

 

[gun1]

Interesting conundrum.

On a side note, I have heard the iTarget advertised and have been tempted to get something like that. I just havent gone down that road yet.

As to the gun/fitment issue - I can't imagine there being a difference between the two. Do you have the specific product codes/SKU's for the pistols in question?

I have several 9mm's and 380's that all rack a bit differently - different slide configurations and spring tensions. However, the bores are all comparable per matching caliber. I use Sap Caps for some trigger practice and getting the Snap Cap, for example, to lock in the chamber in my Bodyguard 380 is harder than my Shield 380 EZ. That isn't a question of the bore, its the slide, spring, and latch. I guess I never really thought about it being an "issue", more of just getting to know each. Neither has an issue with live fire in this regard - live rounds cycle in and out of the chamber just fine.

 

[MikeNV]

Yes, your issue with the same cartridge not fitting in one of your 380's is a head scratcher. It could be a tolerance stack up issue between the two guns and the cartridge. I would try a different cartridge - yours may be on the high end of the tolerance band.

Edit: Wanted to add one thing, try cambering and ejecting a few live rounds from a magazine (rack it carefully a few times, finger away from the trigger). If it functions OK, it's probably not your gun.

I'll say I'm also a big fan of dry fire practicing. I've tried several brands of cartridges and settled on the Quantum XG's by G-Sight. I've found them to be very accurate doing rotation tests. I have them in both 9mm and 380 ACP. I only have one 380 EZ and have had no issues with cartridge fit, but have 5 9mm's with no fit issues either.

G-Sight has a nice free phone app for recording your shot groups too. The cartridges have come down considerable in price lately - I see it for $28.99 on Amazon.

 

[suzanlyn]

Thanks for the information. I have loaded the live round with no issue at all. We had talked about ordering a second 380 laser round and will purchase the one suggested. We have several 380s so will put it to good use either way.


Definitely a first world problem.

 

[McChemist]

Use an electronic caliper and measure cartridge diameters.

 

[CajunBass]

I've had the same problem with mine. I'm not sure what the brand they are though, I order them from E-bay and don't recall a name. They seem to fit some 380's better than others. I've found removing the front O ring usually takes care of the problem.

 

[McChemist]

Use an electronic caliper and measure cartridge diameters.

Additionally, I would suspect the laser cartridge variances over S&W chambering errors. They have to factor in a wide variety of 380 ACP ammo from many manufacturers. What is puzzling is having 2 different 380EZs that behave differently. The only application that I have is 9mm. I have a M&P Shield Plus, M&P 9C, and a M&P FPC 9. I use that same laser with each and I don't have a problem. One question I do have is do both EZs chamber the same round without a problem? Most calipers will allow you to measure the internal diameter of the barrel throat, if possible. I'll try my wife's 380EZ. It has worked it the past.