Failure to Load

[jimmyj]

A shooter today was firing a .45acp and every third round, the slide would stop returning to battery with a the bullet nose stuck on the feed ramp and the case still half way in the magazine ??

Limp Wristing ??

 

[armorer951]

I would suspect the recoil spring, magazine spring or follower.

 

[mckenney99]

In addition to what armorer951 stated, I would also suspect limp wristing first. You don't mention the firearm type or the shooters ability.

 

[M29since14]

Assuming the gun and mag are clean, in good repair, and he’s using decent quality U.S. commercial ammo, I’d wonder about his recoil spring, too - particularly if the gun is Commander length or shorter.

 

[oink]

The first thing to try is a different magazine. Were they reloads? Try a different shooter?

 

[jimmyj]

FTF

Glock 21 using 230 grain FMJ

In addition to what armorer951 stated, I would also suspect limp wristing first. You don't mention the firearm type or the shooters ability.

 

[yeti]

I'll play....

Fresh stout recoil spring coupled with a worn sacked out mag spring.

 

[gwpercle]

Why don't you test fire it for him , eliminating the possibility of "limp wristing" and see if it malfunctions for you ... at least it would easily eliminate one possible cause .
Gary

 

[Muss Muggins]

That's always my first question to diagnose an issue, unless of course, the gun exploded. "Did you let somebody else shoot it?"

Why don't you test fire it for him , eliminating the possibility of "limp wristing" and see if it malfunctions for you ... at least it would easily eliminate one possible cause .
Gary

 

[Kurusu]

Most likely suspect to me. The magazine(bottom feeder version of "the butler").

 

[Doug M.]

Limp wristing should not cause malfs - most pistols will properly function if held in one of many odd ways.

 

[stansdds]

Failure to feed ball ammo in a Glock 21? How many rounds through it since the recoil spring was changed?

 

[WR Moore]

Based upon experience with Austrian tupperware back in our 1992 service pistol trials (they're a long way from "perfection"), I'll add a possible cause: overly heavy magazine springs. Results in excessive friction while stripping the round, slowing the slide. Failure to hold the gun firmly can also be an issue. It's a tool and needs a firm grip.

You didn't mention new, used, how badly used, etc. which would bring either tired recoil spring or need of a break in into play.