Hold open on S&W 645.

[Tuna1]

I have a 645 along with 3 magazines for it. This was bought as a used Police trade in and I have not fired it much. But of late the hold open will not engage when the last round is fired in any of the 3 magazines. After cleaning it and checking the slide release which is also the hold open I can find no reason for it not to work. Would this be a magazine spring issue or a follower in the magazine issue? There is no binding with the slide release and it moves freely. Any thoughts?

 

[photoman]

If the slide release and slide notch are both in spec, I would guess the magazine springs are worn. Might be worth replacing the mag springs and seeing what happens.

 

[judgepw]

Magazine

Several other model mags will also work well in he 645. Borrow one and try it.

 

[SonnyJames]

Hi Tuna. I own 8 of the 645's in varying years and what Photoman44 said is accurate. The mag springs on the older 645's get worn and do not cycle the last round to a locked open slide sometimes.

 

[kcode]

You might disassemble the mags and clean the insides and follower of any dirt and burnt powder. It might be holding back the follower from going all of the way up.