Live round stuck in chamber

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Hey folks,

I've a M&P .45 and have never had an issue with it. The firearm is cleaned after every use and stored properly.

Today, I was firing off the last of some re-loads (the last 3 I had before going to nothing but factory ammunition) and I managed to jam on the last round.

The slide was back a few millimeters and after some persuasion has come back to rest. I cannot fully pull back the slide, and therefore cannot get this round out of the chamber.

I'll be able to see a gunsmith this weekend if that's what's called for, but does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
NgNl
 
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Since we can't let a competitor leave the range with a live round in the gun, I've had to deal with this more than once. Depending on how hard you stuck the oversize round, there are different ways to deal with it.

But I have to tell you up front that if you don't know what you are doing or get careless, it is very easy to shoot it trying to get it out, possibly hitting yourself or others. Having a sand filled clearing box is a real safety help.

If it is not stuck too tight, it is possible to hold the slide firmly in the left hand, with the left arm braced solid on something (watch the muzzle!") and put your whole weight on the grip to retract the cartridge.

If that does not work, a pick can pull the extractor off the cartridge and allow the slide to come back. Remove the barrel from the gun. Holding the barrel solidly, use a range rod to drive the cartridge out from the muzzle. Don't allow the back of the cartridge to strike anything, and don't put any part of your body in front of the muzzle.

If this makes you uneasy, see your gunsmith for help.
 
Thank you OKF .....

I tried what you suggested and am just a bit uncomfortable trying any harder. For safety sake I think I'll make a stop at the gunsmiths this weekend.

Thanks again, it's much appreciated.

NgNl
 
Since you can move the slide back a bit, can you slip something between the cartridge and the breach face?

If so, you can remove the slide from the frame by removing the trigger pin and coil pins. You will need an 1/8" roll pin punch. I know it sounds extreme but here is a link to a page where you can download a copy of the M&P Armorer's Manual.
page7b

Once you have the slide off, take the slide cover plate off and remove the firing pin. Then you won't have to worry about it striking the round. I can't exactly visualise what your problem is here with extraction but being able to work from both sides you will hopefully find a solution.

Let us know how it works out.

Dave
 
Had a round get stuck in the chamber of my 4006 once. Took and decocked it, and at the risk of breaking my extractor, I went to one of the wooden tables at the range (outdoor) and put the edge of the slide against the edge of the table and force it back by pushing down on the frame. It worked.

Either way, if you're not comfortable with it you should have someone qualified take a look. Good luck!
 
If you can get/lock the slide back you can get the barrel out and then use a range rod to knock it out from the bullet/front end. I use a7/16" D x7" section of wooden dowel. Put the rod end on the bench and the other up the barrel so the gun is pointing down at the bench.. Then just run the barrel up and down over the rod to tap ( not smash) the round out.
 
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Good to know, never had this happen personally, but the different method of removal are interesting.
 
Thanks for all the great advice, fellas.

Just for an update, I used a bit less force and moved the slide the few mm it would move gently several times. After a bit, I felt the round move and fall from the chamber. (WHEW!!!!)

I've never gone into my local store with a live round stuck in a chamber, and I'm sure glad I didn't have to! ...

DRock, thank you sir for the link. Very informative.

I will admit, I was pretty uncomfortable with having a jammed firearm ... I know they just don't go off by themselves, but it's never a comfortable feeling knowing something isn't fully operational.

On a side note, I noticed the jammed round wasn't one of the reloads I had been shooting, but a new 'HMS' round ...... this will make the very first FTF, jamming issue, or any problem I've had with the M&P to date.

Still a great firearm, I guess this just happens from time to time.

Thanks again, fellas.

NgNl
 
er, 'HSM' brand from Stevensville, MT. Picked up a box of 50 for next to nothing at my local farm supply ...
 
er, 'HSM' brand from Stevensville, MT. Picked up a box of 50 for next to nothing at my local farm supply ...

I'm not familiar with HMS brand ammo. Are they factory reloads? I think that I would be getting in touch with them and letting them know they may have a problem with some of their ammo.
 
When the big ammo scare was going on post election I ran several thousand rounds of HSM 9mm thru my M&P. I never had a problem, but as soon as regular non reload ammo became available I bought that.

We've all probably heard of bad rounds, reloads or not and of every brand. I would just consider it part of shooting. The important thing is to learn how to safely handle the situation.

Dave
 
Good info guys

Never had this happen with my SD9, but my wife's SCCY had a TulAmmo round stuck in the chamber. Made me a nervous wreck wrestling with it and never could get it loose. Tried one last time to fire it and it did. There doesn't appear to be any damage but I wonder if it was a stupid idea to keep trying to fire it. Is it possible for a small pistol like the SCCY to blow apart in a situation like this even with a small 9MM round? Thanks! Jim
 
I do better...

I do better if I get a good grip on the slide with my left hand and hit just under the beaver tail with the web of my right hand several times HARD. If you hold it right it doesn't hurt to give it few good whacks. Of course the gun is pointed down range.

I don't know if everybody would approve of this, but I'll put it here. If you disagree, just say so. I don't want to get flamed. I'll gladly edit it out if knowledgeable people think it's that improper.BE CAREFUL!

I have set up a gun in the padded vise by the frame. (Of course pointed in a safe direction) and putting a wood dowel on the front of the slide up to but not over the muzzle. You HAVE to do it at a slight angle JUST IN CASE it were to go off and you don't want it to hit your hand. Lightly tap several times on the front of the slide and see if you get any movement of the slide backwards. More taps are better than harder taps. If it won't budge tap a little harder. Don't get ridiculous.

I haven't done this, but if it's still stubborn put some Kroil down the barrel and let it soak down and try again.

If it won't budge after this it needs professional help.
 
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Another technique

I've seen both factory and reloaded ammo get jammed in the chamber, most often from a defective and unnoticed fold in the case mouth.

Another solution: drill a hole, approximately 1/2" in diameter or slightly larger than the outside dimension of the barrel at the muzzle, into a piece of scrap wood.

Lock the wood in a vice or clamp it to your workbench. align the muzzle with that hole, then push the gun forward. As long as the extractor is sturdy, you'll pull the stuck round out of the gun.
 
I like......

I've seen both factory and reloaded ammo get jammed in the chamber, most often from a defective and unnoticed fold in the case mouth.

Another solution: drill a hole, approximately 1/2" in diameter or slightly larger than the outside dimension of the barrel at the muzzle, into a piece of scrap wood.

Lock the wood in a vice or clamp it to your workbench. align the muzzle with that hole, then push the gun forward. As long as the extractor is sturdy, you'll pull the stuck round out of the gun.

I like your way better Spreads the impact over the face of the slide rather than just where the wood 'chisel' meets. AND the force is straight on.
 
If you've ever had to mortar a ar15 to clear a jam
The same principles apply.just make sure barrel is pointed down range. Personally I've never seen this result in a negligent discharge.
Or a chopstick in the barrel. And a hammer
No fingers near the trigger obviously
 
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