M&P 40c "sluggish slide"!!

[compactandsafe]

Hello I was wondering if anyone could give me ideas about this problem. I have the M&P 40c and it is brand new. Only has 150 rounds through it and I am the only owner. I noticed while shooting that intermittently the slide will have a real slow travel forward like it is hanging up. Almost feels like a ker chunk if that is any help. I was wondering if it should be anything i should worry about or if it is a break in period. Also I am not using high quality ammunition for shooting at targets but this has concerned my a little since this will be my carry weapon. This has only happened a couple times out of the 150 rounds and other than when this happens the pistol shoots great! Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Dino1]

I had the same problem with mine shooting 180gr. ammo during the breakin period. I swithched to 165gr. and the problem went away. I now have 470 rounds fired through it and not one problem with FTF, FTE. The pistol has not missed a shot in the time I have owned it, definately a keeper. I last shot 50 rounds of 180gr. through it and everything is good now. Give it some time to burnish in and work a little smoother. The one thing I like the most with this pistol is how well it stays clean inside. People complain about the gap between the slide and frame. I think S&W designed it this way to vent it from the debris from fireing. No where near as dirty inside as some of my other firearms I have after a couple hundred rounds. But my hands sure do need a good washing afterwards.

 

[Mikey217]

I still have the same problem, even after several hundred rounds. You may want to read this thread -- http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/268843-40c-firing-issue.html

My next step is to cut a couple of 'loops' out of the mag spring, as that seemed to work for this other guy. Or, since I have a new EDC pistol now (PPQ 40), I may send it back to S&W, since I can be without it now indefinitely.

 

[robkarrob]

Try to see if it happens with only one particular magazine. If so, then you have found the problem, the mag is not feeding the cartridges cleanly. Does it happen when the mag is full or near full, or does it happen even with only 1 or 2 rounds left? The mag feed lips may be mis-aligned/bent. Could even be an ammo issue. Try another brand or as suggested a different bullet weight. Keep us posted on your results.

Bob

 

[shawn mccarver]

Hello I was wondering if anyone could give me ideas about this problem. I have the M&P 40c and it is brand new. Only has 150 rounds through it and I am the only owner. I noticed while shooting that intermittently the slide will have a real slow travel forward like it is hanging up. Almost feels like a ker chunk if that is any help. I was wondering if it should be anything i should worry about or if it is a break in period. Also I am not using high quality ammunition for shooting at targets but this has concerned my a little since this will be my carry weapon. This has only happened a couple times out of the 150 rounds and other than when this happens the pistol shoots great! Thanks for any ideas.

The "ker-chunk" is an issue that has come up in 1911s, and I am not sure of the fix, but when the 1911 was first introduced by S&W, the one I got suffered from "ker-chunk" (that is what the performance center called it), and I sent it back and they fixed it and it was noticeably different. You might call S&W, but if you do, see if you can talk to someone in the performance center rather than just one of the customer service people you initially get when you call in.

Good luck!

 

[Ditchdigger]

Well ****, my .40 FS does that once in awhile. I chalked it up to being super perceptive. Guess not.

I have noticed it on different bullet weights and brands, but I haven't paid any attention to which mag I was using. I think that could quite possibly be a cause.

 

[Dino1]

Load your Mags and keep them loaded for a couple weeks and see if that helps. Then go shoot it. Mine are loaded 24-7 and ready to shoot. Gun has been 100% on duty, even with a couple of slide return issues I have experienced like you have. 470 round later not one FTF FTE, Gun is spot on. I would trust my life on this one.

 

[MichiganScott]

OP stated a new gun. Has it been cleaned and lubed as directed in the owner's manual? The shipping preservatives certainly will cause slow slide movement.

 

[AZ115]

Sounds like the mag spring to me!

I did notice this when my 40c was brand new, 1st time at the range. A little slow into battery, but no FTF or anything else. The slide seemed to drag a bit on the top round.

I also noticed how hard the new magazines were to load, from the first few rounds to the last few rounds.
I just left my mags full for a few days or weeks. I always keep full mags anyways. Haven't had any problems since.

Every other range trip, I will give my M&P a quick cleaning, oiling and functional test before going to the range. The other times, I'll just whip out of my daily carry holster and fire away. My M&P doesn't have any issues either way.

 

[compactandsafe]

I appreciate all of the feedback! I havent got a chance to shoot again but noticed that it only has a sluggish feel with the 180 grain. I shot some lower grains and it seemed fine. I do keep the gun very clean and initially cleaned it before i shot it. The mags do seem a little stiff and sometimes its like i cant even get the 10th bullet into it. I emailed Smith and Wesson and they said to try different ammo and see what happens. I have never owned a semi auto so I dont know much about them. Im hoping that maybe it will break in and be alright. Im going to put some more rounds through it before i go through the hassle of shipping it to S&W. Other than this issue i really like the gun.

 

[Jyezahn]

It sounds like the leading edge of the brass of the next round being chambered could be getting hung up slightly on the front of the magazine as the slide strips it off. The next time you load your mags, give them a rap against the palm of your hand or leg to seat the primer-side as far back as it will go. This will ensure that all rounds are properly seated and angled along with the follower. I notice this when loading and unloading mags with different rounds.

You can also check this when you fire. The next time you feel it being sluggish on return, fire that round and check out the leading edge of the ejected casing. If it IS getting hung up, you'll likely see a mark where metal meets metal.

 

[compactandsafe]

How long is the break in period on this pistol?

 

[Jyezahn]

No break in period. Just shoot it, they're good right out of the box. If you're talking about something like a gritty trigger, then it depends on what the actual cause is.

 

[spricks]

Those guys that are having a hard time loading the mags...i suggest you invest the few bucks for a UpLULA speed loader. It will be the best money you ever spent. One works for all 3 ammo sizes, 9mm,40cal,and 45cal. The ease and speed of filling your mags will make you want to shoot more.
spricks

 

[compactandsafe]

I got the problem fixed!!! I went to the gunsmith and had the feed ramp polished, barrel chamfered, and barrel hood polished. I also found out that the extractor was not working properly so he reworked that to. He did one heck of a job and the gun shoots smoother than it ever has! Now just waiting for my Trijicon Sights to be put on! I found out that the nose of bullets while feeding were hitting the barrel hood and the sides of the barrel. But the gun is a great gun now! Also, switched over to the froglube and have to say that stuff is impressive!