? re: AMT 45 Winchester Magnum

[Dr Charlie]

My AMT has by feel a powerful spring when retracting slide to insert a round. My question is when I use 22 grains of H110 a recommended load for the 230 grain Hornady bullet the firing recoil locks up the slide and it must be be pulled rearward to unlock and load the next round. Is this an indication of a weak recoil spring or?
Hope you can help Dr Charlie

 

[lrrifleman]

Dr Charlie,

By my figuring, I would say that your recoil spring is way too powerful. I would suggest that you try a slightly lighter recoil spring!

 

[laytonj1]

If you are saying the slide is locking back (slide stop engaging the notch in the slide) then your problem is likely with the magazine or your thumb is engaging the slide stop during recoil.

Jim

 

[lrrifleman]

Dr Charlie,

Are you saying that the slide is not recoiling, or that the slide recoils, ejects the round, and locks in the open position?

 

[Dr Charlie]

Slide is recoiling, round is ejecting, and the slide has recoiled far enough to be locked open.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Try pushing down on the slide release instead of trying to avoid it during the firing sequence. If this fixes the problem, it's likely you.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When I went to +p 9mm loads in my 39-2 30 years ago, I had the same problem. The recommended fix was use ammo with less recoil.

Ivan

 

[Dr Charlie]

Using less ammo 18.5 grains instead of the recommended 24.0 of H110 fixed the problem. 17 grains of H110 and a 200 grain bullet will not operate slide. 17 grain of H110 and 250 grain works but not as efficiently as the 18.5. Ordered new recoil spring. However, I like the feel and accuracy of the 18.5.
Thanks for the suggestions Dr Charlie

 

[Dr Charlie]

Update. Purchased a NOS spring from Numrichs' Replaced mine in my AMT and now handles the original 26 grains of H110 and 250 grain bullets with aplomb defined as great accuracy, decent recoil and no lock-ups.
Dr Charlie