S&W 41 Slide not locking

[hmeier4799]

My 41 is only a few years old.
New problem. The Slide will not lock back on the last round.
It will lock back if I insert an empty mag. and pull the slide back.
But, the last round does cock the hammer while not locking the slide.
Took the Slide Stop out and can not see any broken areas or much wear marks.
Have tried with 4 assorted mags. Same problem.
Cleaned everything.
What might be causing this problem?

 

[SonofaGunsmith]

No FTE? Ammo?

 

[armorer951]

Is the slide stop spring in tact and functioning? Is the recoil guide clean and properly lubricated? Recoil spring OK?

 

[chief38]

Instead of throwing money into it, send it back under the Lifetime warranty and let them fix it at their expense. If you call them they should be able to email you a shipping label to print.

Since you state the is a new problem, I assume it worked fine in the past. Since none of the 4 magazines work, I'd say something either chipped, broke, bent or changed.

 

[jjrr]

Lube the slide to borderline excessive with light lube such as FP10 and with known reliable ammo and nothing visibly out of order I bet it will run. 41’s don’t like dry..

 

[Jeppo]

Lube the slide to borderline excessive with light lube such as FP10 and with known reliable ammo and nothing visibly out of order I bet it will run. 41’s don’t like dry..

I lubricate pistols with grease (mostly Slip 2000 EWG). When I began noticing issues with 22s, particularly in winter, I switched to oil. That cured everything

 

[chief38]

I would never recommend using Grease on a M41! The Factory recoil spring is 7.5 pounds and is more critical than other recoil springs in most other semi auto's. By adding grease into the mix, you are probably going to retard the slide slightly - and that could be enough to make a difference in functioning.

If you read the owners manual, it specifically states that oil should be used and warns against excess lubrication warning that it could effect normal functioning of the pistol.

You also do not state what ammo you are using, but if you are using standard velocity, you could try a 7 pound recoil spring in which the 1/2 lb less force can make a difference.

 

[Krogen]

I would never recommend using Grease on a M41! The Factory recoil spring is 7.5 pounds and is more critical than other recoil springs in most other semi auto's. By adding grease into the mix, you are probably going to retard the slide slightly - and that could be enough to make a difference in functioning.

If you read the owners manual, it specifically states that oil should be used and warns against excess lubrication warning that it could effect normal functioning of the pistol.

You also do not state what ammo you are using, but if you are using standard velocity, you could try a 7 pound recoil spring in which the 1/2 lb less force can make a difference.

Let me underline chief38's post! I tried grease and it was a total flop. Oil is the key; specifically a light oil. You don't want any goo-induced drag on the slide.

 

[hmeier4799]

41 Slide locks back now okay. Short story, the screw that retains the Safety Detent had been loose. I tightened it while placing the Slide Stop.