S&W 6906 big problem (help)

[Jim L]

I'm a 1st time poster & I need help!!
I hope I can explain the problem.
I have a police turn in S&W 6906 & even tho I have a magazine properly in the gun, it functions as tho there is no magazine (I mean the trigger is not engaged - limp) this happens 7 out of 10 times, in those other 3 times it functions perfect.
It also functions 100% normal when the slide is off with or without a magazine.
It also functions normal with a full magazine, but when I get down to the last shot, it acts as tho there is no magazine in the gun & the trigger goes limp.
What is the problem? Trigger? Magazine disconnect?
Also can I solve the problem by simply removing the magazine disconnect under the rear sight?
P.S I have tried my 2 mags in another 6906 & they functioned perfect
Thanks in advance

 

[M29since14]

I'm a bit confused by your description. The trigger should not be functional with the slide off the frame and no mag inserted, but hey, I've been confused often. I hope someone comes along with a good answer because you've gotten my curiosity going. I'll be watching. We have several very knowledgeable 3rd Gen armorers here.

 

[Jim L]

maybe that is the problem because it 100% functions with the slide off

 

[Mainsail]

I have tried my 2 mags in another 6906 & they functioned perfect

Wait, I read that again and it sounds like your two magazines DO work in a different gun. Is there a warning on your gun that says the gun is capable of firing with the magazine removed? (police guns sometimes do)

If no; you have a problem in the magazine disconnect.
If yes; I got nothing.

 

[JohnHL]

The trigger and hammer should work with the slide removed.
That is normal.
I suspect a bent or broken ejector/magazine depressor. (That is the leftmost of the three levers that you must hold down to install the slide).

John

 

[Jim L]

Mainsail, it does not have any such warnings on the gun, nor does it function without a mag,, but it functions with the slide off the frame with or without a mag

 

[Jim L]

Where are all the S&W armorers?

 

[armorer951]

I agree with JohnHL....either you are using an incompatible aftermarket magazine, the magazine you are using is damaged, or the ejector/magazine depressor lever is bent/damaged. Since you indicated the magazines work in another similar model, it's probably a problem with the lever itself.

With the gun assembled, lock the slide back and insert an empty magazine. As the magazine is inserted, note it's interaction with the ejector lever. it should be pushed upward by the top edge of the magazine lip, and stay up, as long as the magazine is in the gun. Inspect the lever closely for damage, and make sure it moves freely up and down. It is spring loaded, so it should be in the "up" position when the slide is off.
If the lever is damaged let me know, I can send you a new replacement.

See attached photo of the lever, and the position of the parts with mag insterted fully in the pistol. (note photo is not a 6906, however, operation is the same)

 

[Jim L]

Armorer 951,
Thanks for the info, the mags are factory original & work in another 6906.
Also I checked the ejector/magazine depressor with the slide locked back & mag inserted & it IS in the up position.. Note it is in the up position without the mag inserted also (with slide locked back)
Is this normal?
Thanks again

 

[armorer951]

Yes, that would be normal.
If you take the magazine out of the gun after locking the slide back, the lever should drop, which will "disconnect" the trigger.

 

[Jim L]

Armorer951,
The lever does NOT drop when I drop the mag from a locked slide.
Also I see by the pic that your ejector/magazine depressor runs in a straight line, mine is angled up a few degrees with the slide locked back

 

[armorer951]

I'm wondering if your ejector depressor plunger (magazine safety) has been removed from the slide. Take a look at the slide to see if the plunger is in place. This is the spring loaded plunger that pushes down on the lever when the mag is removed. see photo

Perhaps you could compare your lever to the lever in the other 6906 you have to see if it is damaged or bent.

 

[Jim L]

The plunger is in place...
But I later removed the plunger & spring (mag disconnect) from under the rear sight & all my problems went away.
I have to order a new spring & plunger to put back under the rear sight. ( I guess for legal reasons??)
Armorer951 thanks for the help,, you were on the right trail the whole time.

 

[Jim L]

strange, but there was no metal retaining plate under my rear sight.

 

[armorer951]

Eliminated in the newer models

 

[Jim L]

ok,, mine was made in 1995

 

[armorer951]

I don't think they were ever used in the 6906.

 

[CatboatWilly]

Gunsmith !

 

[Jim L]

Mainsail,
I re-read your reply & you were right with your reply also.
Thanks