Sd40 problem

[Stez30]

I bought the sd40 bout 3 weeks ago have put about 500 rounds through it since, was cleaning it today and noticed the little hook that pulls the spent cartridge back out of the chamber (sorry not sure what it is called) located next to the firing pin is loose and moves back and forth not sure if it suppose to be loose but when I pull the slide back about the 3rd bullet jams and it's never done it before any advice? And apologize for being in the m&p but looks like there isn't a SD forum yet, that or I can't find it, thanks for the help!!

 

[Out West]

From your description I think you are describing the extractor. It does move - it must move to ride over the rim of the cartridge. If you pull it toward the outside of the slide it should spring back. Also, the hook that captures the rim should be sharply defined - no chips or broken hook.

When you say the "third" round, are talking about when shooting, or when hand cycling the slide? Honestly, if the extractor works as described above and the the hook looks good, I'd be looking for another cause.

Out
West

 

[Willie300s]

I just bought an SD40 and have another problem. If you look at the pistol from the front, the barrel and frame don't line up. Looks very sloppy for an otherwise great pistol. Anyone else had this problem?

 

[Willie300s]

Well I sent my SD40 back to S&W to have the frame problem repaired or replaced and the gritty trigger repaired. Today I received the pistol back after 2 1/2 weeks. They fixed the trigger (very nice now) but did nothing to the frame. No explanation at all. I called S&W and they said it was within specs. I suspect they have a few thousand out there with bad frames that are "within specs" and can't afford to replace them all. This is very sad because Academy Sports no return policy leaves me stuck with a defective product with no recourse. I would just say, if you're planning on buying an SD pistol, check it out carefully because the S&W lifetime policy is worthless.

 

[.357 mag]

Well I sent my SD40 back to S&W to have the frame problem repaired or replaced and the gritty trigger repaired. Today I received the pistol back after 2 1/2 weeks. They fixed the trigger (very nice now) but did nothing to the frame. No explanation at all. I called S&W and they said it was within specs. I suspect they have a few thousand out there with bad frames that are "within specs" and can't afford to replace them all. This is very sad because Academy Sports no return policy leaves me stuck with a defective product with no recourse. I would just say, if you're planning on buying an SD pistol, check it out carefully because the S&W lifetime policy is worthless.

Sell and move on. Worthless like you say, I'll paid shipping and you can send it to me. Does the gun not shoot or something? I'm lost. Smith fix what needed to be fixed and everything else is in spec. Sounds like a worthless company to me.

 

[mlk18]

Got me wondering too....is the issue that the SD40 is malfunctioning or is your concern simply frame to slide fit? If your gun is not functioning then you have a gripe, but if works fine and you don't like the way it looks then you really don't. If it's the latter I will throw in $10 for you to send it to .357 mag.

 

[Obi-GUN Kenobi]

I've had an SD9 for about 3 months, never even looked at it from the front until I saw this and another thread that referenced this 'problem'. Sure enough, mine's off center too. Seeing as how mine has been 100% reliable for over 700 rounds, handles great, the sights are spot-on and has the perfect self defense trigger (lighter then the Sigma but not too light, like I find my MP9c), I don't see any issue with the gun or how S&W handled the original poster's warranty service. I've field stripped and clean my SD9 after each range session and have re-looked at all the parted just now, and don't see any unusual wear and tear on the frame where it touches the slide or any other adverse effects. If it is a defect, it appears to just be cosmetic. Treat the gun for what it is, a reasonably priced self defense weapon. Bottom line, as long as it functions/performs as expected, don't let a minor visual anomaly taint your use and enjoyment of the gun or sour you towards S&W's Customer Service.

 

[OKFC05]

when I pull the slide back about the 3rd bullet jams and it's never done it before any advice

1. Disassemble and clean the magazines.
2. When you pull the slide back to load a cartridge, turn the slide loose; don't ride it down.

 

[Willie300s]

Regarding the frame problem; I too have had no problem with the functioning of the SD40. My only problem is that S&W told me to send it in and they would fix it but didn't fix it and didn't provide an explanation. This past weekend I came up with my own fix. I made a jig from scrap 1/4" ply wood and clamped it in such a manner that the dust cover would be pushed over into proper position. After applying a little heat to the dust cover with a heat gun, the frame is now perfectly straight. Very simple process. I don't see why S&W couldn't have done the same thing, considering they have a lot more experience with polymer than I have. Still disappointed in S&W but now the pistol is perfect.

 

[presspics]

Willie300s, Many many Glocks exhibit the same thing. It doesn't affect how the gun functions. Why worry about it? Polymer guns are meant strictly as tools not heirlooms.

 

[mlk18]

Yep, sounds good. Problem solved. Issue over. Mods go ahead and lock this one.

 

[Willie300s]

Presspics
You are absolutely correct. I just thought I would mention it for anyone else that may be interested in straightening their frames a bit that it can be done. Apparently there are quite a few.

 

[TAFKASSGT]

Slide Problem on SD40

Greetings.

I am hopping on this thread as it pertains to the slide on the SD40. I have an SD40, I bought in late June and have noticed that after emptying the magazine, the slide does not lock in place once the last round has been fired. Has any other SD40 owner experienced this. This is the first semi-auto pistol I have owned as I am primarily a MILSURP long rifle enthusiast.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[raidersrule]

Regarding the frame problem; I too have had no problem with the functioning of the SD40. My only problem is that S&W told me to send it in and they would fix it but didn't fix it and didn't provide an explanation. This past weekend I came up with my own fix. I made a jig from scrap 1/4" ply wood and clamped it in such a manner that the dust cover would be pushed over into proper position. After applying a little heat to the dust cover with a heat gun, the frame is now perfectly straight. Very simple process. I don't see why S&W couldn't have done the same thing, considering they have a lot more experience with polymer than I have. Still disappointed in S&W but now the pistol is perfect.

So you decided to change something that could theoretically affect the reliability of a firearm because it looked "off" to you after the manufacturer told you that it was within specifications?

This sounds ludicrous to me.

The Glock 22 on my night stand has the dreaded bowing of the frame and not only does it go bang every time but it does so under horrendous conditions.

Polymer firearms are not barbecue guns. They're not meant to be barbecue guns. They are meant to be a lower cost alternative to all steel/steel-alloy firearms.

I would hesitate to every heat polymer on one of my firearms to make it more aesthetically pleasing to me. That stuff has very specific strength qualities that can be damaged by excessive heat and the last thing I would want is to void my warrant by damaging a firearm that the manufacturer has already said is within specs.

 

[cashdog1]

I love my S&W pistols But……..

Had to send one of my SD40's in for a minor gritty slide action! I have 5 Smith pistols various models and all work perfectly with Butter like slide actions. With the exception of the last one a just purchased. Most folks probably would never have noticed. Its not like I need that particular pistol back right away! But, S&W has had it for over a month. They have a new computer system that evidently is not linked up properly with Fedx. I will be glad to have it back though.

 

[KOLPIN]

I've had an SD9 for about 3 months, never even looked at it from the front until I saw this and another thread that referenced this 'problem'. Sure enough, mine's off center too. Seeing as how mine has been 100% reliable for over 700 rounds, handles great, the sights are spot-on and has the perfect self defense trigger (lighter then the Sigma but not too light, like I find my MP9c), I don't see any issue with the gun or how S&W handled the original poster's warranty service. I've field stripped and clean my SD9 after each range session and have re-looked at all the parted just now, and don't see any unusual wear and tear on the frame where it touches the slide or any other adverse effects. If it is a defect, it appears to just be cosmetic. Treat the gun for what it is, a reasonably priced self defense weapon. Bottom line, as long as it functions/performs as expected, don't let a minor visual anomaly taint your use and enjoyment of the gun or sour you towards S&W's Customer Service.

Can you, or someone else with this same "problem" please post pics showing how it is off center?

 

[sskyking]

1. Disassemble and clean the magazines.
2. When you pull the slide back to load a cartridge, turn the slide loose; don't ride it down.

I'm having a problem with failure to feed on second use of several 24rd magazines. Typically happens with the third round. I've been looking for instructions on how to clean the mags, but I can only find disassembly/assembly instructions, no tips on how to clean and where/if to lubricate.