SD40VE question... Will action lock open with no mag?

[Techse7en77]

I Was watching a video on YouTube, and this guy was shooting a different brand of semi automatic handgun at the range. After he was done he dropped the magazine out and then locked the action back to visually show that the gun was empty. I just took out my sd40ve (unloaded) and dropped the magazine out, but then the action wouldn't lock back. I am able to lock it back first, THEN drop the magazine. Should my gun be able to lock back with or without a magazine installed? Sorry if this is a dumb question... I'm new at this! Thanks!

 

[bdmoss88]

It will lock open without the magazine. You have to manually press the locking clip up to engage it.

 

[Techse7en77]

Oh ok thanks... Are most semi autos like that?

 

[Zjnovak]

Oh ok thanks... Are most semi autos like that?

Yes. Most will lock back if there is an empty mag in it and you rack the slide. Once you drop the mag the only way to lock back the slide is manually. This is how the majority of newer guns are.

 

[Techse7en77]

Great info... Thanks! I was starting to worry that my new gun had a problem!

 

[shawn mccarver]

I Was watching a video on YouTube, and this guy was shooting a different brand of semi automatic handgun at the range. After he was done he dropped the magazine out and then locked the action back to visually show that the gun was empty. I just took out my sd40ve (unloaded) and dropped the magazine out, but then the action wouldn't lock back. I am able to lock it back first, THEN drop the magazine. Should my gun be able to lock back with or without a magazine installed? Sorry if this is a dumb question... I'm new at this! Thanks!

The action can be locked back without a magazine in place by moving the slide fully to the rear while using your thumb to raise the slide stop into position. I believe this is covered in the owner's manual provided with the pistol, or if you did not get one, available at S&W's web site for free download. You did read it didn't you?

 

[Techse7en77]

You did read it didn't you?

Haha, yes I did... And you're right it is in there!