SD9VE, from gritty trigger to broken striker

[Henry Killinger]

Not Happy. Not at all. In another thread, http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...321760-new-sd9ve-owner-couple-questions.html? I was talking about my trigger, and how it seemed to be "gritty" or "sticky." After some dry fires either my index finger seemed to get stronger, or it began to smooth out. Tonight I was getting it ready to take to the range in the morning. I cleared the weapon, squeezed the trigger....nothing. Nothing at all. Pulled the takedown levers, opened it up and saw this...

It didn't even fall out when I took it apart. The last trigger squeeze felt normal, until there was no break. Well I guess there was, but not the good kind. I had never heard of this failure in this weapon, but a quick search found many reports about the M&P having broken strikers, most breaking in the middle, but at least one looking just like this. Less than one month and 250 rounds and I'm not happy. Tomorrow I'll be on with S&W first thing in the morning. I'm not looking forward to this. Here's a couple more pics showing the break.

 

[GKC]

It would seem that the grittiness or stickiness was related, somehow, since you now have a broken striker...and in way, it's a good thing that it happens now, rather than when you really needed it to fire, like in a HD/SD situation.

No one likes to have a problem...but they do happen, and not just with S&W. I'm sure S&W will take care of it. Just remember, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!

 

[3hounds]

From what I remember this is a factory installed part only. LOL

If you did not send your warranty card in, heck even if you sent your card in I would register on their site.


https://secure2.prodregister.com/smithwesson/sw.aspx

Never heard of this either but it's a fairly new model.

They don't even have a parts list out for it yet.

I bought some snap caps recently and feel better about dry firing.

Or you could make something up on your own, you tube has some stuff on there.

My honey turned to vinegar when they said I had to send my gun in.



Good luck, 3

 

[Henry Killinger]

I just snapped some more pics of the striker hook. This is something I didn't notice before, and may explain both the grit near the break, and the actual failure of the part. Check out the corners of the face of the striker hook...

I can't imagine that's supposed to look like that. I could see this catching on the sear and the sear forcing the striker into the lining accounting for all that friction I was feeling. That is of course until it bound up and I broke it off with my hulk-like index finger. Anyone have a new sd model that hasn't been broken in yet to compare? I'd call them burrs, but they are pretty solid.

I'm sure S&W will take care of it. I really hope they don't expect me to send this pistol to them and not get it back until August. Being in the northeast I'm about 2 hours away from the damn factory. If it wasn't for Mass's screwed up gun laws I could drive it there myself. The outdoor range I use closes in September. Not to mention the fact that in this awful state we have several bans languishing in committee right now with our legislative session ending July 1st. If they want the mags back for testing as well, would they send them back to me if they are banned while they have them?

I'm positive they will tell me it's "factory replacement only." I am not going to be happy with that, especially since the M&P parts are readily available (when in stock) and the fact that it takes seconds to install. This is currently my only firearm. Is s&w going to send some guards to my house to protect my family for the month that they have my pistol? Maybe they should have a loaner program like a car dealership You've only one chance to make a first impression. So far my impression of S&W: Disappointed.

 

[Henry Killinger]

Anyone familiar with mim casting? The only metal casting I've ever done is in silver, but to me, the shiny areas in the fracture really do look like voids in the casting. I need to see if I can get a better shot of those.

 

[GKC]

This is currently my only firearm. Is s&w going to send some guards to my house to protect my family for the month that they have my pistol?

Unless I'm mistaken, this is a recent purchase, right? And it's your only gun, right? Well, what did you do before you had this gun? Do that while you wait for it to come back.

I don't mean to sound critical, but it's hardly S&W's fault that you only have one gun. Yes, I realize and do agree that a gun should work and be reliable, but sometimes (like with many other kinds of machines) there are problems. S&W does have a very good CS program, and the time frame may vary depending on what is going on with them...it may be a few weeks, but I can't really recall anyone having their guns gone for months. Some companies won't pay for shipping, S&W does...some companies take months routinely (ask people who have sent a Colt 1911 in for service)...and some companies not only take forever, but don't fix the gun while they have it (ask most Taurus owners who've ever dealt with their CS.)

I really not a rabid S&W fan boy, who thinks S&W can do no wrong...but I've owned a lot of guns made by a number of different manufacturers, and IMO S&W has one of the best records in the business for taking care of their customers. They are not perfect, and sometimes they do things most don't agree with...like want to install parts most could do themselves...but if they pay for shipping both ways, and don't charge for parts and labor, it's really not all that terrible, is it?

 

[Henry Killinger]

I'd love to go back to doing what I was doing before, which was living in a small city where armed robbery and daylight shootings by violent felons were unheard of. Unfortunately I don't have a time machine to make that happen. If I did...I'd probably be eaten by a dinosaur anyway, so maybe it's for the best

I can say I'm really feeling the fool for not having a backup. Unfortunately the economy, and consequently my budget are what they are. It's just highly frustrating to purchase a brand new product from such a well respected source and have it fail so soon. But, as you said, better it fails now then when it was a dire circumstance.

Really I'm venting here so I can get it out of my system. I don't want to take it out on a S&W customer service rep. I'm sure they get enough guff every day. I can't believe I had to type "guff." Man, the censor here is stricter than a Disney movie.

 

[Short Bus Driver]

With a tight budget, maybe you could pick up a used Hi-Point as a backup. They're not a great gun, but are reliable and I only paid $50 the last one I bought.

 

[3hounds]

With a tight budget, maybe you could pick up a used Hi-Point as a backup. They're not a great gun, but are reliable and I only paid $50 the last one I bought.

And they will send you parts instead of waiting weeks for your gun back.
That is if it's just a small problem.

3

 

[3hounds]

quote They are not perfect, and sometimes they do things most don't agree with...like want to install parts most could do themselves...but if they pay for shipping both ways, and don't charge for parts and labor, it's really not all that terrible, is it? quote


Yes it is to some, myself included.

Told them discontinue my warranty and just send me parts and I'll
even pay.

NO GO, Even couldn't have a smith dealer install them, asked them to send parts there.
They save money and don't have to warranty another gun.

Don't understand it at all.

3

 

[3hounds]

I just snapped some more pics of the striker hook. This is something I didn't notice before, and may explain both the grit near the break, and the actual failure of the part. Check out the corners of the face of the striker hook...

I can't imagine that's supposed to look like that. I could see this catching on the sear and the sear forcing the striker into the lining accounting for all that friction I was feeling. That is of course until it bound up and I broke it off with my hulk-like index finger. Anyone have a new sd model that hasn't been broken in yet to compare? I'd call them burrs, but they are pretty solid.

I'm sure S&W will take care of it. I really hope they don't expect me to send this pistol to them and not get it back until August. Being in the northeast I'm about 2 hours away from the damn factory. If it wasn't for Mass's screwed up gun laws I could drive it there myself. The outdoor range I use closes in September. Not to mention the fact that in this awful state we have several bans languishing in committee right now with our legislative session ending July 1st. If they want the mags back for testing as well, would they send them back to me if they are banned while they have them?

I'm positive they will tell me it's "factory replacement only." I am not going to be happy with that, especially since the M&P parts are readily available (when in stock) and the fact that it takes seconds to install. This is currently my only firearm. Is s&w going to send some guards to my house to protect my family for the month that they have my pistol? Maybe they should have a loaner program like a car dealership You've only one chance to make a first impression. So far my impression of S&W: Disappointed.

Look underneath your slide where the hump is next to the striker, is there a mark there ?

I know my striker has a lot of side play in the slot.

If mine is pushed to the left it would hit the hump and might make the marks as seen on yours.

The hump is there to push down on the trigger bar that releases the sear.

3

 

[Henry Killinger]

Just got off the phone with S&W. Now I have to wait for a shipping label. Estimated 3 week turnaround. Even if they were able to just send me a striker, at this point I probably would have sent it in anyway. I really want the entire pistol checked over, as there's no guarantee that it was only the striker that caused the issue. It could be something else out of spec that caused or helped it to fail. I am going to see if I can get whoever works on it to send an extra assembly. I doubt that will happen, but it's worth a try. If I get an extra mag, considering their price, I will actually be satisfied. Well, that and the gun in perfect working order when I get it back

I looked over the slide and didn't see any marks near the hump for the disconnect except for the one made by the disconnect itself. I did notice some other things about the striker hook. BTW, anybody know the correct term for that part of the striker? I noticed the wear marks on either side of the hook from the slide are at two different heights. The one on the side where the hump is is significantly higher than the other. There was a considerable amount of slop in my striker as well, there's no doubt it was twisting in the channel. Not sure if it was supposed to be tighter or if it was classic "loose is reliable." There was a small mark on the front of the striker hook face that could have been from impact on the hump, but no corresponding marks on the slide.

It looks as if the hook fell off in the direction of the muzzle. It's not too clear in the pics, but the fracture is clean in the rear, while the muzzle end is slightly mushroomed as if it was driven forward and down as it broke. This, coupled with all the reports of M&P issues with broken strikers leads me to believe they have the same root cause. Dry firing has been implicated in the M&P issue, so I don't see why it wouldn't be valid here as well. I hope we will see a new striker like they released for the M&P, but since this is their budget pistol I'm not going to hold my breath.

Short Bus Driver: Looking for a cheap used gun is definitely an option. Looks like I'll be cruising the lgs's looking for a bargain. Maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[3hounds]

The term is striker for the whole part.

Or striker assembly for the springs and such.

Think of it as an internal hammer but it's attached to the firing pin.

3

 

[Henry Killinger]

Well yes, the whole thing is the striker, but that part must have a name. I've seen the front of the striker around the actual firing pin referred to as the shoulder, and I've seen the hook referred to as the foot. Not sure if either is correct. Not a big deal, but I like to use correct terms wherever possible.

 

[smithman 10]

Only firearm

Many of us might advise the purchase of used Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver - Models 10 or 64 come to mind, for a second handgun.

Of course many of us have not only second guns but a third and a fourth and a fifth...

If a used Smith revolver is in good shape when you buy it's likely to last forever.

 

[GKC]

Yes it is to some, myself included.

Told them discontinue my warranty and just send me parts and I'll even pay.

NO GO, Even couldn't have a smith dealer install them, asked them to send parts there.
They save money and don't have to warranty another gun.

Don't understand it at all.

3

I understand...and agree that it can be very frustrating. I suppose from S&W's standpoint it is (perhaps) a liability issue...there are some parts they would rather install and check themselves instead of facing a (potential) lawsuit in today's litigious society. "What? You sold a critical part to a highly dangerous weapon and let some untrained and innocent civilian install it, and then it caused millions of dollars of damage to bystanders, property, and livestock when it didn't function as it should?"

I'[m not saying that it's logical, but it certainly isn't because they want to make money on it...since they are paying the shipping both ways, and aren't charging for parts and labor.

 

[GKC]

I can say I'm really feeling the fool for not having a backup. Unfortunately the economy, and consequently my budget are what they are. It's just highly frustrating to purchase a brand new product from such a well respected source and have it fail so soon. But, as you said, better it fails now then when it was a dire circumstance.

I hope you don't think I was calling you a fool...because I certainly didn't intend to convey that meaning. Many of us, myself included, have pared our inventory down to "slim pickings" and don't have what we once had.

Likewise, I understand the situation when you are just starting out, and you buy an initial gun, and want it to work...you don't want to buy a second gun just in case you need it while you send the first one in to get it repaired.

Really I'm venting here so I can get it out of my system. I don't want to take it out on a S&W customer service rep. I'm sure they get enough guff every day. I can't believe I had to type "guff." Man, the censor here is stricter than a Disney movie.

I'm sure they do...and I've lost my temper on occasion (my wife would laugh at the "on occasion") but after many years, I've finally learned that in most cases, the person on the other end of the line responds better to courtesy than outrage. It is good to have a place to vent...that's why my wife encourages my forum participation.

 

[deanodog]

My SW9VE broke a striker while dry firing. They sent me a prepaid pickup by Fed-ex and they picked it up at my home and delivered it back to my home. Turn around at that time was about 3 weeks. May take longer now I guess.

 

[3hounds]

My SW9VE broke a striker while dry firing. They sent me a prepaid pickup by Fed-ex and they picked it up at my home and delivered it back to my home. Turn around at that time was about 3 weeks. May take longer now I guess.

Very, very good post I should have mentioned that myself.

Setting up a pick up time with Fed-ex as soon as I get my label.

3

 

[3hounds]

I understand...and agree that it can be very frustrating. I suppose from S&W's standpoint it is (perhaps) a liability issue...there are some parts they would rather install and check themselves instead of facing a (potential) lawsuit in today's litigious society. "What? You sold a critical part to a highly dangerous weapon and let some untrained and innocent civilian install it, and then it caused millions of dollars of damage to bystanders, property, and livestock when it didn't function as it should?"

I'[m not saying that it's logical, but it certainly isn't because they want to make money on it...since they are paying the shipping both ways, and aren't charging for parts and labor.

Stop being logical your starting to calm me down.

I guess I feel it's like somebody else working on my car.

3

 

[3hounds]

Well yes, the whole thing is the striker, but that part must have a name. I've seen the front of the striker around the actual firing pin referred to as the shoulder, and I've seen the hook referred to as the foot. Not sure if either is correct. Not a big deal, but I like to use correct terms wherever possible.

I gotcha now.

Yes I would call that the foot.

Yes I have heard certain parts called the nose, body, foot, face, and top face.

That's about it for me.

3

 

[GKC]

Stop being logical your starting to calm me down.

I guess I feel it's like somebody else working on my car.

3

LOL


In my case, for the safety of family, friends, and the general population, it is better for someone other than me to work on my car...and anything else mechanical.

 

[GKC]

Looking for a cheap used gun is definitely an option. Looks like I'll be cruising the lgs's looking for a bargain. Maybe I'll get lucky.

It's kind of hard to find a better bargain that the SD/SW series pistols. Unless you know what to look for, and what to avoid, buying a used gun is an iffy undertaking...and in most cases, will probably cost as much or more than a new SW/SD (if they are worth buying, that is.)

Something to consider, while you are waiting on your handgun to be returned, is to buy a shotgun for home defense. You can find a new shotgun (not the best, but OK) for around the same price or less than you'd pay for a "bargain" used handgun (which many aren't.) You can't CCW a shotgun (unless you are a REALLY big guy) but for home defense, it is a great choice. For example, Academy Sports shows a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-ga pump for $190. (Maverick is their bargain brand...not great, but OK.)

 

[tjfenske]

As a thought, An ugly duckling Remington 870 is in that price range. It can be a fun project to improve when time allows. Just my .02

 

[Tony "The Ant" Spilotro]

It's kind of hard to find a better bargain that the SD/SW series pistols. Unless you know what to look for, and what to avoid, buying a used gun is an iffy undertaking...and in most cases, will probably cost as much or more than a new SW/SD (if they are worth buying, that is.)

Something to consider, while you are waiting on your handgun to be returned, is to buy a shotgun for home defense. You can find a new shotgun (not the best, but OK) for around the same price or less than you'd pay for a "bargain" used handgun (which many aren't.) You can't CCW a shotgun (unless you are a REALLY big guy) but for home defense, it is a great choice. For example, Academy Sports shows a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-ga pump for $190. (Maverick is their bargain brand...not great, but OK.)

+1 on the Maverick 88! I have two of them and one is my beater shotgun. It has close to 2000 rounds through it, mostly 00 buck and slugs, combined with lots of hard use outdoors. Dropped it a few times and doesn't get a lot of attention/love, and maintenance. This gun is amazing, it has never malfunctioned. It's a very reliable firearm. The important parts, like the barrel, bolt and trigger group are the exact same parts as in the Mossberg 500. That's why the Mav88 is such a good firearm. Yes it's cheap, but it holds easily a candle to the more expensive pump action shotguns reliability wise.

 

[J Rich]

Henry

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I can see where that gritty feeling seems to have come from. Your pic of the striker face in the second post shows a sharp hook edge. That would explain why the trigger felt smooth at first then got gritty just before the trigger breaks. I do see what you are talking about in that the casting looks to have imperfections. I saw that before you commented about it. Who knows what happened, maybe a just a bad cast, or an employee having a bad day. Who knows?

All you can do now is send it back and wait. With the striker fired gun I've had I have always faced the sears and strikers by sanding flat and smooth and bringing them to a high polish. This insures a smoother trigger action cleaner breaks. Some have even knock the sharp edges off the sear and striker. This would have to be done with caution just to take off thousandths of an inch off the edge and to be mindful of the factory warranty being voided.

I would also suggest having a second firearm for HD. While I have a few handguns always within reach. I keep a shotgun in bedroom. My point is I don't rely on just one weapon to protect my family.

 

[bp231986]

Maybe you should have bought a glock to start off with lol before everybody goes nuts on me i was just kidding. On a more serious note i hope it all gets worked out for ya.

 

[Trenchcoat Vampire]

Hell yes. The Maverick 88 is almost exactly identical to the 500 but with a bit more polymer and different sights, but those are upgradeable...I believe assembled in Mexico also (though parts made in Tx). Two other good SD pumps under $200 are the Interstate Arms (Norinco) Hawk 982...a Remington 870 clone and the Savage Stevens 320, though I don't like the pistol grip on a SD, but I haven't shot it. I have shot the others and a buddy has the Norinco 982/IAC Hawk and it's just fine after at least 2 years of moderate range work.

Edit: lol I see I'm just repeating some of what is just above me but oh well...+2

 

[Henry Killinger]

No, GKC, I'm calling myself a fool. I have backups for all sorts of things, software and hardware. I know better than to have only one of something when it's important.

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. A 12ga is definitely on the list. I wish I had an academy in this area. Hell at this point I'd settle for a cabela's or a bass pro. Walmarts here won't sell firearms either. I'm in hostile territory when it comes to finding inexpensive firearms locally.

My next purchase will most definitely be influenced by the availability of parts and service at locations other than just the factory. I feel like a pc owner who bought a mac and found out I can't swap my video card without bringing it in for service. Hopefully I'll get my label tomorrow and I can get this going.

 

[GKC]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. A 12ga is definitely on the list. I wish I had an academy in this area. Hell at this point I'd settle for a cabela's or a bass pro. Walmarts here won't sell firearms either. I'm in hostile territory when it comes to finding inexpensive firearms locally.

I don't know where you live, but I assume you have a FFL nearby...like where you bought your handgun...and you can order a shotgun over the internet and have it shipped to your FFL (assuming they accept incoming transfers.) You can check Gunbroker or other internet retailers to see what they offer. You can also go to local pawn shops, and see what they have, or local gun shows. You can also check the classifieds on this and other gun forums. Gun Genie is good, since they deal with gun shops that are local to you, plus they offer their own lifetime warranty, but they are a little higher than most other places. Their inventory is very low right now, though (like almost everyone else.)

It's a little hard to give advice not knowing where you live (if you live in a gun-friendly state you may have more options than some place that makes you jump through all sorts of hoops and restrictions) or what you'd want to spend.