Shorty 40 Problem

[ACEd]

I just received a new to me Shorty 40 which does not appear to have been fired much if at all. Two Original Yellow follower Performance Center mags. Lots of 3rd gen pistols, but this is my first PC pistol so maybe its me - but here goes - 2 issues:

First issue: Slide removal is very tight and requires significant force - Magazine removed, pin removed, it slides about 1/4 inch then hangs. Similar problem reinstalling slide and removing slide, even with recoil spring and barrel removed. It gets tight after it passes over ejector lever but before it passes over second set of levers. Ejector lever spring very stiff, but it goes down OK. Thought it might be 3rd lever, but made sure it was all the way down and slide still hangs. I have not fired it, but after slide is installed, moving further back in recoil type action has no issues.

Second issue: On racking slide with empty magazine, slide does not lock back. I can move lever to lock slide back, but magazine follower does not appear to have enough force to activate lever. Followers bright yellow so I doubt if mags have been used much but may be a mag spring issue?? - they feel kind of wimpy?? But I dont have access to my 4013TSW mags which are stored elsewhere.

 

[usedkid]

1st issue: normal, mine exhibit the same.

2nd issue: mag springs are weak, replace and you should be good to go.

 

[gmborkovic]

MR. ACEd, why are you taking the slide off? Something wrong or dirty?
While you rack the slide back, push the slide stop up.
Take the mags apart and clean. De-kink the mag spring. Now go shoot it, alot.

 

[4T5GUY]

1st issue: normal, mine exhibit the same.

Yep it's normal due to the very close, hand fit tolerances. Most of mine take some effort to get the slides started off. When reinstalling the slides they are tight when first going on, then really tight just before the ejector/magazine depressor. After the depressed ejector/magazine and sear release levers are cleared go slow. Have the firing spring safety lever depressed because fitment can loosen up right before it and with the pressure used, (than not needed,) the slide can slam rearward into it. Obviously not good if it's not depressed.

Use some correct grease before putting the slide back on, it will make a positive difference. The alloy framed ones will loosen up with service.

Jim

 

[ACEd]

MR. ACEd, why are you taking the slide off? Something wrong or dirty?
While you rack the slide back, push the slide stop up.
Take the mags apart and clean. De-kink the mag spring. Now go shoot it, alot.

Just received new to me pistol
1. Taking slide off to check / clean if necessary. Rails appear clean, but dry. Cleaned and lubed but no significant improvement.

2. I can easily lock slide back by moving lever, but in all my other 3rd gen pistols the slide automatically locks back on empty mag.

3. Mag springs will be replaced - a standard 4013TSW blue follower mag which works in my 4013TSW will lock slide back when empty in the Shorty40 - conclusion: bad springs or followers = most likely mags stored loaded for a long time?

 

[flintsghost]

On PC mags with the yellow follower, the slides, when empty, will not lock back unless you press up on slide stop. This is normal. You will find that when you shoot the pistols, they will lock back normally. Manual operation with empty mags will require that you replace the followers with blue followers if you wish to have them lock back without you pushing up on slide stop. I have several Shorty 40's. They all do that as a matter of course and it doesn't bother me. standard blue followers can be purchased. Springs are fine. It's just the way the yellow followers in PC mags are. The mags do that when new and probably always will. I have 12 PC 9 rd mags and they all do that in my Shorty 40's. Age, loading etc, has nothing whatsoever to do with it.

With regard to the slide becoming bound up on disassembly and reassembly....that happens occasionally to me and it's usually due to lack of oil on the slide rails and frame rails. They don't need a lot but they do need some. I use Singer sewing machine oil from the local fabric shop. It's an extremely high grade petroleum lubricating oil designed to allow sewing machines to last many years at the extremely high speeds they run at. It is only about $1.50 for a good size bottle. Much better than most gun oils.