Sigma Jam Problems

[comeandtakeit99]

I bought a Sigma 9mm SW9VE brand new last year. It took about 100 rounds to break it in. It fired great after that, hardly a problem. But recently I have been firing it in the cold. After extensive shots, the weapon has started to misfeed every 5th or 6th round. The rounds get caught halfway into the chamber and jam the upper receiver back. Also after the last round is fired the weapon fails to lock back. I clean the weapon religiously as I use it as carry weapon. My buddy thinks it might be a magazine problem, either the mag spring doesn't have enough tension to load the rounds fast enough between shots, or the rounds are dragging on the back of the magazine casing and slowing the feeding action between shots. I tend to slap the rounds into the magazine in order to seat them properly (force of habit). The magazines are factory issue and I also clean the well. The weapon has only had about 250 rounds fired through it. Is this a mag issue common to the 9 mm Sigma? Can I fix this somehow or should I buy a new mag from a different manufacturer? Is this even a magazine issue at all? Has anyone else had this same issue? I really like the weapon and I don't want to sell it cause of these stupid issues.

 

[novalty]

I would contact S&W to have them take a look @ it. Instead of guessing, they will take care of it and make sure it is functioning properly.

Just out of curiosity, you haven't switched ammo, have you?

 

[OKFC05]

Have you disassembled and cleaned the magazines?

If not recently done, take them apart, spray all parts and inside the tube with something like CRC silicone, wipe dry, and reassemble.

The magazines springs are good for 5,000 rounds/5 yr.

 

[comeandtakeit99]

I have disassembled the magazines and cleaned them, but I never thought to put silicone on them, sounds like a good idea. I have switched ammo types, but the same thing occurred. I wonder what I could do about the locking back problem.

 

[Walthernut]

Let me get this straight. It happens with all ammo? It happens with both magazines? With both magazines it does not hold open with the last shot with the magazine inserted in the pistol?
I'm no gunsmith and it sounds like the hold open feature and the jam problem are related. Some part in the pistols internals is either worn or broken.
I'd call S&W or one of their repair centers (the one out west I think called Bud's) and have them look at it. (Bud's has a very good turnaround time vs. the actual factory and he is very knowledgeable of the Sigma)
LSG Manufacturing, Comanche, TX 325-885-2700
e-mail [email protected] ( a phone call is better)

 

[Jim H]

...My buddy thinks it might be a magazine problem, either the mag spring doesn't have enough tension to load the rounds fast enough between shots, or the rounds are dragging on the back of the magazine casing and slowing the feeding action between shots...

Assuming that this happens with each magazine (you do have more than one, right? ) the feed ramp might a bit of polishing. My move would be to call S&W and talk it over, then sent it to them for an in-warranty look-over on their dime.

 

[leejack]

This is just a thought:

Did you say it happens in the "cold"?

I wonder if it's the lubrication on the gun reacting to cold temps?

Let us know how you resolve this.

Best wishes,

Lee

 

[bmdsail]

I also bought a Sigma 9VE about a year ago and had the same feeding problem and called LSG which is a S&W authorized service center. The owner there is actually a guy named Frank Smith and he is one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with when it comes to customer service. If you call him and explain what you are experiencing he will tel you how to get the gun to him and his turn around time is fantastic. Smith and Wesson owes this guy a lot because of the level of service he gives S&W customers!

 

[OKFC05]

I wonder what I could do about the locking back problem.

First thing is to see what is causing it.
Take an empty mag and put it into the gun. Does the slide lock back when you pull it back by hand? If no, the gun is damaged.
Inspect the slide lock, magazine follower, and magazine catch for damage. Check for overlube or crud. Sigmas like to run nearly dry. If you have been putting oil or grease in the trigger/sear mechanism, spray out with CRC silicone until it runs out, then dry.

Check the slide rails and remove any grit or lube. Put one drop on oil on the 4 frame points. No grease in cold weather.

If the slide locks back by hand and there is no oil or grease in the trigger/sear, test fire with one round of full-power commercial ammo.

 

[growr]

Send it to S&W immediately! Don't try to gunsmith it yourself, you have a lifetime warranty. Let them fix it.
Randy

 

[OKFC05]

Yep, if cleaning doen't solve it, send it in.

 

[KyWstJoe]

I sent mine back after a couple stovepipes and light primer strikes. 1500 malf free rounds later. it has been perfect!

 

[comeandtakeit99]

Thanks. OKFC05, I have been leaving a bunch of lube on it as I had assumed the Sigmas fire better with it left their. Before, when it was firing well, I had little to no lube on it when it was in use but because I was worried about wear and tear I kept it lubed up a little extra. I will clean it up like you said and will try again. If it doesn't work I will send it in. It does sound like the slide and rounds might be slipping around and misfeeding like you said do to excess lube. It doesn't look like there is any damage to it as it does lock back when I pull the slide back by hand with an empty mag locked in. Thanks for the tips.

 

[OKFC05]

Thanks. OKFC05

You're very welcome.
Good luck with your Sigma.

 

[Yurko]

I bought mine 11/1/2009 & have about 500 rounds or so through it. I live in Wisconsin & was just at the range yesterday, so the cold doesn't really have any effect. At least none that I've seen.

I think you're getting very good advice here. Call Smith & Wesson & let them fix it for you.

 

[Walthernut]

This is just a thought:

Did you say it happens in the "cold"?

I wonder if it's the lubrication on the gun reacting to cold temps?

Let us know how you resolve this.

Best wishes,

Lee

Why didn't I think of that?

 

[tpd223]

Doesn't sound like a magazine issue at all, sounds like the slide is short stroking, which folks often diagnose as weak ammo or grip.

If this only happens in the cold it may be your lube.

 

[comeandtakeit99]

OKFC05, Thanks a ton! I did like you said today, and it fired like a gem! No issues, no jamming and the slide locked back after the last round. I am stoked! It sounds like to me the extra lube caused the slide to "slide" right over the lock and jam the rounds halfway in the chamber as the extra lube sped up the action of the receiver. Thanks guys!

 

[mtnsmithguy]

Send it to S&W immediately! Don't try to gunsmith it yourself, you have a lifetime warranty. Let them fix it.
Randy

+1 Get the info from your manual and contact LSG. I did it by email. Great service, quick turnaround and probably no cost. My problem was similar, the last round was failing to feed and would jam the slide. The extractor was "adjusted" and that fixed the problem with my M&P 45. Seems like a lot of extractor problems around here.............

 

[jppezz23]

Sounds like good advice send it back to S&W let them fix the problem.