[Walther P99]

I finally got the time to take my new CS45 to the range for a tryout. I fired 200 rounds of Winchester 230gr FMJ (the Value packs from Wal-Mart) and 100 rounds of PMC 230gr FMJ. I wanted to try some defense ammo but the local shop that sells them was closed and I didn't get a chance to get any last week.

I found the gun to be very controllable and quick follow-up shots were possible. I'd even venture to say that this gun is easier to shoot than my P99. There were no FTEs or FTFs at all.

Overall the gun was excellent but what did occur that shouldn't have was several times the slide didn't lock up completely. It happened with both brands of ammo throughout the firing session. What would happen is I'd fire, the spent casing was ejected, a new cartridge was stripped from the mag but then for some reason, the round wouldn't be fully chambered because the slide stopped about a quarter of an inch or so before lock-up. Sometime it would go foreward the distance and lock up itself, other times I'd have to give it a little push.

This happened maybe 10-15 times total. I think it may have been a partial limp-wrist problem: when I firmed my wrist during recoil, it didn't seem to happen. Has anyone else ever have something like this happen? If so, what was the cause and how did you fix?

Thanks

[fastbolt]

If it's one of the new CS45's, I'd guess that you did indeed experience some situations where you might've allowed the frame to move a bit during the recoil cycle ... also known as "limp wristing". Subcompact, short recoil cycle, reduced slide mass pistols can offer more potential for this to occur ...

The lighter weight slide/short recoil cycle, but increased slide velocities, really require a firm grip and locked wrist. This is more important with the larger .45 caliber pistols than with the 9mm's, as the larger dimensions of the .45 cartridge simply requires more "clearance" during the mechanical operation of feeding & chambering. It's not just something that can happen with polymer framed pistols (or short barreled metal framed 1911 variants).

If you have the slightest tendency to relax your wrist/grip during recoil, "robbing" the slide & recoil spring of its energy might've been slightly helped along by the lower "powered" ammunition you chose to use to break it in, as neither of the brands you mentioned are known for being on the upper end of 230gr "standard" velocities.

On the other hand, neither of those "budget" loads are known for being "clean shooting", either. My CS45 is BLACK and grungy inside after only 100-150 rounds of Winchester USA ammunition.

Mine's been broken in for quite a while, and I have no problems when I shoot Winchester hardball ... aside from it getting really dirty and gummy ... but I also firmly lock my wrist when shooting this little pistol.

The exterior of your barrel was properly lubricated, right? Budget ammunition which isn't the cleanest shooting ... and a small .45 without a lot of "extra" surface to dissipate heat during an extended shooting session ... really taxes lubrication.

Great little .45 pistol ...

Lots of info from owners over on the Smith & Wesson Forum under the Semiauto Pistols section ... especially if you use the Search function ...
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true

[DF357]

you are correct. I just ran a cuppla hundred rounds thru my CS45 this past weekend. It ran just fine, except ONCE. I knew after one particular shot that I 'limped' it and sure nuff, the next round got cocked and stopped the slide. The slide apparently did not fly back far enough to get the job done. It's funny when you can tell that something is just not right by the feel of it.

Other than that one instance, it ate 'em up flawlessly.

Great gun is right. It shoots good and carries better !

[Drakejake]

Probably a combination of a new pistol not yet "worn in" and failure to keep arms rigid. I have the same problem sometimes with two .45s that haven't been shot much. The new pistol may have a bit more friction than one which has been shot for awhile.

Drakejake

[Charles S]

I fully concur with the above assessments of the problem with your cheif special. This will become less noticeable after the pistol is broken in better.

I encourage you to get to know the handgun well.

To me the Chief Special is ugly and does not feel good, but mine is very accurate, very reliable, I shoot it well and it one of my favorite guns.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=91487

Charles

[Tom B]

Yeah they are not as beautiful as my beloved Glocks thats for sure! :rolleyes:

[SouthpawShootr]

Hey Charles;

Who makes that Kydex holster in your photo?

[Charles S]

SouthpawShootr;

The holster is a Blade Tech IWB. I am very happy with their products.

Charles

[SouthpawShootr]

I am happy with them also. I particularly like their willingness to make Kydex holsters for unlisted guns. They're making an IWB for my SW99 compact right now. I also bought one for my Steyr M9 and paddles for my G19 and SigPro. They only thing is they are not quite as thin as I like, but this is a minor point. Certainly not worth being picky over.

[DF357]

Wadda ya mean ugly??? It looks like a gun - A good looking gun too - not one of those things that looks and feels like a water pistol ? :) :)

[10-Ring]

The guys that I know that have the CS's love'em. If th grip fits you, you should be fine! Congrats ;)

[Walther P99]

Thanks for the info everyone, especially Fastbolt; I was hoping you'd reply... :)

After I posted this thread I also thought of excessive gunk (Winchester White Box is very dirty) and 'newness' exacerbating the limp-wristing. Although I can't remember for sure, I don't think the lock-up issue occurred until maybe 50-100 rounds into the session, but I'm not entirely sure. In fact the first few mags I was doing some quick shooting, double taps, etc. with no problems. Excellent gun is right.

I may go again this weekend once I get some defensive ammo to try for functionality. I'll definitely get some Winchester SXT 230gr, and maybe some Hydra-shoks as well. Also, something possessed me to buy a box of Cor-Bon 165gr +P today just to try. I don't know how they'll work or how the recoil will be, but curiosity got the better of me. :evil:

BTW, I did find the grip comfortable (I really like the Hogue rubber grips better than the plastic ones on other models). I found myself putting my pinky finger under the mag extension; that seemed the most comfortable and still offered good support.

Thanks again.