Ammo problem?? (Slide not locking back on an empty magazine)

[CombatArmsUSAF]

I went out and shot some Blazer Brass and some magtech (Both 115gr 9mm) and the slide on my beretta 92 would not lock back on empty. I usually shoot WWB but found a great deal on the blazer and magtech. My recoil spring (factory spec) maybe has 1000-1500 rounds on it so it is still fairly new. My question is "Are these low pressure loads?" I have never had that problem with WWB but I haven't shot it in a while due to the fact that I am still burning up my proficiency ammo for the military. What would cause this besides a light load? With my recoil spring being factory standard and there being no burrs or anything along those lines wrong with the pistol, I can't think of any other reason for that to happen other than a light load. So educate me. Are they light loads? Or am I just completely ignorant? Has anybody else had this problem?

PS Military loads are loaded slightly hot, also my gun locks open fine with military ammo

 

[f4t9r]

Try diff ammo or just go back to the WWB
if it still will not lock back send it in , sounds like a newer gun with that few rounds through it

 

[Jozzle]

I went out and shot some Blazer Brass and some magtech (Both 115gr 9mm) and the slide on my beretta 92 would not lock back on empty. I usually shoot WWB but found a great deal on the blazer and magtech. My recoil spring (factory spec) maybe has 1000-1500 rounds on it so it is still fairly new. My question is "Are these low pressure loads?" I have never had that problem with WWB but I haven't shot it in a while due to the fact that I am still burning up my proficiency ammo for the military. What would cause this besides a light load? With my recoil spring being factory standard and there being no burrs or anything along those lines wrong with the pistol, I can't think of any other reason for that to happen other than a light load. So educate me. Are they light loads? Or am I just completely ignorant? Has anybody else had this problem?

PS Military loads are loaded slightly hot, also my gun locks open fine with military ammo

Are you using the original mag?

 

[gudel]

Maybe a dirty gun
My 92FS has been doing 100% out of the box, No failures of any kind. I use factory mags only. I also use the same ammo, wwb, magtech and previously blazer alum case and blazer the brass case.

 

[KC&97TA]

I have the same problem when I shoot 115 WWB with my 92FS, it seems to function better on 124gr anything, I think a lighter recoil spring or an older recoil spring will solve the problem.

It's a comparitive problem to the 1911 fireing 185gr and not 230gr, I have FTF problems with 185's and the slide never locks on the last round even on wilson mags

 

[MNgoldenbear]

Does sound like something that might be addressed by spring change. I know Wolff actually sells kits of recoil springs for 1911s to select the proper force (weight) spring -- calibration packs, IIRC. Unless you're wedded to the ammo for some reason, probably easier to just feed it the ammo it likes. Tuning the springs is pretty much something you only do if you really need to use that particular load for a reason.

 

[Mixlesplick]

I have some ammo that will almost never lock open my Sig P220. If I use different ammo it locks open just fine. It doesn't bother me much but I won't buy any more of this ammo.

If you want to burn up certain ammo and still have the slide lock back on the last shot just make sure the bottom shell is from a batch of ammo that will consistantly lock back the slide. That's assuming it is an ammo problem like it sounds.

 

[Steve in PA]

Could be the ammo or a couple of other things;

Thumb pressing against the slide lock lever, weak/broken spring, worn magazine follower (part that catches the nub on the slide lock lever)

 

[CombatArmsUSAF]

I was using my factory PB mags and also some brand new checkmates we got for our range. Now I know the controversary surrrounding checkmates but I will say out of sixty three mags I haven't seen a single problem with the checkmates in the month that we've had them. As far as sending it back to the company, that would not be suitable because I am a beretta armorer and anything they can fix so can I.

 

[Frandy]

It's a comparitive problem to the 1911 fireing 185gr and not 230gr, I have FTF problems with 185's and the slide never locks on the last round even on wilson mags

Interesting... I shoot Lancer 185 gr JHP (the standard factory powder load) through my S&W 1911, Dan Wesson Patriot 1911, and H&K USP 45 compact without a hiccup. So, I wouldn't blame "185 grain" bullets. What are you shooting in terms of pistol and whammo?

 

[jburks]

Have you changed your grip in any way lately? I had the same problem lately after slightly changing my grip. It turns out that I was unintentionally placing the thumb of my strong hand on top of the slide release. Another thing to consider is if your magazine spring is getting weak, this can sometimes cause the slide to not lock back.

JB

 

[cowboy77845]

I had that problem with a 9mm custom 1911. Turned out to be weak/compresssed mag springs. I took the springs out of the magazines and stretched them out and replaced a weak one. Pistol works fine now. Did buy a few extra heavy duty mag springs for future use.

 

[BluesBear]

I have FTF problems with 185's and the slide never locks on the last round even on wilson mags

That just shows your pistol isn't properly spring.

And since there are so many completely different 185gr .45acp loadings, everything from mid-range SWC target to +P XTP, that a blanket condemnation of 185 gr bullets in general is borderline silliness.

 

[robertbank]

Lighten your recoil spring and your problems will disappear.

Stay Safe