BHP slide locks to the rear

[mokin]

The other day my wife and I were shooting my Browning Hi-Power and about every other round or so locked the slide to the rear when only I shot it. I figure it was either the magazine, the ammo or the grip. As she was using the same ammo and magazines that I was I've sort of ruled those out which leaves our respective grips on the weapon.

Ammo: We were shooting 115 gr bullets propelled by 6.8 grains of HS-6 for about 1050 fps at the muzzle. Similar loads seem to work fine in the Hi-Power and my HKVP70Z with its' big, heavy slide seems to really like this recipe. In the Browning the load seemed to produce considerably more recoil but inspection of the brass didn't reveal signs of exsesive pressure.

Magazines: I shot only with one magazine which I have used before which functioned flawlessly so I don't think it is the magazine. My wife used the same magazine I did with success.

Grips: My wife has smaller hands and is weaker than me and I was a little concerned that she may limp-wrist the BHP when she shot it. Whether she did or not the gun worked fine for her. I know I wasn't limp wristing it. Does it seem plausible that a combonation of the ammo and the strength of our grips on the pistol may have caused the slide to lock to the rear like that? :banghead: Any ideas as to what is going on with this weapon?

I shoot between 100 and 150 rounds in it a month and it has never acted like that before. It is also my carry weapon so reliability is a pretty big issue.

 

[jaydubya]

Two thoughts:
1. What was your right thumb doing during recoil?
2. How long has it been since you replaced your recoil spring?
Cordially, Ol' Jack

 

[Johnny Guest]

One possible explanation

Since you were shooting handloads, you might want to do some checking in regard to overall length and bullet shape. A bullet with a blunter ogive and tip, seated a bit too far out might well nudge the interior projection on the slide stop.

Have you ever had this difficulty using other brands of bullets, or factory ammunition?

I had such difficulty in loading .45 ACP with SWC bullets intended for use in the 45 Colt cartridge. Once I traced the cause, I cured the problem by simply seating the bullets more deeply.

Best
Johnny

 

[10X]

Since you were both using the same ammo and magazine that leaves only one variable, you hand position.

You might be touching the slide stop with your right thumb. Try shooting again with a lower hand position or be very aware of where your thumb is and see if that is the culprit.

 

[Chupacabra]

Definitely check your hand positions and try some different ammunition.

Something similar happened to me a few times during a training class a couple months ago. When I drew my BHP, my left thumb would end up riding the slide stop and it caused the slide to lock back prematurely.

 

[Zak Smith]

The forward end of the slide-stop lever (the large round part) is beyond the fulcrum of the lever. Thus, if you press down on this part of the lever, the slide will lock back. It can be problematic for shooters who put both thumbs forward, especially 1911 shooters who are used to laying their left-hand thumb along the frame.

 

[mokin]

Thanks!

First of all. thank you for the direction Gentlemen.

You got me thinking that it was my hand position that was the culprit. I went out to the garage and tried dry firing the weapon and found, after a couple of cycles that the slide locked back because the slide stop was stuck in a position that forced it "up". Further investigation (field stripping) revealed small burrs on the ring end of the guide (they looked very fresh). How they got there I have no idea. Basically, the guide was forced out of position so that the forward end tilted slightly down, moving the rest of the parts that hold the slide stop in place accordingly. A little work with a file removed the burrs and it seemed to dry fire as advertised. I shot 100 rounds through it this morning with no stoppages so I'm satisfied the situation is resolved.

Secondly, this incident got me thinking this may be a relevant training topic in that this occured while I was introducing my wife to the pistol. I've shot the weapon many times in the presence of others but never in a role where I was demonstrating how to handle/operate the pistol. I guess that is something I'll have to be aware of in future situations....

Lastly, my wife loves the Hi-Power and dosen't want to left home without it (it worked fine for her). Consequently I'm sort of in the market for another carry weapon. Bummer, huh?.

 

[Ken Rainey]

Trying to think of what would cause this.....the recoil spring guide rod isn't upside down is it???? (or, could have been??) ...

 

[mokin]

I thought that incorrect assembly of the gun may be the cause of the burrs and the stoppages too but I have tried to reassemble the pistol with the guide upside-down and it just doesn't go together. I tried that again in this recent round of troubleshooting and was impressed at the foolproof design of the Hi-Power.

 

[Silvanus]

Happens to me with some guns, especially Sigs...I rest my thumb on or just under the slide release /stop and in recoil engage it.

 

[rantingredneck]

I did the same thing the first few times I shot my Ruger P345. I was so used to shooting a P89 and P90 that my thumb position for the P345 was slightly off. I had to relearn how to grip that particular handgun.