Problem Field Stripping S&W 669

[MrCookieBar]

I have a new-to-me 669. It has a bit of holster wear, but otherwise it looks fine.
There's no visible wear on the ramp or barrel interior. But it seems a bit dirty.
The slide action seems smooth and tight. There is no lateral movement.

Before I take it for a drive, I wanted to strip/clean it.
I checked to make certain the barrel was clear, and it was unloaded.
I got the slide stop out -- no problem here.
My problem: When I push the slide (barrel assembly) forward, it will not move forward more than 0.5in or so. It's like it gets stuck at that point.
The slide moves forward just enough to allow the hammer to fall.

Any suggestions here?

I did not field strip it before I bought it. Perhaps that was a mistake...

 

[David E]

Did you take the magazine out ?

 

[MrCookieBar]

Yes, I took the mag out first thing.

Thanks.

 

[David E]

Ok, leaving my mag in prevented the slide from coming off.

Leaving the decocker lever in the "down" position ALSO prevents the slide from coming off.

If that's not it, let me know and I'll play with mine some more to see what else might be causing your problem.

If the mag is out and the decocker in the "up" (parallel position) the slide should come right off.

 

[Confederate]

I'm having a hard time visualizing what the problem is. Is the slide not coming off the frame? It's normal for the hammer to drop as the slide comes forward, and some people find it a bit difficult to get the slide back on the frame because of all those little pins and such that pop up after the slide exits the frame.

So if the slide isn't coming off the frame, where is it hanging up? I have a 659, 645, 5906, and I've not experienced any problems. If you can give us a little more to go on as far as where it's hanging, it would be helpful.

Field Stripping a 659

 

[Confederate]

Another thought. If it's not coming off, find out where it's binding, front or back. Force it if you have to. If the guide rod isn't in right, it might cause it to bind a little. If the slide release pin is out, there's really nothing that could be keeping the slide on the frame.

Another Stripping Video

 

[David E]

Don't force it until you make sure the mag is out and the the decocker is in the "up" position.

The decocker position shown in the picture would PREVENT the slide from coming off.

 

[MrCookieBar]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for your help and advice.

Happy ending here. Finally got it stripped.

I pulled the hammer back, put an empty leather glove on the rear of the slide, and lightly tapped it forward with a mallet. It broke free after a few taps. Looks like the front rails were gummed-up.

The detailed advice (forcing the slide forward, checking the decocker) really helped.

My little $180 investment seems to have paid off. The finish is in rough shape, but the barrel, rails, and other component seem fine.

Now to find a few spare mags....

Thanks again!