S&W 908S magazine problem?

[hgmike]

i asked this on the S&W Forum and got an answer but want to verify this with any of you S&W owners. i just purchased a used 908S (economy version of the 3913). the magazine won't lock if you insert it with the slide closed/forward without having to jam it pretty hard (only did this w/o ammo). but when the slide is locked back, the mag goes in and locks fine. i can actually feel the difference the last quarter inch of the magazine being inserted. is this normal? i carry with one in the chamber so it really doesn't cause a problem. but i find it odd you can't insert a magazine without having to chamber a round.

 

[rcmodel]

Seem's pretty normal, although I don't know how hard "jam it pretty hard" is.

*Empty mag + slide open = Mag spring & follower is not pushing on anything. = Easy to seat.

*Empty mag + slide closed = Mag spring & follower is trying to push slide stop UP, but it can't go up until the slide is opened. = Harder to seat.

*Full mag + slide open = No resistence, as nothing is touching anything. = Easy to seat.

*Full mag + slide closed = Top round in mag has to be compressed down into the magazine before the mag can seat fully. = Harder to seat.

rc

 

[Maj Dad]

I have a 908; you have to use a little force to lock the mag with the slide forward, almost none with it locked back. Sounds simplistic, but if you can lock it, don't worry about it. I have tried putting a full mag in it with one in the chamber (8 rd mag) and it requires more force than I like to use, so I just load the mag with 8, insert the mag & load one round and rely on the concept of reloading for peace of mind...

 

[hgmike]

thanks maj dad for the info. i feel more confident about the gun.

 

[SpentCasing]

my 910 does this also. very normal. you got a great gun btw, youre gonna be surprised!

 

[tommytman]

Probably fine. Are you using S&W mags?

In case you are interested S&W now has a metal mag release for 908 instead of the plastic one you probably have. If you replace it make sure you also replace the magazine catch nut.