Smith and Wesson Model 4053 not ejecting properly

[shaneinIndiana]

I recently purchased a new model 4053. I have been to the range twice and I am having issues with the it not ejecting properly. Nearly every shot gets hung up, doesn't kick at all, or seems to try to double load. My gun dealer suggested that it could be the ammo. I have tried two different kinds with the same result. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Shane

 

[Confederate]

When and where did you buy the gun? How long have you had it? Have you tried it with other magazines?

Smiths are very well engineered guns and if the magazine or ejector is faulty, then you'll have problems with reliability. If you just purchased the gun, return it. If you've had it for quite some time, try disassembling the gun and reassembling it. Make sure you're not over-lubricating it and that you try another magazine. If the recoil spring is not set perfectly, you can get all sorts of malfunctions.

Please report if you have further problems.

 

[shaneinIndiana]

I have had the gun for a few months. I bought it from a gun dealer with the best reputation in this area. I asked him last week and he thinks it is an ammo issue. I took apart the gun tonight and cleaned it up. I will try to shoot it again this weekend and if I have the same issue I guess I'll take it back to him. At that point will he send it back to Smith to have it repaired or what happens next? The gun came with 2 clips but they both seem to act the same. Should I buy another clip or what?

Shane

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Nearly every shot gets hung up, doesn't kick at all, or seems to try to double load.

Like this?

This is a failure to extract, AKA a "double feed." The extractor is failing to grab the case rim and pull it out of the chamber, leaving it stuck while the next (top) round in the magazine tries to feed and butts up against it. Take the slide off and see if the extractor claw is chipped or even broken off. It is also possible that the spring inside is broken and not forcing the claw into the case groove, causing the extractor to slip off when the gun is fired. Other possibilities are that the slide/extractor cavity is filled with debris or that there is debris between the extractor claw and the slide breechface. An extractor problem will require attention by S&W or a qualified gunsmith; they are not easily repairable "in the field." Rest assured that they will stand behind it; this is normally a very reliable design.

 

[shaneinIndiana]

Some don't kick at all...a few double loads...and others dont eject all the way. Then a few will work fine. It is quite frustrating really. I cleaned it up good tonight so I will check it out this weekend.

 

[fastbolt]

A "new model 4053", or a new-to-you but used 4053 (which predates the 4053TSW)?

Rather than wonder about it, why not take it to a gunsmith who is familiar with S&W 3rd gen pistols and have it checked out?

Or call S&W and ask for it to be examined?

It's not possible to accurately diagnose problems online. Not having the gun available for examination, or being able to watch the shooter use the gun when 'problems' occur, as well as see the ammunition being used, makes discussing 'problems' - as well as their probable causes and appropriate corrective actions - pretty much an exercise in speculation.

Mechanically, Failures-to-extract (double feeds) can be caused by a damaged extractor, a damaged or weakened extractor spring or a damaged or weakened recoil spring ... or a combination of the above.

A dirty chamber and/or dirty ammunition (or ammunition of questionable spec or quality) can also potentially be related, at least to some degree, to some observed extraction issues.

Failures-to-eject can be caused by a damaged or broken ejector.

And yes, there's the grip stability consideration that can rear its ugly head, even with metal-framed pistols (often called "limp-wristing").

S&W recommends that recoil & mag springs are replaced either every 5,000 rounds fired or every 5 years. How old are the springs in the gun?

Are you shooting fresh factory ammunition made by one of the major American companies? Are you shooting the original 180gr JHP loading or one of the hotter loaded lighter bullet weight loads?

How experienced are you in shooting pistols (especially a compact model) chambered in .40 S&W?

A good gunsmith can be downright helpful in diagnosing perplexing functioning issues with a gun ... although sometimes it can also save time in identifying potential causes if the person experiencing the problem can be observed shooting the gun by an instructor, armorer or gunsmith.

Just my thoughts.

As a S&W trained armorer I've had to replace my fair share of extractors, extractor springs and ejectors in older S&W pistols.

 

[TonyRumore]

Chances are your extractor and or extractor spring is bad. I would replace both and plolish the chamber as well.

If the extractor lets go of the rim when the ejector hits the case head, it won't eject.

Tony