Sticking/hard to move slide

[kevinqjhps]

I have two R9's. Both are flawless but one has a slide so stiff you can't pull it back with the serrations, you must grab the front of the slide and FORCE it open. Once loaded it is accurate and flawless.

Any ideas on the problem? I can PROBABLY get it apart to clean and replace recoil spring but any hints? Thanks

kevinqjhps

[tracker]

Yes; buy some 1200 grit silicon carbide valve lapping compound. Put some on the slide rails and work it on the frame until you have a slide to frame fit that isn't so tight.

[PhilZ]

Loctite makes 1200 grit

https://www.ezbore.net/1200-Grit-x-Compound-p/cem2612.htm

[offrdmania]

I kind of think that it isnt a tight slide. It would have never left Erics hands at the factory if the fit was that tight. Sounds like something is hanging up internally. Maybe something broke internally which has lodged somewhere not allowing the slide to move. I would remove the slide, pull out the barrel and recoil assembly. Then I would check for obstructions on the slide and on the frame rails. I would then slide the stripped slide back on the frame and see if it moves freely. Then give us and update

[tracker]

We'll see but I disagree with your guess that there is an internal blockage.

[kevinqjhps]

The funny thing is once loaded it fires every time. IF I can get it apart I will address the slide rails, if there is a issue it should be visually obvious with a shiny spot or a knick. It may also just be dirty as heck.

I may be wrong but if it was a frame issue that SHOULDN'T make the slide hard too move should it? I am just a confused man asking.



kevinqjhps


p.s. This is the FIRST G-broker firearm I have ever had issues with. Guess I was due BUT like my old business partner once said " men put it together, men can take it apart and fix it."

[tracker]

All I am saying is that the gun can fire with a tight slide to frame fit but it may be difficult to cycle by hand. The slide to frame fit could have easily left the factory in this condition without a blemish or flaw. I have some background on this discussion and it is worth eliminating this as an issue before getting wrapped around the axle on an internal problem possibility.

[offrdmania]

We'll see but I disagree with your guess that there is an internal blockage.

Im just trying to get him to go through the process of elimination. If it is still tight with the barrel and recoil assembly removed then its one less thing to factor in

[kevinqjhps]

Once the slide is off I should be able to tell if it moves freely of the barrel, and guide rod assy. It SHOULS slide freely back and forth.

[tracker]

I don't understand this statement but good luck.

[kevinqjhps]

I don't understand this statement but good luck.

IF I can get the slide off, and strip it down, it should slide freely on the frame rails. Removing the guide rod, barrel, and recoil sprig from the slide would remove one possibility.

With any mechanical you MUST start with one point at a time. If that turns out OK go to step two. At this point I am THINKING broken, or wrong recoil spring, or maybe bent guide rod. 

It functions 100% and the trigger pull is,  according to my Timney Gauge the same as my good one.

It is just the darn slide won't move enough to come off. 

[DDGator]

I would perhaps wait on input from ECR before doing anything too drastic.

[offrdmania]

I don't understand this statement but good luck.

IF I can get the slide off, and strip it down, it should slide freely on the frame rails. Removing the guide rod, barrel, and recoil sprig from the slide would remove one possibility.

With any mechanical you MUST start with one point at a time. If that turns out OK go to step two. At this point I am THINKING broken, or wrong recoil spring, or maybe bent guide rod. 

It functions 100% and the trigger pull is,  according to my Timney Gauge the same as my good one.

It is just the darn slide won't move enough to come off.

Exactly, just lapping the slide is only a band aid and hiding a possible internal issue

[kevinqjhps]

I would perhaps wait on input from ECR before doing anything too drastic.

Good sound advice Duane. I am sure he will check in.


kevinqjhps

[backupr9]

I would imagine that anything that actually impeded movement of the slide would throw off the timing of the cycle (extraction, ejection, feeding) and cause failures to feed or eject similar to what has occurred a few times when the firing pin retainer is out of spec and abuts the slide.  Since yours fires and functions normally, interference with the slide would seem less likely.  Eric will likely weigh in soon.