Slide will not lock back on CM40

[RWW84]

After cleaning my CM40 following a trip to the range, I discovered that the slide will not lock back when the magazine is in place. Obviously the first thing I checked was the slide stop spring. I've accidentally bent it before when reassembling everything. But as you can see in the picture, it appears to be in the right place (at least I think it is???). The follower in my magazine isn't broken so I don't know what else to check. Does anybody have any suggestions?

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll36/RWW84/spring_zpsub2um6zx.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/RWW84/media/spring_zpsub2um6zx.jpg.html)

[Bawanna]

The spring looks good, the important thing is how it's oriented when you install the take down pin. If it goes over the spring instead of under, it won't work.
I think I got that right.

It doesn't look bent or anything in the picture.

[OldFatGuy]

I have one mag where occasionally the slide will not lock back when empty. I have another mag that catches every time. Try another mag?

[jocko]

After cleaning my CM40 following a trip to the range, I discovered that the slide will not lock back when the magazine is in place. Obviously the first thing I checked was the slide stop spring. I've accidentally bent it before when reassembling everything. But as you can see in the picture, it appears to be in the right place (at least I think it is???). The follower in my magazine isn't broken so I don't know what else to check. Does anybody have any suggestions?

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll36/RWW84/spring_zpsub2um6zx.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/RWW84/media/spring_zpsub2um6zx.jpg.html)

do check what the colonel suggested about the orientation of that little springhy. then if that is OK, then if u haqve anutter magazine, try it or better yet put in a new magazine sring. U willbe surprised what this can do. It is all about timing. If u don't have a spare spring go to wolffs gunsprings and ourder the 5% more strength spring. This can help alot. a weak magazine spring can hinder the slide from locking open...

[RWW84]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried another mag (extended - holds 6 rounds) and it locked back every time! After noticing that it seemed to fit a touch more snug, I put the first mag back in and put additional pressure on it by holding the bottom of the grip/mag on my knee while racking the slide. It locks back every time. Without that extra pressure, it will not lock back. It's the original factory mag that came with the pistol - go figure! Actually, that particular mag has never had a "tight/snug" fit from day one. Has anyone else run into this with your CM40? Any work arounds short of purchasing another mag? Would Kahr possibly replace it?

[Alfonse]

Kahr might replace the magazine if you describe the problem as it sounds above, in that the pistol works fine with other mags but won't lock back with the one. A new magazine spring might fix it too.

[Bawanna]

You say the follower isn't broke. Was this a new gun to you. Seems weird that the spring would already be weak but it may just have been bad from the start.

I'd probably try switching the guts out of the mag that works into the mag that doesn't and see if that works.

The mag locks in properly and securely but you need to apply additional pressure to make it lock back?.........
Maybe the mag release notch is not quite in the right spot..........

If it was a new gun, Kahr would probably replace that mag for you unless you determine for absolute certain that it's a bad follower or spring in which case they'd probably send those.

No harm in emailing them or calling and letting them know what your experiencing.

[OldFatGuy]

I have the exact same problem with the original mag. My 6 rnd fits tighter and locks every time. That bad mag works most of the time at the range, guess all the action helps it seat better.

[RWW84]

You say the follower isn't broke. Was this a new gun to you. Seems weird that the spring would already be weak but it may just have been bad from the start.

I'd probably try switching the guts out of the mag that works into the mag that doesn't and see if that works.

Yes, I purchased it new back in May. The original follower broke after several hundred rounds and kahr sent me a replacement. I could swap the followers from the the two mags, but wouldn't the extended 6 round mag's spring be taller?

[Alfonse]

If the mags have different capacities, the springs are not interchangeable.

[skiflydive]

Take the mag spring out and stretch it out some. It'll apply extra pressure to the follower.

[OldFatGuy]

I just stretched mine, seems to work fine now.