Author Topic: 97B Slide Staying Back (Read 4146 times)

JeffBeatty · « **on:** January 04, 2004, 12:21:39 PM »

Just picked up a 97B, and took to range. Noticed that occasionally after a round would fire, the slide would not return forward. It seems that the recoil causes the slide release to move upward, locking the slide back (as if the last round was fired). Will a different recoil spring help this? I know that 'limp-wristing' cause this to happen. More than likely, that is what I am doing. Could use some advice here.

Besides that, i have to say that the people at the range were a little 'annoyed' at the performance of this pistol. 2 guys that had tricked-out kimbers in the lane next to me couldn't hold the patterns that i had (and i am not the best shot either). I put the Houge grips that were on my %%WORD92%u on the the 97 with little effort. They fit great and helped out my groups by 1" or better. Shot 300 rounds of Magtech ammo, which by the way, shoot well through this gun.

CZ75BSA · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2004, 01:08:58 PM »

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Quote:
Just picked up a 97B, and took to range..... Noticed that occasionally after a round would fire, the slide would not return forward.

Cleaned thoroughly first; right ?
A greasy or dirty pistol would do the same, that is why i asked.

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It seems that the recoil causes the slide release to move upward, locking the slide back (as if the last round was fired). Will a different recoil spring help this? I know that 'limp-wristing' cause this to happen. More than likely, that is what I am doing. Could use some advice here.

That has never happened on mine, and it is hard to imagine how it could happen. "Limp-wristing" is a possibility, but no likely if you are maintaining a reasonable grip. the 97 is so heavy that it is no particularly prone to limp-wristing malfunctions.

It could possibly be the ammo (did you try other brands ? I am not familiar with Mag-Tech) It could also just be a tight-newly machined pistol that needs a few hundred rounds to break in.

Walt-Sherrill · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2004, 01:22:20 PM »

With other models of CZs this has been caused by weak mag springs, which lets rounds slide around and nudge the slide stop. (I found that this was a common problem with some 1911s, too, and the remedy is the same: new, stronger mag springs.)

That shouldn't be a problem with a new gun, but you never know.

Take one of your mags apart (paying close attention to how the spring fits the follower. There is a front and back), and stretch the spring a bit.

Then try it again.

If that makes the problem go away with that mag, get some Wolfe extra-strenght (+10%) mag springs, and you'll likely not have further problems. Or contact CZ and let them know about the problem and tell them you want to return the mags for ones that work right.

(There can also be a slide-strop related problem with other CZs, but I've not heard of this ever being an issue with CZ-97Bs.)

bullsi1911 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2004, 04:02:58 PM »

Usually it is the left thumb hitting the bottom of the slide lock that causes the premature slide lock. Move your thumb and see if that stops the problem.

At least that is usually the problem with 1911's that have that issue.

Walt-Sherrill · « **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2004, 05:17:02 PM »

Good point! And one that we all should have thought of, first. <grin>

If that doesn't solve the problem, then consider the other suggestions.

JeffBeatty · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2004, 05:22:17 PM »

Yep, it is clean as a whistle (cleaned and re-lubed before going to the range the first time).

I only shot magtech through it, only because I had a surplus of it. I will try some S&B and American Eagle next time. I did load each mag with 10 rounds the night before I went to the range (to loosen them up some) but I would think this wouldn't cause a problem (I always do this on new firearms and haven't seen any problems).

As for the thumb theory, it is a good one, however, my left thumb actually sticks out to the 10-o'clock position when shooting (I know that is weird, but so am I).

I noticed an increase in frequency when shooting one-handed, that is where the 'limp-wrist' theory comes from. I will try the spring stretch on 1 of my 3 mags next time.

When it comes to CZ's, I always question shooter first, then ammo, magazine, phase of the moon, solar flares, and pistol malfunction last.

Do any of you keep your mags loaded? How many rounds? Do you rotate mags? What frequency?

Thanks for the info.

Walt-Sherrill · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2004, 06:18:56 PM »

Re: mags loaded.

If you read the Wolfe site, you'll find that they asset that springs will quickly take a set, and in the case of mag or recoil springs, shorten slightly.

Thereafter, USE, not staying compressed or uncompressed, will wear them out. By use, I mean the act of compressing and releasing the springs.

So, leaving a mag loaded should have no noticeable effect on a mag spring. Going to the trouble of unloading them before you store them probably does MORE to make them wear out than leaving them loaded (as you've added one additional cycle to the spring set.)

Jhumphrey · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2004, 12:45:02 AM »

My 97B was made in 1998. I had the problem of the slide not
not sliding back but also, when I would open the slide and set the slide stop latch to keep it open, the least little movement
would cause the slide to close. I tried a new slide stop but
I still had the same problem. I sent the gun to Mike Eagleshield
of CZ and they were alble to fix it...seems that there was a
problem with the original slide stop latch. Check and see what
year your 97B was made....I can know take the bullsyes out at
35 feet with my 97B....I just love it.

Jhumphrey

:smokin