Author Topic: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty  (Read 3091 times)

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Offline JBruns

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Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« on: February 09, 2021, 06:54:48 AM »
I've had my S2 orange a few months now and have been shooting it regularly. I happened to be loading 115gr jacketed RN with Unique when I bought the gun, and the gun would lock open when empty with that load. I was just looking to use up the last of the Unique I had, which I did recently. Went back to some tried and true Win 231 loads and even at the max load, the slide won't lock back. Tried some factory 115gr range ammo too (blazer, white box and herters). None will lock the slide open. All of the above loads lock the slides open on my Sig X5, P229 and P320's.

So I figured recoil springs. The orange comes with 2 extra, but same problem with any of the springs. Ordered the CGW "white" 10lb spring. Really thought that would do it, but no joy. I clean the gun after every other range trip. Stock firing pin/spring. Stock trigger return spring (although I have the CGW lighter one on the bench). I did put a lighter hammer spring in, one of the ones that came with the gun.

Is this just a thing with the S2? I do not want to shoot Unique long term. Dirty powder. And at 5.7gr, the case is full enough that I have to slow down my reloading so it does not spill.

Offline George16

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2021, 09:12:37 AM »
Try replacing the magazine springs with new ones.

Are the magazines still using the same stock springs?

Offline tdogg

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2021, 09:26:19 AM »
Are you riding the slide release with your thumb?   Will it lock back manually by racking the slide with an empty mag inserted?

Are you running any buffer?   

I'd take a look at the slide stop and ledge on the slide that holds it open to see if anything looks damaged or rounded.

Cheers,
Toby

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Offline JBruns

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2021, 01:37:22 PM »
Try replacing the magazine springs with new ones.

Are the magazines still using the same stock springs?
Stock mags, stock springs. They are all pretty new. I cleaned/oiled the springs when it was new in December, but will do it again.
« Last Edit: February 09, 2021, 01:51:35 PM by JBruns »

Offline JBruns

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2021, 01:50:42 PM »
Are you riding the slide release with your thumb?
No. If I were having that issue, it would have been not locking back with the Unique powder either. I never had it happen with that powder.
Quote
Will it lock back manually by racking the slide with an empty mag inserted?
Yes.
Quote
Are you running any buffer?   
Just the buffer that was on the recoil guide rod stock.
Quote
I'd take a look at the slide stop and ledge on the slide that holds it open to see if anything looks damaged or rounded.
Will do. Thanks.

Offline Grendel

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2021, 04:19:16 PM »
Stock mags, stock springs. They are all pretty new. I cleaned/oiled the springs when it was new in December, but will do it again.

A) I wouldn't be oiling any mag springs or mag tubes. That just attracts dirt and may be the cause of your mag follower sticking in the tube and the follower not pushing up the slide lock.

B) Dismantle the mags and clean the tubes and follower thoroughly. If you must lube them, use a dry graphite lube, not oil.
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Offline tdogg

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2021, 05:35:02 PM »
I personally like to wax my magazine tubes inside and out.  It make them easy to clean, repels water, and they are easier to load.  You favorite car wax is all that is needed.

Cheers,
Toby
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Offline eastman

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2021, 08:33:32 PM »
I personally like to wax my magazine tubes inside and out.  It make them easy to clean, repels water, and they are easier to load.  You favorite car wax is all that is needed.

Cheers,
Toby

This ^

I'm a big fan of Meguair's for mag maintenance.
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Offline Tok36

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2021, 08:51:14 PM »
Slide stop spring is worth checking.
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Offline JBruns

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Re: Shadow 2 not locking open after empty
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2021, 06:15:21 PM »
Went well at the range today. I had cleaned the mags (Unique is such a dirty powder!) again and seated the bullets deeper (1.160 vs 1.130). Not sure if cleaning the mags was the key, or seating the bullets a little further, but it locked back reliably on each empty mag. I only put a few rounds in each mag to test it quite a few times. 4.9 grains of 231, 115gr jacketed RN, 1.130 OAL, WSP primers.

I may still replace the slide stop spring, just for insurance sake. 

Appreciate everyone's input.