shadow2 with heavy brass grips - FTE's

[DoronP]

Hi,
I run a shadow 2 in IPSC production , I have added M-Arms Monarch1 thick brass grips adding 250g/8.8Oz to the pistol.
the pistol is new with ~1500rd through it.
once I tried lighter recoil springs I got failure to eject or feed (mostly FTE's), seems like the slide is not doing a full cycle.
removed the buffer and it improved things a bit but did not eliminate it.
tried 11,12,13,14 lb springs, while tuning the pistol according to CGW the recommended spring is 14lb.
The issue is around 1/100 if I use the brass grips and 14lb spring
To have constant results I am  shooting the same ammo , Factory made Magtech 115gr FMJ.
Where I live we only have factory made ammo and 124gr is harder to get by. but when I used 124gr S&B Nato it was worse much worse.
Currently using it with the original recoil spring and stock grips as malfunctions are valuable time.

any recommendations?
should I drop the heavy grips? , I do liked the added weight 
could it be me getting tired in log sessions and the issue is due to grip?
any comments are welcome

[tdogg]

Doron,

I have a hard time seeing how grips can affect how the gun cycles?  I'm guessing it is coincidence that something else happened when you put on the brass grips.  It could be limp wristing but the grips are just going to help the gun cycle.

You're going to have to explain the failure(s) more specifically and pictures would help. 

First thing I'd do is verify that the ammo passes the plunk test in your barrel.  I'd be shocked but you could have an ammo issue.  It takes very little time to confirm so why not?

Next I'd clean the firearm and magazines.  I'd make sure to clean under the extractor (best to just remove it from the slide) and inspect it for damage (chips, burrs, etc...).  I'd pull the magazines apart and clean and wax them inside and out.  Make sure to lubricant the slide rails appropriately.  Are you using grease or just oil?  If using grease, how cold is it in your part of the world?  That could be slowing things down.

While the gun is apart I'd verify that the slide operates freely on the frame without springs.  Check for any binding/rough spots or if the barrel is binding on anything during its stroke.

I'd inspect the ejector to make sure it is not bent or damaged.  It might need to be tuned to make sure the spent case is pushed in the right direction upon extraction.

More details on the specific type of failure would help narrow down the troubleshooting.

Cheers,
Toby

[DoronP]

Hi Toby ,
thanks for the detailed answer
I sadly don't have pics  I know they would help a lot , most of the issues were that the spent brass would stay in the chamber and not eject properly (not stovepipe).
The ammo does pass the plunk test , the ammo is very stable , shot over 6K of it and only had a few light strikes.
the gun gets cleaned up before every match so no more than 200rd without cleaning and I do lube them , no grease not that it would be an issue in the middle east (the holy land)
checked for hotspots and inspected the ejector , nothing looks odd there (could add pics if needed)
not a new shooter just a new gun replacing a phantom with over 15K through it without a hiccup

baffled truly baffled   

[2morechains]

most of the issues were that the spent brass would stay in the chamber and not eject properly (not stovepipe).

I have had similar issues with both my Shadows, albeit at higher round counts than you’re describing.  In both instances, replacing the extractor spring resolved my failure to eject problems.  I now make it a practice to replace the extractor spring once a year, same time I replace the TRS and firing pin spring as preventative maintenance.

Hopefully this fixes your problem. 

[DoronP]

I have had similar issues with both my Shadows, albeit at higher round counts than you’re describing.  In both instances, replacing the extractor spring resolved my failure to eject problems.  I now make it a practice to replace the extractor spring once a year, same time I replace the TRS and firing pin spring as preventative maintenance.

Hopefully this fixes your problem.

Thank you ,
Will give that a try as well , extra strength or factory?

[2morechains]

Whatever this one from CGW is:

https://cajungunworks.com/product/52-extractor-spring/

[DoronP]

Whatever this one from CGW is:

https://cajungunworks.com/product/52-extractor-spring/

Thanks , Sadly CJW will not send to my location , not talking about the local customs happiness receiving gun parts.
usually springs are OK , but as I said CGW do not ship here , will need to locate another resource

[2morechains]

Where are you located? 

[DoronP]

Israel

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[tdogg]

I'm with 2more on this, I'm betting it's an extractor spring.  You might want to order an extractor pin, standard spring, extra power spring, and a replacement extractor.  Even if your extractor is fine it is nice to have a backup on hand.  The springs are cheap enough to try both.  I haven't had much success using an extra power spring on my TSO's, it caused more issues than the regular power but that was in 40 S&W not 9mm.

Cesar shop may be able to ship to you?

https://cesar-shop.com/firearm-parts-en/pistol-en/slide-parts-en/?sef_rewrite=1&features_hash=314-1218

Cheers,
Toby

[DoronP]

Thanks for the advice Toby , cesar shop will work out.
Although no extractor in stock.
I will update

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[George16]

And while waiting for your extractor to arrive, I’d recommend taking your extractor out for a thorough cleaning. Just don’t put any oil on it before putting it back.

[SoCal]

Try Eeman Tech

[Codename46]

Yeah, hard to believe brass grips were the problem.

[Fuzzy Sights]

Had similar problem, my extractor spring was full of gunk.  Only had to clean it out and she runs fine.

JW