JUST BOUGHT A NEW 97b AND IM A LITTLE Upset

[Piemn]

So long story short I just picked up a new in box 97b, wanted one forever. Just got up to my cabin and attempted to fire the first couple mags through This this thing. First mag ran flawless. The next 6 or 7 mags I ran through it it jammed every 7th or 8th, didn't matter what one of the two factory mags it was. Basically when it jammed the live round would jam vertical in the action, sorry I don't have a don't have a pic of it. And, whenever the action was locked open and I loaded a full mag into it the action closed without me touching anything, just the force from slamming it in would close it. And the last thing, I'm no pro shooter but I consider myself an advanced novice when it comes to shooting this thing I couldn't hit a broad side of a barn.

I'm kind of pissed off right now. I've had 75's and they where all flawless dead on pistols. This thing seems like a turd. I was really excited because everyone raves about this gun. And to top it off I was shooting with my buddies who all shoot Tupperware guns, just added fuel to the fire for me..

Someone please help me out so I don't ditch this thing the minute I get home.

[Meechy7648]

Did you field strip and clean and oil the pistol before shooting it the first time?  What ammo were you using?

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[Earl Keese]

Sorry you had such a bad experience with your new 97b, it certainly isn't typical. It might help if you provide some details. What type of ammo(reloads etc.)? Did you disassemble and clean /lube prior to shooting it? Did you check the barrel bushing to see if it was loose or damaged?

[ProtectTheSecond]

Did ya tear it down and clean it up real good, then lube the rails n put it back together?
Sounds like the rails are too dry

[cntrydawwwg]

Well that does suck. Don't own a 97 yet, but here's the typical stupid questions[emoji6].     
    Did you thoroughly clean and relube before shooting?
   What ammo were you using, and did you try different ammo?
    As to the auto forward when inserting a mag, many in here consider that a plus. Very typical for CZ's, some guys can get it all the time, some, (like me) can't hardly get it to do that.
    You can give up on it if you choose, you may have gotten a lemon. (Happens with every single manufacturer)
   I'm sure someone will be around shortly with more help. You can always send back to the mother ship if you still have issues. Pre paid, and great CS.
    Oh, ha ha, I see I  must be typing to slow[emoji850]

[Jigo23]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, that certainly does suck I know. Don't have any solutions beyond what's been said but would like first dibs if you decide to ditch it

[Piemn]

Ok maybe I'm just a little stupid. I did tear it down but, I didn't clean or live it, I've had 75's in the past and always ran a couple hundred rounds through them before a tear down clean and lube. Maybe I should do that before I get too worked up.

I'm shooting factory S&B 230gr. This is the newest model.

But it still doesn't explain why my slide slams closed when I load a mag into it and it's so innacurate it's not fun to shoot at the moment. The rear sight is about 1/3 off to the left of the slide. Is this normal?

[Diamondbackmike2004]

ive gotta be honest...it doesn't seem like its new...especially the position of the sights.

[jameslovesjammie]

Ok maybe I'm just a little stupid. I did tear it down but, I didn't clean or live it, I've had 75's in the past and always ran a couple hundred rounds through them before a tear down clean and lube. Maybe I should do that before I get too worked up.

I'm shooting factory S&B 230gr. This is the newest model.

But it still doesn't explain why my slide slams closed when I load a mag into it and it's so innacurate it's not fun to shoot at the moment. The rear sight is about 1/3 off to the left of the slide. Is this normal?

I think there's a few things going on.  Yup, you should clean all the shipping grease/machining oils off and relubricate with a quality lube.  As mentioned, also check your bushing.

Secondly, I've never had very good luck with 230 ball in either 1911 or 97B for accuracy.  I have had much better luck with either a 185 gr hollowpoint or a 200 grain lead semiwadcutter.  230's are great for blasting and making holes in paper, but the other two rounds have done considerably better for me, accuracy wise.

As far as the sight goes...no, they typically aren't that far over.  Set up some paper and shoot some groups off a bench.

[Jigo23]

The slide slamming home when I seat a mag is a "feature" for me especially when I was shooting IDPA   definitely clean and lube good. Man, I haven't used S&B in a long time, mainly cause it was so dang dirty shooting. Maybe they've improved I don't know, but I'd definitely try some different FMJ ammo and see. Wow that rear sight being offset that much definitely doesn't seem right. Sounds like a QC issue there. I'd be pissed too if I was you and let them know about it too. Any physical probs looking at the mags?  Might try taking them apart and cleaning too. You prob don't have access to a different mag I guess?   

[jameslovesjammie]

ive gotta be honest...it doesn't seem like its new...especially the position of the sights.

We've had brand new Ruger SR9 and SR40's and Springfield XD's come in to the store that you could move the sights with your index finger.  It happens to all manufacturers at some point.

[ProtectTheSecond]

Sounds like the rear sight is also an issue...

I think 230 ball is a bit overkill to start

[Meechy7648]

Ok maybe I'm just a little stupid. I did tear it down but, I didn't clean or live it, I've had 75's in the past and always ran a couple hundred rounds through them before a tear down clean and lube. Maybe I should do that before I get too worked up.

I'm shooting factory S&B 230gr. This is the newest model.

But it still doesn't explain why my slide slams closed when I load a mag into it and it's so innacurate it's not fun to shoot at the moment. The rear sight is about 1/3 off to the left of the slide. Is this normal?

No, you're not stupid.  You were excited to shoot your new toy.  I know I've done exactly that and had the same type of issues with a couple of pistols (that totally changed personality when properly cleaned and lubed.)  It sounds like this is an easy fix, though an annoyance.  If your rear sight is off center, see if it moves when you push it.  I would think that you can adjust and tighten it while shooting it from a bench rest.  The magazine slamming closed... well, some people like it when they have it, some want it and don't have it, and some that have it don't like it...  LOL  Hopefully it's something you can maybe get used to.

[rbmcmjr]

I think 230 ball is a bit overkill to start

Seriously?  That has been the standard practice ammo for the .45 since it was developed.  I can't imagine using anything else.

[Earl Keese]

I would disassemble, clean, and lube properly. Also make sure you re-index the barrel bushing properly. While it's apart, I'd run the bare slide manually without the slide stop installed to see if it hangs up anywhere. After reassembling, I'd manually cycle a few magazines worth of ammo and see how it does(safely of course). If it functions, I'd drift the rear sight to center and shoot it rested to dial it in. Mine shoots 230 ball just fine, but likes both 185 and 200gr lswc much better though. I haven't had the first feed issue. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.