cant get slide to come off...

[gb6491]

Continuing on from my earlier post...
The trigger bar could also be checked by removing the side plate and this will probably be necessary anyway.
In theory, this can be done without removing the slide, but I've not tried that myself.
The reason I haven't tried it that way is I fear damaging the side plate. The side plate is held in place by a screw (or pin) in it's upper left corner.

Opposite this pin/screw, the side plate has a tab that slides under the frame:

Please note, the above photo is of a P380, their side plates do not have the next feature I'm about to discuss.

In the lower left portion of the side plate, there is also a ball/stud and socket connection that holds the plate on the frame.


This connection is why I haven't tried to remove the plate with the slide on the gun. I prefer to slide a tool in from the the top of the plate to pop the ball/stud from it's socket and find this best done with the slide removed.
So to summarize:
Pull the pin/screw
Pop the ball/stud from it's socket.
Slightly lift the left side of the plate and slide the plate off to the left.

With the plate removed, check that the trigger bar will move upward under force from the trigger bar spring until it engages the cocking cam as shown:

Note that the photo also shows a correctly positioned trigger bar spring.

If all looks good to this point, check if the slide or side plate might be preventing the trigger bar from resetting.

Regards,
Greg

[Windwalker]

Greg, as many posts have pointed out - you're the man! Heartfelt thanks from the newbie from Wisconsin.

Your first suggestion of going in through the mag well worked. The thoroughness of the pictures gave me enough courage to attempt it. The paper clip trick was not working for me. I am thankful that I did not have to go in through the side panel. It would have taken a great deal of bourbon to get up the courage and by then I would have lost all my limited dexterity.

All the pictures are incredibly helpful in understanding the mechanics of the operation.

I want to reiterate that the pm9 has been operationally flawless. I am elated with the purchase! Operator error is a different story!

I assume that I pulled the trigger while putting the slide back on, thereby changing the cam position. I will be hyper vigil in the future. Is there anything else that I could have done wrong, that may benefit other readers, as well as me?

[gb6491]

Hey, glad it worked out for ya

I'm not sure I'd say that you did anything wrong

I would check a couple of things.

First check the disconnector for any damage/burrs/excessive wear, particularly along the outside edge.

Then push the disconnector down and release it several times, check that it returns to full height each time without hesitation. Do this with trigger released and with it held back.




Also check this area of the slide for any damage/burrs/etc. that might impede the disconnector:


Finding nothing untoward, I'd put a little lube on the disconnector and give it a good work out at the range.

Regards,
Greg

BTW, welcome to the forums

[rwarren66]

Just did the same to my CW380. Slide release is stopped from going forward by barrel ramp and from going backward by the cocking cam.

Insert small flat screwdriver in to magazine well and push up on cocking cam, the slide will come off backwards.