First timer with CW380

[Delta362]

I picked up a CW380 at a (relatively) LGS for $259+tax last weekend. This is my first handgun so I'm definitely on a learning curve. I followed the proper prep and lube threads and watched several videos to ensure I was doing it properly. I bought a spare 6 round mag from Midway. It seems stiffer than the original one that came with my gun and the springs creaked. I took them both apart and did not see anything obviously different between the two. I cleaned them and reassembled. When pressing down on the magazine follower, I could still hear the spring making a creaking sound. I reassembled it a few times, but was unable to figure out what was causing the sound.

Today I went to a buddy's place and had an opportunity to shoot several rounds thru it. He has the S&W Bodyguard that he recently purchased. First up was the American Eagle FMJ ammo. I loaded 5 rounds in mag #1. I did the same for mag #2, but that was a little more difficult to get that round in. We set up a target roughly 7 yards away and began to test. My first round experienced a FTF. I removed and reinserted the mag, then retried. This time it went ok. 2nd mag also produced a couple FTF.

After 20 rounds (twice with 2 clips of 5 each), I had 1 FTF, 0 FTE, 5 FTRTB. A simple push of the slide forward and I was ready to go again on those 5 battery issues.

I then switched to the Remington UMC for the next 20 rounds. This one had 2 FTF, 0 FTE, about 1/2 were FTRTB. We did a field take down and noticed a couple polymer tags on the end the middle section of the frame where the slide attaches. We took a razor blade and took off the tags.

Finally was the Blazer Brass FMJ for 20 rounds. 1 FTF, 0 FTE, 4 FTRTB. I had him shoot 10 more thru it and it worked flawlessly for him. I'm suspecting I was limp wristing it to cause the FTRTB issues. I"ll have to work on my technique for sure. Otherwise, it seemed to go as expected. He preferred the trigger on the Kahr much better than his BG. He'll be taking it to one of the LGS to get them to adjust his trigger. His BG was also noticeably heavier than the CW380.

We finished up. I brought it home, cleaned it, and lubed it up. Looking forward to next trip to see if the break in is progressing positively.

[smokersteve]

That seems like a lot of fails for the first 60 rounds.
You might want to search the forum for "failure to return to battery" for some advice.

[GeezerD]

Before you shoot it again, put some synthetic grease like Tetra on the recoil spring guide rod, the breech face, and the extractor (under the hook). Also a drop of oil on the extractor plunger where it contacts the extractor. This should reduce the FTF and FRTB.

A light polishing of these areas would probably cure the problems. The grease will tell if these are problem areas. ------------------------------ GeezerD

[RRP]

I had him shoot 10 more thru it and it worked flawlessly for him. I'm suspecting I was limp wristing it to cause the FTRTB issues. I"ll have to work on my technique for sure.

You don't sound like a novice, at all. You learned the lingo very quickly.

The 380 is a tiny gun. There's not a lot of real estate to put your hands on. That makes it more difficult to shoot than a full size gun. Despite that, knowing how to build a high performance grip will help. Mike Seeklander does a nice job demonstrating proper grip in this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrCfHYdyhw0

[yqtszhj]

Lube it good, hold it firmly, shoot it like you stole it. If it worked good for your buddy you just need a little more time with it and it may need a little more break in. Thanks for posting your results, I kinda have my eye on that for my daughter. Keep us updated and welcome.

[Delta362]

Thanks for the tips and support so far! I greatly appreciate it. I adjusted my grip, but didn't have any grease to try on those spots. I need to make a trip to the store to pick some p.

So today I went back to my buddy's house to put another 100+ rounds thru it. Using the same series of ammo, I ran thru similar setup. I noticed that sometimes when installing a new mag (if starting from the slide in the relaxed, not pulled back position) that the slide didn't lock back when loading the mag. I also noticed the slide release pin sometimes working its way out after a shot and causing a FTF. After happening a couple times, I took apart the gun to inspect. I didn't see anything obvious and neither did he.

I put it back together and went back to shooting. The pin seemed to stay in place after each shot this time. I suspect that I didn't quite have the slide lock spring catching the slide lock properly from my last assembly. I'll chalk that one up to operator error.

I did have a few FTRTB for the last 1/4" or so. It happened with the Eagle and Remington, but not with the Blazer. I made sure my right hand thumb was out of the way. I will look more into this one.

I still had a couple FTF issues after that. I will need to carefully check and possibly polish the feed ramp before next outing. Otherwise, I think it's coming along, but still not quite where it needs to be. I now have 170 rounds thru it. I'm looking forward to figuring this out so I can enjoy it. Thanks for your help so far!

[b4uqzme]

I don't know Delta. It sounds to me like you are describing a textbook break-in and well on your way. Keep us posted.

[muggsy]

That creaking noise is nothing to be concerned about. It's normal and you won't hear it when you are shooting. Hell, come to think of it, I creak a little too, but I don't hear it when I'm shooting.