CW380 What is the fix for the slide not holding open on on empy mag?

[Arkhog]

After a trip back to the factory my feeding and ejection issues with my new CW380 (450 rounds now) seem to be worked out. I did try a box of Perfecta ammunition that was a complete joke. I cannot state in strong enough words that this was horrible in my gun. The rounds did not chamber. The few that did chamber didn't eject. Anyway, I switched back to my favorite ammo, American Eagle FMJ, and all was well.

The gun feeds, fires and ejects every round with Federal, Remington, PMC, and CCI ammunition. My one concern is that the slide only holds open on the empty mag roughly one out of three times. It doesn't matter if I am holding it one-handed or two-handed. It doesn't matter if I have a strong grip or a weak grip. It only locks back on the last round fired when it feels like it.

My question to the forum is simple. When the slide is not held open after the last round is fired what is the solution to the problem?

[RRP]

It only locks back on the last round fired when it feels like it.

...and when your thumb is not in the way of the slide lock lever.

I'm not being a wiseguy. It's a very common issue with these tiny pistols because there's so little room to place our hands. Most of us don't realize our hand comes in contact with the lever during recoil.

Shoot it left-handed. It is locks on an empty mag, you'll know to adjust your grip.

Others will chime in with suggestions to check your mag spring, etc, but this is the first step in the process of elimination.

[Arkhog]

Nice try wiseguy

...and when your thumb is not in the way of the slide lock lever.

I'm not being a wiseguy. It's a very common issue with these tiny pistols because there's so little room to place our hands. Most of us don't realize our hand comes in contact with the lever during recoil.

Actually, you are being a wiseguy. I tried your solution before I put the question before the forum. But, you don't know me or my experience level with firearms. Your NRA Instructor instincts kicked in and you assumed that I was a newbie.

I am rapidly growing tired of this .380 and all of the repair work and fluff and buff prep required to make it run. For the love of God does anyone have a fix that does not blame the shooter?

[SlowBurn]

I feel your frustration but RRP wasn't blaming or assuming, just going through the checklist. So on to step 2. Have you tried a different mag?

[RRP]

Good luck to you, Arkhog.

[glock2619]

I'm interested in the solution to this problem with my CW380 also. I could have typed word for word everything he has said so far. Mine had a few minor break-in issues, but they've gone away. The failure of the slide to lock back has me scratching my head though. And yes, I've visited all the posts regarding this problem, and soaked up all of them to no avail. Spring and all appear to be working as they should.

[smokersteve]

Let someone else shoot it. If it still does it, which it probably will, send it back to Kahr on their dime.

[getsome]

Arkhog you can try to tweak the slide release spring just a bit and see if it helps...be sure the torx screw isn't loose but don't over tighten it....The gun may still be tight and just need some more rounds through it.....Not sure what the problem is but RRP was only trying to help you as will any other member here but with only 3 posts and then getting an attitude with a long time member trying to offer advice won't help your pistol or your problem any....Ask nice, be nice and listen to folks who know a thing or two about these little Kahrs and you will get along much better around here.....Good luck to you

[yqtszhj]

Arkhog you can try to tweak the slide release spring just a bit and see if it helps...be sure the torx screw isn't loose but don't over tighten it....

^^^^^ what he said ^^^^^

Try it with an empty mag, rack the slide. If it stays open thats good. Then tweak the spring like getsome said.

[muggsy]

Let's cut to the chase. If you are using weak ammo or limp wrist the pistol the slide won't move back far enough to be captured by the slide stop. If it locks back manually look to your ammo, or yourself as the source of the problem. Muggsy has spoken.

[shlike]

Arkhog you can try to tweak the slide release spring just a bit and see if it helps...be sure the torx screw isn't loose but don't over tighten it....The gun may still be tight and just need some more rounds through it.....Not sure what the problem is but RRP was only trying to help you as will any other member here but with only 3 posts and then getting an attitude with a long time member trying to offer advice won't help your pistol or your problem any....Ask nice, be nice and listen to folks who know a thing or two about these little Kahrs and you will get along much better around here.....Good luck to you

Does anyone know what size torx bit to use for this?

[yqtszhj]

I'm not sure but I have used a small flat blade jewlers screwdriver.

[getsome]

It's a #5 torx bit....Lowes or Home Depot carry them.....The trick is good and snug, not gorilla tight because if you strip it you have messed up the frame...

[glock2619]

While we're cutting to the chase, i'll add that I've tried several kinds of ammo, as I do with all new pistols. And I can assure that I'm not limp-wristing the pistol. I'll get it figured out. Thanks to those with helpful responses!

[yqtszhj]

You've got perseverance. You'll figure it out glock2619. Hey, i just figured out you probably have a glock 26 and 19.