Help! Brand new CW380 cannot chamber a round

[tkarl]

My brand-new CW380 has never been fired. First, which way does the recoil spring go on? (I know there are two springs, they stay together.) Mine has a flatter end, while the other end is just an end. Once when doing a field strip, the take-down pin popped completely out -- along with everything else, and I have lost "how it was originally". If I try to put the coil-end into the gun, it wants to poke out the hole intended for the guide rod. If I put the flatter end into the gun, then the spring wants to start coming off over the large flat portion of the guide rod. Either way, it is extremely difficult to put the guide rod / spring back into the slide. Please help!

There's more. Today I bought some .380 ammo. I put one round in the magazine with slide locked back. Then I pressed the slide lock release and the slide did not go all the way home. It appears to get hung up on the extractor. If I push the slide home, it will go, but it leaves the guide rod sticking out ~1/8". There is no way I'm going to a range with a gun in this condition -- new-gun break-in or not! Mine appears to be non-functional.

Has anyone had this type of difficulty with the CW380? How to proceed?

[pbagley]

I've had no problems with my CW380. It should strip the top round out of the magazine with the case against the breech face, with the rim sliding up under the extractor. Did you try dropping a round into the barrel when it was field stripped? The round should drop in and end up with the back of the case flush with the back of the barrel shroud. Before you load, with the action closed is the guide rod sticking out? Can you provide a photo or two?

[Alfonse]

The guide rod goes in with the "open" ends of both springs towards the muzzle end. If you rotate the springs so those open ends are turned towards the barrel, 6 o'clock if you are holding it upside down, it is easier to keep the ends from popping out while inserting the guide rod.

What ammo are you trying to chamber?

Welcome!

[TennSCN]

The closed end of both springs goes against the flange of the guide rod which fits into the recess at the front of the barrel lug. Open end of springs toward muzzle; don't let them into the guide rod hole.


- Sorry, Alfonse, I should have refreshed before posting.

[tkarl]

I had a response all typed, then dragged a picture over and everything blew away. I have no URL to upload picture to.

With barrel out, the round loads up to the start of the taper inwards of the brass case. With action closed, the guide is very nearly flush with slide.

I am using Perfecta .380 95gr FMJ ammo. $12 @ Walmart. If it doesn't work with these and wants more expensive ammo -- the gun goes back. ***UPDATE*** I'm now not willing to give up my gun over a $12 box of ammo!!!!! Please enumerate brands that work. I'm saying this because I fully intend to reload all .380; and yes, I have Lee's Bulge Buster on my list of items to get.

I also tried putting a round against the breech face -- making sure the firing pin was not protruding! It fit.

[tkarl]

The springs are in as you describe.

My Perfecta ammo has a "Crimp Ring" behind where the bullet is seated. This is my first ever .380, first ammo I've had or seen.

[Tilos]

Take the slide off, remove the barrel, and drop a round in the barrel, and check that it will fully chamber and is flush with the barrel hood.(the re-loader's plunk test).
Remove that round before re-installing the slide

[SlowBurn]

The springs are in as you describe.

My Perfecta ammo has a "Crimp Ring" behind where the bullet is seated. This is my first ever .380, first ammo I've had or seen.

Bad luck. Perfecta is the problem. I have 2 Kahr 380s and it doesn't cycle in either. You could do the barrel test as described or just take my word. Unless you want to do a mod to your gun, return it or give it away.

Try Remington or Blazer Brass, Aguila, lots of others. But nothing flat nosed, and no Browning cort, no Fiocchi. That's my experience fwiw.

[b4uqzme]

...

I am using Perfecta .380 95gr FMJ ammo. $12 @ Walmart. If it doesn't work with these and wants more expensive ammo -- the gun goes back...

that's a shame. But it's your choice I guess.

[marshal kane]

Getting into reloading let's you shoot more for the same price. More "bang" for the "buck". A box of 9mm FMJ cost me about $6.00 to reload. If I reload with plated bullets, it's even less. Keep your CW380 and start reloading.

[Alfonse]

That's why I asked about ammo. Perfecta seems to be universally a no-go in Kahr .380s. Fiocchi probably makes Perfecta for Walmart, since they seem and act the same. I agree, if that makes it a no go for you, a shame but so be it.

[online34]

They have already stated this the cw380 will not work with the Perfecta, I bought 400 rounds of it on a deal and I can't use it in my Cw380 or my Walther PPK380. I use Federal range,target,practice at the range and Hornady critical defense to carry and both work great.

[tkarl]

Are you guys saying that my ammo is the only problem? Reloading: My intention was to reload exclusively for this gun! However, I have no other ammo nor components at this time. I only bought this ammo because I have an opportunity to get to a range as part of my CC class on the 26th.

Please reply back to confirm that this ammo is the issue!! I would not prefer to get rid of the gun over a $12 box of questionable ammo! With the Perfecta ammo I have, there is a crimp-looking ring about mid-point of the case wall. Are you saying this is not normal for .380 ammo?

[tkarl]

It is unclear exactly where the bullet needs to drop to from your description. The chamber face is not even. Please clarify.

[tkarl]

Getting into reloading let's you shoot more for the same price. More "bang" for the "buck". A box of 9mm FMJ cost me about $6.00 to reload. If I reload with plated bullets, it's even less. Keep your CW380 and start reloading.

What powders would you recommend for .380 in the CW380? What quantities are you buying (or from where) to get your price/round that low? I'm new to .380, and the per-round prices I've calculated are $.20/round with once-fired, polished brass and $.14 without brass with plated bullets. That's about $7/box of 50 w/o brass. Do you make your own bullets? Where are you getting your lead from? It's kinda hard for me to cast -- I'm living in an apartment presently -- but I have the cast pot, molds, etc. But I will try at some point.