The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

Hi, I haven't had alot of time to shoot my new SMC pistols, but I took the SMC-22 to the range and had a pretty significant reliability problem.

What is happening is it appears the slide doesn't have the force to strip a round into the chamber. Even from a locked back position if I dropped the slide, sometimes it would just hang back (I did not ride the slide forward). It typically is hanging back about 1/4-1/2 inch from the full rearward positionIf I forced the slide forward, it would then chamber. Upon firing 50% of the time it would get stuck as I described, 50% of the time it would be okay.

The bullets appear 'stuck' on the feed ramp, I cleaned the ramp, so I am wondering if it is a bad recoil spring or what... I was using LRN 40gr HV bulk pack.

Assuming it is a bad spring, where would I find a replacement? Could it be something else??

thanks
-southpaw.nc

Southpaw,
Could be several things. Most of the SMC-22 pistols that my co-workers brought to the range over the years have had ammo reliability issues. ??? Have you tried differant brands of .22LRs?

I know some of my .22 pistols will only go back into battery if I am using CCI brand ammo. The Sig mosquito is one that is ammo sensitive. I would try a differant round than what you are using. I know ammo is supposed to be tolerant to temp changes, humidity, etc. I have shot WW2 .45 acp ammo and old .22LRs that my brother in law had for over 30 years. Depends on the ammo and how it was stored.

It could be that you need a new recoil spring. How old is the pistol? Have you checked the slide rails for burrs? Is you pistol lubricated enough? This was a big problem with our military M-16 rifles. . . not lubricated enough. Do you totally clean the pistol before range time? I know lots of questions, but I hope that you will find the answer to the pistols problem. Sgt P.

southpaw

I have the LR-61 with is the steel framed version of the SMC-22 , I just compared my recoil spring with the PA-63 and the BR-61 and mine is very light compared to those so do not change the recoil spring with a heaver one , just clean the heck out it then lightly grease the rails on it , you might want to polish the feed ramp on it, I'm shooting PMC Zapper 22 long rifle ammo out mine and this ammo has got to be 25 years old and works fine , or change ammo , like Sgt P. said 22 auto loaders can be very finicky about ammo




NORM

Yeah I will definetly try some different .22 brands when I get the chance. The slide/rail interaction is very smooth. Without the spring and hammer, it slides back and forth smoothly.

Speaking of the hammer, it may be part of the problem. I have noticed that, at the last 1/2" or so of travel, the back of the slide pushes the hammer back slightly past its normal cocked position (normal). However, this thing has got quite the stiff hammer spring and the slide feels very gritty as a result. If I do it right, I can get the slide to very nearly stick open, it only pops forward when I am just *barely* holding the slide back. I am pondering a lighter hammer spring due to this or potentially polishing the contact area (I assume 400grit sandpaper would be acceptable).

Do you think KBI (Charles Daly) would have spare smc parts... in general I like to have spares for my guns... even if the recoil spring isn't the problem.

southpaw

he may have some parts, the hammer spring go get a wolf Pa-63 hammer spring, thats what put in mine
take apart just like a PA-63

NORM

That's A GREAT accurate hangun ;-Y/D