Ding in top of barrel?

[dagwag77]

I have been having fail to feed problems with my xD .40. I called Springfield armory and they sent out a new mag, they thought it might be the spring in the mag, but I'm still having the FTF issue, just not as often. Looking at the top of the barrel, it looks like it might have a ding, or scrape in the top, possibly from the FTF action. It almost looks like it was "scraped out" if that makes sense. Is this OK? Should I send the gun back to SA? Pics attached, let me know what you think, oh wise ones, or am I seeing something thats "normal"?

 

[45collector]

Are you talking about the small relief at the top of the mouth of the chamber?
(not the loaded chamber indicator)

If the feed lips on your magazines are spaced too far apart, the rounds may be at too much of an upward angle while entering the chamber, thus hitting the top of the mouth and binding there.

Can you describe the position of the rounds at the moment of FTF?

Also, it looks like your feed ramp could use some polishing. (I wouldn't suggest doing that yourself if you've never done it)

 

[dagwag77]

Thanks for the reply! I am talking about the small relief at the top of the chamber, looks like it was scraped off or something...

I took a pic of my best simulation of what the round looks like in the mag when I pull it out after a FTF. I think the round is too far forward compared to an actual FTF, and isnt at as much of an upward angle (maybe 15 degrees upward angle), but I tried my best to "simulate" what it looked like.

I've never polished a feed ramp before - what do you suggest I do? Take it to a gunsmith and ask them to give me an edumacation?

 

[Bugs100]

Try a different type of round and see what happens.

 

[Kenny474]

Have you sent pics to Springfield, or at least asked them about the relief at the top of the chamber? Maybe go to a shop that has the same model in stock and have a look at a new one, compare that to yours? Just some thoughts.
Kenny

 

[dagwag77]

Try a different type of round and see what happens.

What do you mean? I've shot .40 SW WWB, Blazer brass, Winchester carry rounds, fiocchi, and they all have the same FTF issue...

Have you sent pics to Springfield, or at least asked them about the relief at the top of the chamber? Maybe go to a shop that has the same model in stock and have a look at a new one, compare that to yours? Just some thoughts.
Kenny

When I called SA about it last, they told me the FTF issues were most likely due to bag mags, they said the springs, they sent me a new one, and it happened with the new mag, although less frequently than the older mags. I will call SA back (I dont know if they'll look at the pics, but they did mention last time that I could send the gun back to them) but I'd be sad to part with my gun (I hope the turn around time is good...)

 

[45collector]

How about your recoil spring? Is it strong? How long have you had the gun?

The thing about recoil springs is, you shoot your gun for a few years and never notice that your recoil spring is getting weaker, because it's such a gradual change. Some guys replace them once a year. If you've got a recoil spring that's seen thousands of rounds, replace the recoil spring and you'll notice right away the big difference in stiffness.

The reason I'm thinking it could be recoil spring related: If the angle of the round in the mag in your picture is close to what's happening at the moment of FTF, there's no reason that round should not be slipping in the chamber.

When you get a chance, go shoot it. When you get the first FTF, Stop. Wait a few seconds (just out of habit for me), and take a close look at where things are hanging up. You may find that the bottom edge of the round is haning up on the feed ramp. If that were the case, it could be your magazine feed lips are too close together (as opposed to too far apart which would make the round tip up too much and get stuck between the top of the chamber and the breech face.)

If you think your recoil spring may be old, I'd try there first (order one from Wolff, they're cheap enough) and see where that gets you.

 

[dagwag77]

How about your recoil spring? Is it strong? How long have you had the gun?

The thing about recoil springs is, you shoot your gun for a few years and never notice that your recoil spring is getting weaker, because it's such a gradual change. Some guys replace them once a year. If you've got a recoil spring that's seen thousands of rounds, replace the recoil spring and you'll notice right away the big difference in stiffness.

The reason I'm thinking it could be recoil spring related: If the angle of the round in the mag in your picture is close to what's happening at the moment of FTF, there's no reason that round should not be slipping in the chamber.

When you get a chance, go shoot it. When you get the first FTF, Stop. Wait a few seconds (just out of habit for me), and take a close look at where things are hanging up. You may find that the bottom edge of the round is haning up on the feed ramp. If that were the case, it could be your magazine feed lips are too close together (as opposed to too far apart which would make the round tip up too much and get stuck between the top of the chamber and the breech face.)

If you think your recoil spring may be old, I'd try there first (order one from Wolff, they're cheap enough) and see where that gets you.

I'd say the spring is mid-life. I'll try replacing and see what happens. I'll take a look at where the round meets the feed ramp at my next trip to the range. Thanks for the replies!

 

[dagwag77]

I called SA and they want me to send back the gun. Theres a 30 day turn around time, but I guess that gives me an excuse to pick up something new before I slap on the prepaid fedex label...