First round problem with Dan Wesson pistol

Pat C

New member
I have a custom Dan Wesson which I'm having issues with the first round going into battery with a loaded magazine which is 7 rounds. If I load 6 rounds or less it chambers fine. I tried it with factory ammo and my reloads I also purchased a WC magazine with the same results. I noticed some copper markings just before the barrels feeding ramp which is about 1/32" away from frame. Dan Wesson is sending me new magazines because I was pretty confident it was a magazines issue but I'm not so sure now. Any input would be appreciated.
 
As far as I can tell it's almost into battery I will try to take a picture and it happens with fmj and jhp and my reloads which are 200 gr fn plated from Extreme
 
My first guess from similar experiece would be run it wetter and shoot it more. Could be some slightly too tight or rough fit in the slide that needs to work out and the extra tension from the full mag is juuuust too much.

Not sure how many rounds you've got through it? I know DW supplies their lube and break in instructons which are wise to follow.

Else I have had good experience with DWs customer service, so if a couple hundred rounds don't do it, contact them.
 
I once had a 1911 which had a short chamber. It was either a few thousandths short or the cases I had loaded up were longer than normal, and it wouldn't go into battery. It can also be caused by the bullet sticking out too far so that it is pressing hard into the throat, which makes the last 1/32" or so too tight. I used to have to hit the rear of the slide with the heel of my hand.
I eventually deepened the chamber about .010" and the problem went away.

That was an AMT Skipper IIRC.
 
Pull the slide, check everything with a Q-tip.
Look for hairs getting pulled off the Q-tip, which = Burr.

Something's tighter than it should be in there...
so start eliminating the usual suspects ;)

Run thru the break-in proceedure with 6 rounds in the mags,
if it's still happening after that, send it back to 'em,
because it's something THEY need to resolve.
 
Back
Top