Jimenez JA380 Fluff n buff.

[deerslayer303]

Ok some may find this helpful. If you find yourself with a Jimenez firearm, you will most likely need to go through it and buff and polish some areas that the factory simply does not do. For instance the number one thing to do is address the crude finished feed ramp. The one I just got had terrible machining marks and a prominent ridge at the top of the feed ramp where it meets the chamber. Start with some 400 grit and knock that ridge down. Next take some 600 grit and smooth out the feed ramp machining marks. Follow up with some 800grit. You want to make a smooth transition from the feed ramp to the chamber. I finish off with OO steel wool Then finally with OOOO steel wool.

After that check the under side of the slide for any burrs or rough edges where the slide rides on the frame, if any is found address them. But do not get carried away. Then remove the firing pin and check it. I found some areas on mine that needed attention on the two surfaces that contact the channel. I lightly chucked the firing pin up in a drill and wrapped some OO steel wool around these areas and spun it, then followed up with OOOO steel wool.

Finally clean it and lube and reassemble. I did all this before I even fired a round. I just know from experience with my other much hated cheap guns that this procedure greatly helps feeding and reliability.

 

[Skans]

I did something similar to a Lorcin .380 that I have. Someone gave it to me and it makes a nice practice gun for trying out polishing techniques. It's been sitting there waiting for me to try it out. Some day I'll get around to it. The biggest problem with these chunky .380's is that the extractor spring is weak and the extractors are prone to breaking.

 

[James K]

Often derided and condemned, those guns are reasonably well designed and would be decent guns if made of good materials by good workmen (workpeople?). Of course, then they wouldn't be cheap.

Jim

 

[lee n. field]

The biggest problem with these chunky .380's is that the extractor spring is weak and the extractors are prone to breaking.

If it's like my old Jennings .22, the extractor is stamped sheet metal. Mine broke two or three times.