Ask A Firearms Question:
Why does my Taurus 9mm Semi Auto Handgun Jam?
Thank you Jennifer.
Below are some manufacturers of Semi Auto Handguns, most manufactures make a variety of calibers, these all share the same general issues. Many believe the 9mm is more subject to jamming than other calibers, but I have not found that to be true with the 3 brands of 9mm I own - Glock; Browning; and Beretta.
9mm Handguns by Manufacturer:
Taurus ....
Beretta ....
Browning Hi-Power ....
Chiappa ....
Colt ....
CZ 85 ....
Glock ....
H & K ....
Hi-Point ....
Kel-Tec ....
Kimber ....
Rossi ....
Ruger ....
S&W ....
Sig Sauer ....
Springfield Armory ....
Various Types of Ammo (ammunition) for 9mm Semi Auto Handguns. Most of these types are available in all the common calibers except 22:
FMJ (full metal jacket) ...
Hollow Point ...
Round Soft Nose ...
Flat Nose ...
Wolf Steel Case, Lacquered Coated, Berden Primed ...
Hydra-Shock ...
+P ...
Sub-Sonic (for use with Suppressor / Silencer) ...
Tracers ...
Bird Shot ...
Bullet Chart for 9mm Ammo .....
Answer:
Blog Administrator -
Included in this Topic Post, found above, are the typical firearm manufacturers of the most common caliber semi auto handguns along with various types of ammo for most large center fire handguns including the 9mm.
Jamming problems can exist with any manufacturer of a firearm, any ammo manufacturer, or any caliber.
One typical mistake gun owners make is when they buy a NEW firearm they think it is out of the box ready to shoot. This is not true. The firearm, especially a semi-auto handgun should be stripped down for cleaning, thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and well lubricated before shooting it for the first time. Make sure the slide is operating smoothly and the magazine spring is not hanging up (sticking).
Jamming Problems can be caused by a variety of things including a combination of items.
The most common causes of Jamming are:
1) The firearm is dirty.
2) The firearm is not well lubricated.
3) The ammo (ammunition) being used, i.e. FMJ, FN, RN, HP, etc. Some types of ammo do not feed well in some firearms.
4) The Brand of Ammo being used, i.e. Federal, Remington, Winchester, PMC, Wolf, etc. It is very important to note that ammo brands shoot differently in almost every gun, and semi auto handguns are no different.
5) After Market, 3rd Party Barrels such as Lone Wolf Threaded Extended Barrels. If this is the cause call Lone Wolf, return the barrel they can generally hone, buff, or file the barrel so it will not jam.
6) The Magazine. People tend to max out a magazine capacity. If a magazine will hold 10-rounds, I recommend only putting in 8 or 9 rounds. This reduces the stress on the magazine spring allowing for smoother feed action.
7) Magazine Loading. Believe it or not when loading a magazine the ammo often times does not line up properly, so after loading tap the magazine with the bullet facing up to make sure all the ammo in the mag is aligned for proper feeding. Often times using a speed loader will help but you should still always tap the magazine. See my Homemade Video below:
8) The Magazine may be very dirty or the magazine spring is old and cannot feed the rounds correctly.
9) After Market, 3rd Party Magazines. Some of these are just junk. You get what you pay for. Many of these are notorious for causing jamming.
10) Modified Firearms, such as a trigger pull, after market triggers and spring assemblies.
11) After Market, 3rd Party Caliber modifications, i.e. using your center fire caliber semi auto handgun to shoot rim fire 22 caliber ammo. Generally this involves replacing the entire slide and using only the frame and grip.
12) Reloads (reloaded ammo). Even the best reloaders have problems on occasion.
13) Mil Spec or Foreign made ammo such as Berden Primed Lacquered Coated Rounds. The lacquer heats up causing jamming.
14) Old or Corrosive Ammo.
15) Your firearm is rusty or corroted (this can be dangerous to shoot).
16) Your weapon is wet (if so, field strip it and clean).
17) Extreme cold weather can cause a weapon to jam or mis-fire.
Important Safety Hint When Shooting:
Have a spare Empty Magazine in case you need to pull the slide back and lock it in place. I usually have a 5 or 10 round Mag on hand for this use.
Most Common Jamming Issues in a Semi Auto Firearm:
Here are the STEPS to Clear a Jammed Round:
1) Make sure the firearm is safely pointed away from you or anyone else.
2) Take the Loaded Magazine out.
3) Put the Empty Magazine in.
4) Pull the Slide Back till it locks in place. This should eject the round but if it doesn't reach in and pull it out with your fingers.
5) If the Round Ejects okay, check the firearm for damage, look at the chamber and ejection port.
6) Put the Empty Magazine back in, clear the slide action a few times.
7) Now put the loaded magazine in and feed one round and manually eject it. If it functions okay you are ready to shoot. If it jams again see the most common causes of jamming listed above.
Here are the STEPS to Clear a Stuck Round in the Chamber:
1) Make sure the firearm is safely pointed away from you or anyone else.
2)Take the Loaded Magazine out.
3) Put the Empty Magazine in.
4) Pull the Slide back till it locks in place.
5) Remove the Empty Magazine.
6) Using a piece of Wood (NO Metal) gently shove it through the end of the barrel. This should push the round out safely. If it does not, stop using the firearm and take it to a gunsmith. Do NOT place any magazine back in the firearm and do NOT release the slide and close the gun.
To CLEAR a Stuck Round in the Chamber always use wood, I recommend a Wood Dowel, these can be purchased from Home Depot; or you can use a Chinese Bamboo Chopstick, see my homemade video below:
My Glock Model 30, 45 ACP with Lone Wolf Barrel shown in this homemade video ....
You should get a dowel rod according to your caliber diameter. I have one for my AR15 which works on all my 22's; this one that works on my 45LC and 45ACP; and I have one for my three 9mm handguns.
Never Ever use any type of Metal to clear a round stuck in the chamber including:
1) A Cleaning Rod.
2) A Wire Brush.
3) An Ice Pick.
4) A Screw Driver.
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