Gun Jamming

Question
Hello,

I had just recently purchased a sigma sw9ve from a local outdoor shop. I took the pistol to the firing range to try it for the first time. I loaded the magazine and placed it in the weapon. I then proceeded to fire at my target. After about three rounds the bullets began to jam and the gun wouldn抰 fire. I went to get a range instructor and he oiled the gun and it worked for a few more shots until it jammed again. He told me hold it a certain way and I fired again, but after a few rounds the weapon again began to jam up. Could you, by any chance, give me a reason why this would happen?

Thank You,
Eric Zegaczewski


Answer
Semi-auto handguns require that you hold the gun firmly in order for the auto-loading cycle to function properly. This allows enough of the energy of firing the cartridge to be stored in the spring for cycling the action. This is especially true of lighter guns.

If you are gripping the gun firmly, there are several other possible causes (if you bought the gun used, maybe that's why the previous owner sold it). The gun may not be tuned for the type of ammo you are using, sometimes the magazine lips need to be adjusted, sometimes the spring is too light or too heavy, sometimes the case is stopping on the feed ramp and the ramp needs to be smoothed-out, sometimes the ejection port needs to be filed out at an angle.

You could try another type of ammunition first. Try a full metal jacket type to see if that works. Even if you don't want to use FMJ, that will give you a clue to the problem. You should probably take it to a gunsmith to make any needed adjustments.

Hope this helps!

Dave