Magazine blowing out of R9S

[bigdave]

I have run into a problem recently with my R9S.  Firing the first round of a magazine will sometimes cause the magazine to blow out of the gun.  I am using standard pressure Gold Dot ammunition and have made sure the magazine catch was fully engaged.  Anyone else have this problem?  Any fixes?  Is there a stronger mag catch spring available?

[theirishguard]

Big Dave, Have you checked the mag release for dirt & etc? Also is the mag being seated all the way. I don't want to sound silly but it might be something simple.  Tom

[bigdave]

The mag is seated all the way and fully engaged.  I haven't had the grips off yet to check, but it doesn't seem especially dirty.

[DDGator]

I would suggest calling the factory on Monday...

That just seems weird.  Is there noticeable spring tension on the catch?  Is is positively engaging into the slot on the bottom of the mag?  Any downward force shouldn't move the mag catch laterally if there is any spring tension at all.

[bigdave]

The catch has spring tension and it appears to be engaging in the magazine notch as much as possible.  I also don't understand  why it would happen, but the magazine has been blown out several times.

[DDGator]

Is is possible that your grip is interfering with the mag catch in some way?

When you say "blown out" -- is it actually ejecting or just unseating?  I know with I grip my R-9, my pinky of my firing hand tucks around the bottom of the mag.

Has anyone else fired the gun?

[TW]

>>Duane...kick your memory board here for a sec and tell me if you don't remember mags blowing out as one of the problems a guy on the forum had - fellow who kept having probs with his gun...got a replacement...STILL had probs...eventually Eric bought back his gun.  I can't remember the guys name but you might...?  Never did hear what might have caused the mag problems with his guns - seems there might have been some bigger issues going on?  Thoughts...?...TW<<

[FireBreather01]

The thing that may be happening with the mag 'blowout' is this - as this little gun is fired and is pushed reward by the recoil grip and mag release is getting pushed into the meaty area of the shooter's hand, thus pushing the mag release and causing the mag to be 'ejected'. The R9 tends to pivot downward into the heel of the hand on recoil.

Unless the mag catch or its spring is broken anything else is very unlikely.

[bigdave]

But wouldn't the recoil into the hand tend to push the magazine catch forward, and thus tighter?

[Wayne]

Having shot mine for the first time today, I am a little skeptical of the theory that the mag release is being engaged by the recoil into the shooter's hand.  From my experience, the recoil was directed to the webbing of my hand.  I would suspect that if the recoil was pronounced to the point of the mag release hitting the meaty part of the hand, the shooter would probably have some type of mark.

I also noticed is that if I don't continue to hold the release lever open, it immediately snaps back and catches the back of the mag which stops it from dropping free.  BigDave's may be different, but I know that to make mine drop out, I have to keep holding the release open.

I think you guys may be on to something regarding the mag catch spring.

BigDave - Does this happen with both magazines or just the same one?  Also, if you quickly open the mag release lever, does it snap back and catch the mag, or does it stay open?

[bigdave]

The mag will fall out as soon as the catch is disengaged.  I'm not sure if it's more than one mag, but they don't seem to sit any differently.

[Wayne]

bigdave,

Not having shot any other R9 than my own, I'm at somewhat of a disadvantage in being able to offer any comparison to how the mag release spring tension should be.

Based on the fact that you mag drops free and mine doesn't, the only conclusion I can offer is that either I have really great spring tension, or you have really bad spring tension.  In any case, I agree with Duane's earlier suggestion that you call the factory and see if one of the R bros can be of assistance.  Whether it's the gun or your grip, you'll be much better off with a gun that works for you when you need it most.

[R9SCarry]

I am trying to remember here but - is the mag catch spring not in fact the mainspring being used, at other end?  Anyways - no mag issues like this, on either #1 or #2 R9