[specops]

I have a Star PD 45 pistol. When I fire it the barrel is failing to completely downlink and unlock. However, when I cycle it by hand it downlinks and unlocks perfectly. The link, pin and bottom lugs are in fine shape. I can find no evidence of battering on either the lugs or the frame. Frankly, I'm stumped. If anyone has had this problem before or has some ideas your help will be greatly apreciated.

 

[38 Super Combat Commander]

How old is the recoil spring?

 

[specops]

I bought the gun used. The recoil spring appears to be original. I don't believe the gun has been shot very much. The finish both inside and out shows very little wear and the original recoil buffer is in fine shape.

 

[DougC]

I believe I had the same problem. Pull the slide stop out and look and see where the link is. It is very easy to not get the slide stop pin through the link and it appears to be in the hole, and you can cycle the slide just fine, but it will jam on you repeatedly. This caused me and my smith fits, cuz he would put the slide stop in correctly and I thought I was. check for rub marks on the front or rear engagement area of the slide stop pin. After I figured that out I never had another malf with it. Hope this helps, DC

 

[RickB]

I had that problem with a PD, too. It would recoil enough to recock the hammer, but the spent case would still be in the chamber. I never really did figure out what the problem was. I would disassemble the gun, inspect it, reassemble it, and it would work fine. Repeat the process, and it would again not work. I could never tell if it was going to work or not, as the problem seemed to be random. Thinking about it now, the link might have been the culprit, although a second PD never had any problems.