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New S&W 22A question

JoeFaz
Greetings:
I just picked up my brand new S&W 22A. As I was going through the booklet, I decided to field strip it to familiarize myself with it. Following directions, I dropped the mag out, cleared the chamber and locked the slide back. Next it says to grab the barrel with your free hand and depress the barrel release button. It says it will take some effort, but this thing absolutely will not budge. I have pushed as hard as I can and nothing. Looking at it from the side, it looks like the button is sitting just barely out of its housing, with a nearly imperceptible slight downward slant.
I called S&W but they could offer nothing other than sending it back. Hell, that would mean another month with out it and I haven't even shot it yet. Any advice or experience with this?
Thanks in advance...
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • foxbat3
    My arthritic old hands don't permit me to follow S&w instructions. My solution is to push the release button against the edge of my work bench and then lift the slide.
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  • robert smith
    this operation is much easier if you have three hands. these are tough to move when the gun is new. i usually hold the slide back and get my son to tap the button with a small plastic mallet.gets easier every time.
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  • JoeFaz
    That is interesting. It initially moved a fraction of an inch but stopped. I'm reluctant to use too much force, like the edge of the workbench or the mallet tapping, but I may just try those tonight. Very frustrating as I wanted to go to the range today and shoot it.
    Thanks.
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  • beantownshootah
    Yeah, its pretty stiff at first, before it gets broken in. It DOES get easier after you press it a bunch of times.

    I usually push it against the edge of a wooden bench. (AFTER MAKING SURE THE MAG IS OUT AND THE GUN IS EMPTY, OF COURSE!).

    So far I've had no problems with doing that.
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  • pirate2501
    Had the same problem when going to clean it for the 3rd time. Tried pushing it against the edge of the workbench and it still wouldn't budge. Finally held a block of wood on the button and had my son tap it lightly with a hammer, released after the second tap. Hasn't happened since.
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  • JoeFaz
    Thanks to all who responded for giving me the confidence I needed to really put the pressure on this thing. Just tried it by using the gentle tapping method and it worked. Tried it two more times. The second time I could push it with my finger, the third time, strangely enough, I had to use a tap tool again. At any rate it works, and now I'm familiar with it.[:D]
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  • shoff14
    I think the pin on the barrel gets cockeyed sometimes and that is what causes the hold up. It is certainly easier to put back together then a Ruger. [:D]
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