Three Most Common Causes of Handgun Failures

Published on October 21, 2019
Duration: 7:36

This video addresses common handgun failures, specifically a Beretta 92FS failing to lock back on the last round. The instructor, TheYankeeMarshal, outlines three primary causes: user error (riding the slide release), ammunition issues (underpowered rounds), and magazine problems. He emphasizes that magazines are a frequent culprit, particularly with older Beretta models, and demonstrates how a faulty magazine can prevent the slide from locking back, while a quality aftermarket magazine resolves the issue. The advice is applicable to most modern firearms.

Quick Summary

Handgun failures, like the slide not locking back on the last round, are most commonly caused by user error (riding the slide release), ammunition issues (underpowered rounds), or magazine problems. The video demonstrates that magazines are a frequent culprit, especially with models like the Beretta 92FS, and suggests testing with different magazines to diagnose the issue.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction & Viewer Email
  2. 00:31The Problem: Beretta 92FS Not Locking Back
  3. 01:10Rule of Thumb: 3 Common Gun Issues
  4. 01:17Cause 1: User Error (Riding Slide Release)
  5. 01:51Cause 2: Ammunition Issues
  6. 02:52Cause 3: Magazine Problems (Beretta 92FS Focus)
  7. 03:23Demonstration: Faulty Beretta Magazine
  8. 03:55Demonstration: Mec-Gar Magazine Fix
  9. 04:14Solution: Magazine Management
  10. 04:41Recap: The 3 Most Common Firearm Failures
  11. 05:10Final Troubleshooting Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three most common causes of handgun failures?

The three most common causes of handgun failures are typically user error, such as inadvertently riding the slide release; ammunition issues, where underpowered rounds may not cycle the action sufficiently; and problems with the firearm's magazines, which can be a frequent culprit for malfunctions.

Why might a Beretta 92FS fail to lock back on the last round?

A Beretta 92FS failing to lock back on the last round is often due to magazine issues, as demonstrated with factory magazines. Other causes include user error like riding the slide release, or less commonly, underpowered ammunition that doesn't generate enough force to engage the slide stop.

How can I troubleshoot a handgun that isn't locking back?

To troubleshoot a handgun that isn't locking back, first check if you're unintentionally touching the slide release. Then, try different types of ammunition to see if power is the issue. Finally, test the firearm with multiple, known-good magazines, as magazines are a very common source of this specific malfunction.

Are factory Beretta 92FS magazines reliable for slide lock-back?

Based on the video's demonstration, factory Beretta 92FS magazines, even those with special coatings, can be unreliable for consistently locking the slide back on the last round. Aftermarket magazines, like Mec-Gar, often provide more dependable performance for this function.

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