Change in Mag seating? - XDTalk Forums

Nailz · 11-20-2009, 02:19 PM

Hello all. Just picked up the 4" service full-size XD .45 yesterday and I am in love lol. I've rented the pistol several time to shoot and decided to buy it.

I came across something interesting lastnight though. When seating a magazine of practice ball ammo the magazine has no resistance And drops freely but when I went to seat one loaded with Remmington Golden Saber defense rounds there was some resistance the last 1/4 inch or so. It feels like you have to push agaist a spring before it will lock in place.

Dropping the mag is also more difficult as it is under tension now; the mag release needs to be pushed harder than 'normal'. I've tried loading less than capacity in the magazine with no change. I am a former Devil Dog and have fired numerous firearms but have never come across this.

Thoughts? Thank you all in advance and I have enjoyed reading old post on these forums to build up some knowledge on the XD before purchase. I look forward to some more great ideas.

DuckDitch · 11-20-2009, 03:22 PM

Haven't had the ball ammo vs. deffensive round problem, but as far as a full mag, I have noticed the extra tension needed to depress the mag release. Guessing it's just from the heavier mag loaded verses an empty one.

Nailz · 11-20-2009, 04:34 PM

Thought about that but there's a difference between a full mag at the range with target ammo and a full mag with the JHP. Dunno.

SpringerFan · 11-20-2009, 04:41 PM

Had not heard of that before, can't think of any reason why it would be different.

Bike Medic · 11-20-2009, 05:30 PM

make sure there is the same amount of rounds in both mags. For instance I can put 17rds in my 16rd 9mm mags and not notice it unless I count as I load them

Nailz · 11-20-2009, 10:48 PM

Only put nine rounds in the ten round mags. Really confuzzled by this one

showmepro1200 · 11-21-2009, 08:44 AM

Are you using only the one mag for your comparisons? (try, unload, reload with different ammo, try) Could be a mag spring difference, or something out of spec on one mag.

**ThumperIII** · 11-21-2009, 05:55 PM

You say a 'full size' 4" XD (which would be the service model). Then you mention a 10 round mag. My XD45 service holds 13 in the mag. Either you have a compact size grip or it's a California model with limited capacity mag.

Either way, fully loaded, the mag will have increased spring pressure as you depress the top round when inserting the mag against a closed slide. With the slide locked open, the full mag should insert and release easily. To release the mag while the slide is closed it is easiest to put moderate pressure on the release and bump the bottom of the mag upward with the palm of your off hand. This relieves pressure on the retainer. A 10 round mag should be easier than with a 13 rounder due to less spring pressure. Did the rental have a 10 or 13 round mag? The rental was probably well worn with the mag retainer and the catch hole in the mag both smoothed and the mag springs weaker. Different coatings on some cartridges can cause different friction against the sides of the mag. You might want to inspect the retainer catch and mag retainer hole for any roughness and the mag and the mag pocket in the grip for any flash (protruding piece) and rub spots. Spray the inside of the mag with a dry type lube--either silicone or teflon based. Try several brands of ammo for differences, but remember, without sufficient upward pressure the rounds are not going to feed reliably.

You have to depress the top round in the mag (pushing the whole stack downward) about half the diameter of the round when inserting the mag against a closed slide.

Nailz · 11-21-2009, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the in put all. I do live in Kalifonia hence the 10 round magazine. I think it is just the difference between the rental and a new firearm. Either way, thanks so much.

jetboy · 11-23-2009, 02:27 AM

It might be the fact that its new. I only have 200 rounds through my compact and its tight either way. It is starting to settle in a bit though. I haven't noticed a change between the fmj and gdhp's I have tried. Also, if the slight isn't locked back it is REALLY tight. If its locked back, it goes in with nearly no resistance. My mag release is still very heavy,but, the slide release is finally easing up since it was nearly impossible at the start. Get to the range, feed it ammo, and I bet it'll reward you for it.