The Smith & Wesson Sigma .380 pistol is a lightweight, double-action-only semi-automatic handgun. The Sigma series pistols are designed with an ergonomic polymer grip and frame, combined with a steel slide. As with all weapons, mechanical failures can arise and specific precautions must be taken to ensure safety and proper operation. Learning troubleshoot the Sigma 380 is a skill that must be acquired, otherwise injury or death could result when problems arise.
Instructions
1. Point the pistol in a safe direction. Wait 10 seconds. Depress the magazine latch and remove the magazine. Pull the slide to the rear fully and lock it into the open position.
2. Look inside the chamber for any obstructions or double round feeds. Clear away any obstructions in the barrel, or remove any cartridges that might have become stuck in the chamber due to double-feeding. If a round is still in the chamber with a depressed primer, remove the round from the chamber and discard it appropriately. In this situation, chances are the round was a dud.
3. Check to ensure that you have loaded the proper .380 ACP ammunition into the magazine. The Sigma .380 only fires a 9-by-17 cartridge.
4. Load your pistol and aim at the target. Pull the trigger to fire. If a round is not fired, wait 10 seconds while holding the weapon in a safe direction. Unload the weapon completely.
5. Pull the slide 1/8 inch to the rear. Pull down on the take down pin located in front of the trigger guard. Pull the slide forward and off of the weapon frame.
6. Flip the slide over and check the recoil spring and guide. This is the spring wrapped rod visible when you turn the slide over. The spring and guide needs to be positioned squarely on the metal lip under neath the slide for proper recoil action.
7. Check the weapon by looking for any discrepancy that may be causing a malfunction. More often, the firing pin mechanism may be damaged if you do not visible notice any discrepancies. If you cannot find anything appearing wrong with the pistol at this point, take the weapon to a competent gunsmith or to a certified Smith & Wesson dealer for maintenance and repair.
Tags: Pull slide, Smith Wesson, safe direction, slide over, Smith Wesson Sigma, spring guide