Hi Power Problems

Texaseagle40 · 08-23-2007, 10:55 PM

Folks, I recently bought a brand new FN HiPower .40. I have shot about 200 rounds through it to date. It is very accurate and fits great in my hand, but this thing is a Booger! The slide takes about 25lbs. to pull it back and the slide release is almost next to impossible to release without using both thumbs. I can live with spur hammer pinching me occasionaly, but I am using this as my carry gun. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

SilentSoul · 08-24-2007, 12:21 AM

Being as the gun is brand new, I would think after working the action a bit and a few more hundred rounds the gun should loosen up nicely. You figure all those springs are brand new everything is going to be nice and tight.

lefty o · 08-24-2007, 07:02 PM

the 40cal hi power is a little stiff, and its not going to get much lighter. your dealing with a 22# recoil spring, and a 32# hammer spring. proper use of the pistol will alleviate your problems. to chamber the first round (im going to assume your right handed), holding pistol in your right hand, grab the slide from the top with your left hand( you should have all 5 fingers on the slide). pull rearward with your left hand, and push with your right, it should chamber a round very easily this way( i have arthritis in most of my fingers, and have zero problems using this method). as for the slide release problem, it is a slide stop, not release. its only function in life is to lock the slide open when the magazine runs dry. now you will eventually be able to use it as a release as the pistol wears in some. here's the proper method to release a slide that is in the locked back position. this time , using your thumb, and forefinger grasp the slide from the rear , pull back and release. this is commonly known as "slingshotting the slide".

ezearln · 08-24-2007, 07:21 PM

While lefty is right on many counts I must object to one , if your weapon has been properly broke in the slide stop SHOULD function flawlessly as a slide release. Your problem is you have a brand spanking new pistol which to all effects and purposes ain't had diddly shot through it. If that rascal is your primary carry gun you take it to the range and wear it OUT! Don't even consider carrying it until you have shot no less than 1000 rounds through it (if it were me it would be 2000) and additionally after teaching combat for over 20 years let me say this if the web of your hand is getting pinched by the (OMG) spur trigger your grip needs correction. Your flesh doesn't ever need to take abuse if your technique is correct, Fix it. Not griping at you but advising, if you were my student on my range you wouldn't need no dang bandaids! Good luck to you and analyse your grip while having someone manually cycle the action I am certain you will see where your grip is flawed. Be careful and be safe!

DrBoomBoom · 08-24-2007, 08:05 PM

All good advice. You might also try cocking back the hammer before pulling back the slide, one less spring to pull against until that recoil spring loosens up a bit (or your arm gets stronger

).

Texaseagle40 · 08-24-2007, 08:33 PM

Thanks for the advice all. I will use all of it. I will deffinately try adjusting my grip.

lefty o · 08-24-2007, 10:24 PM

if the recoil spring "loosens up", it is time to replace it.

08-23-2007, 10:55 PM	#1
Texaseagle40 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, TEXAS Posts: 10	Hi Power Problems Folks, I recently bought a brand new FN HiPower .40. I have shot about 200 rounds through it to date. It is very accurate and fits great in my hand, but this thing is a Booger! The slide takes about 25lbs. to pull it back and the slide release is almost next to impossible to release without using both thumbs. I can live with spur hammer pinching me occasionaly, but I am using this as my carry gun. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

08-24-2007, 07:21 PM	#4
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,175	While lefty is right on many counts I must object to one , if your weapon has been properly broke in the slide stop SHOULD function flawlessly as a slide release. Your problem is you have a brand spanking new pistol which to all effects and purposes ain't had diddly shot through it. If that rascal is your primary carry gun you take it to the range and wear it OUT! Don't even consider carrying it until you have shot no less than 1000 rounds through it (if it were me it would be 2000) and additionally after teaching combat for over 20 years let me say this if the web of your hand is getting pinched by the (OMG) spur trigger your grip needs correction. Your flesh doesn't ever need to take abuse if your technique is correct, Fix it. Not griping at you but advising, if you were my student on my range you wouldn't need no dang bandaids! Good luck to you and analyse your grip while having someone manually cycle the action I am certain you will see where your grip is flawed. Be careful and be safe! __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

08-24-2007, 12:21 AM	#2
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Being as the gun is brand new, I would think after working the action a bit and a few more hundred rounds the gun should loosen up nicely. You figure all those springs are brand new everything is going to be nice and tight.

08-24-2007, 07:02 PM	#3
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,806	the 40cal hi power is a little stiff, and its not going to get much lighter. your dealing with a 22# recoil spring, and a 32# hammer spring. proper use of the pistol will alleviate your problems. to chamber the first round (im going to assume your right handed), holding pistol in your right hand, grab the slide from the top with your left hand( you should have all 5 fingers on the slide). pull rearward with your left hand, and push with your right, it should chamber a round very easily this way( i have arthritis in most of my fingers, and have zero problems using this method). as for the slide release problem, it is a slide stop, not release. its only function in life is to lock the slide open when the magazine runs dry. now you will eventually be able to use it as a release as the pistol wears in some. here's the proper method to release a slide that is in the locked back position. this time , using your thumb, and forefinger grasp the slide from the rear , pull back and release. this is commonly known as "slingshotting the slide".

08-24-2007, 08:05 PM	#5
DrBoomBoom Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 93	All good advice. You might also try cocking back the hammer before pulling back the slide, one less spring to pull against until that recoil spring loosens up a bit (or your arm gets stronger ).

08-24-2007, 08:33 PM	#6
Texaseagle40 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, TEXAS Posts: 10	Thanks for the advice all. I will use all of it. I will deffinately try adjusting my grip.

08-24-2007, 10:24 PM	#7
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,806	if the recoil spring "loosens up", it is time to replace it.