Stovepipe??

[bcslack]

I carry a Sig P226 with over 2000 rds. I have never had a malfunction other than mixing snap-caps into my magazine loads. I've seen references on several forums mentioning "stovepipes". Would someone please describe a stovepipe in simple terms.

 

[stepside454]

Is when the empty cartridge fails to eject all the way, causing the cartridge to jam in the slide opening on end, like a stovepipe

 

[OCCI]

Is when the empty cartridge fails to eject all the way, causing the cartridge to jam in the slide opening on end, like a stovepipe

+1 Link Removed
Similar to the Image, but usually with an empty (fired) case.

 

[Jerneedog]

Another example:

 

[bcslack]

Thanks to all. With the pictures, I see where the name comes from. Thanks again.

Bruce

 

[dcselby1]

Now to the crux of the problem. What is generally the cause? I have this problem with a new .380 I bought a few months ago. Thanks.

 

[Rocketgeezer]

Now to the crux of the problem. What is generally the cause? I have this problem with a new .380 I bought a few months ago. Thanks.

Exactly what 380 do you have ?.......and what is the extent is your firearm (small auto pistol) experiance

 

[Dale64]

Now to the crux of the problem. What is generally the cause? I have this problem with a new .380 I bought a few months ago. Thanks.

A poor grip will not allow the slide to cycle properly, because the whole pistol is recoiling at the same time the slide is trying to cycle backward.
This will cause the slide to not cycle fully and it closes prematurely, trapping the ejected casing.
There is no way I can really describe to you how to get a better grip on the pistol. Ask an experienced shooter, go ahead and swallow your pride, there is never any shame in that. We are not born knowing how to hold a pistol.
IF however, you feel that you already have a good solid grip then the next possible culprit is lousy ammunition. If there is not enough of a charge loaded in the cartridge there is not enough power to overcome the slide spring and once again the slide does not cycle fully and it prematurely closes on the ejected casing.
Hope this helps.

 

[OCCI]

Now to the crux of the problem. What is generally the cause? I have this problem with a new .380 I bought a few months ago. Thanks.

It could be a few basic things.

1. Your firearms does not like the ammo your shooting.
2. The rod spring needs replaced.
3. The firearm hasnt been properly cleaned or oiled.
4. It hasnt been broken in.

I may be missing something, Im sure someone will jump in. If it isnt basic then you should bring it to a knowledgeable gunsmith to have a look.

 

[Booga]

I'm in agreement with Dale64 and OCCI.

The only stovepipe jams I've gotten on my handguns were from either limp-wristing it or from ammo known to be under-velocity for the handgun.
My Walther P22 definitely prefers high-velocity .22LR rounds and it says so in the manual. The GSG-22 demands the high velocity rounds.

With the Walther I can get away with some standard velocity rounds if I am absolutely rigid with my grip during shooting. A friend of mine new to shooting had trouble even shooting some high-velocity rounds. I could reload with the same ammo and have 100% reliability, but hand it back to them and see 80% reliability. It was completely based on grip. After some coaching, my friend had 100% reliability as well. When using the CCI Mini-Mag rounds it was 100% reliable no matter what(as expected because of the higher pressure/velocity/kickback).

The GSG-22 was even pickier, and it also said so in the manual that this would be the case. Ammo selection has been the biggest "limitation" I've encountered.

Not that I'm an expert, but it helps to do your research, know your gun, check your technique, test different ammo, make sure it's a clean gun, check for deformities on the spent brass, check for deformities on rounds that feed but have not been fired, then check with your gunsmith if you suspect problems or cannot identify the problem.

 

[dcselby1]

Thanks, everyone. I'm pretty sure I was limp-wristing the gun. Also, I have tried several different brands of ammo with similar results. The weapon does not even have 500 rounds through it, yet, so I think once it's broken in and I fix my grip, it should be OK. I'm used to a 1911 and had a little trouble with the smaller weapon. Thanks again.