XD-40sc magazine release/sticking issues

[JoshuaS]

I took my new XD-40 to the range, and had a slight issue that the 10rd magazine would only fall out part of the way when empty, and need to be pulled out. Okay no biggie, maybe some polishing...

But when I loaded the gun for home defense I noticed a bigger issue. The magazines (both the 9 and the 10rd) only go in easily if the slide is locked back. If the slide is forward, you have to hit it hard. This happens both when trying to go +1, and even when not. Further, with the slide forward, it is extremely hard to press the mag release. To me this seems like a serious issue, as if I keep the gun loaded I want to be able to unload it safely. As it is, I have to really press very hard to push in the release.

When it does release, the magazine doesn't just fall out, it shoots out, as if pushed by a spring. While I am not concerned for at range use, as I will just shoot it empty and the slide locks back, I don't like the idea of unloading it by having to lock the slide back and then release the magazine.

Anyone else have a similar issue, and if so how did you fix it?

[zfields]

First part is a little odd, but will break in I'm sure.


Second/third part is normal with XDs. It's a bit more noticeable with 9/10 round mags then full capacity.

[Sonic_mike]

Push up on the loaded mag with your weak hand and press the mag release. My xd9 was hard to fit all 10 at first but after a few range trips the spring broke in.

[JoshuaS]

Push up on the loaded mag with your weak hand and press the mag release. My xd9 was hard to fit all 10 at first but after a few range trips the spring broke in.

So it sounds like something to do with the pressure of a loaded magazine against the slide? And it gets easier as the gun breaks in? That is good to know.

My weak hand, btw, is very weak...I have cerebral palsy that affects one side. So generally my weak hand just stays out of the way (I can grab the grip with with, and use my strong hand to rack the slide, but have to be very careful as I cannot move my fingers separately on my weak hand, and they have a tendency to go where I don't want them, i.e. inside the trigger guard). So less manipulation/effort is always a big plus for me. Guess I could press the mag down on my knee, or wrist, or other hard surface though when I press the button.

[Barbarossa]

Same issue here.

I only load 8, and keep a spare handy.

[BeerSlinger]

I have an XD in 40. Mag drops out of mine just fine so maybe some break in and a bit of polishing will help. I have the same issue loading a full mag into mine but after I chamber a round it fits in just fine.
My buddy has the XD-M in 45 and it is the same way.

[Simi-Surfer]

I have an xd40 SC and when I hot load, I have to insert the full mag, rack the slide, add another round to the mag and then insert mag for 1 + 9. I noticed that you cannot insert a round with the slide back like my 1911 and insert a full mag. Seems that the XD slide will not come back and fully load with out a mag inserted. Any work around?

[SILENT GUNMAN]

The grip safety has to be fully pressed to rack the slide on the XD. As for the tight mag I just smack the bottom of it with my weak hand when unloading. When the mag is full it puts a lot of pressure on the bottom of the slide and mag release. I have 2 XD 40s and they both take a little force to seat a full mag and just as much to remove it. Another option for those that keep it condition 1 would be to rack the slide a couple times before dropping the mag. That'll rake some pressure off the mag release and make it drop easier. Once its out just rack it one more time to clear the chamber and you're good to go.