We reported on feeding problems with the Warthog and promised to make a progress report. This is an interim report. There will be a follow up.
First, I replaced the springs in the magazines thinking that would improve the feed of rounds into the chamber. Next, thanks to Kerby, the Para representative who contacted us about our problems, we watched a video of Todd Jarrett giving some shooting tips for short-barreled .45s. In the video, Todd demonstrated the classic ‘stovepipe’ that occurs when the gun is not properly supported by the shooter and then demonstrated how to hold the gun.
Image: Looking into the Warthog’s chamber.
Sunday, when we went to the range, we had new magazine springs and newly-acquired advice on shooting the weapon. We both shot the gun and we both experienced misfeeds even when bracing the gun as advised.
I spoke with with the Para representative today and we agreed to send the gun into the shop for a closer look at the problem. We think that this time, armed with more data, they can pinpoint the problem and get it resolved. We’re hoping so. Damsel loves the little gun even if it has been a bit temperamental.
If per chance they attributed the failures to feed ‘limp wristing’ they were probably wrong. Of course they may have said it was something else, and then this post will have been for naught but here goes just in case limp wristing was the suspect.
I was a firearms instructor for 14 years, and have been a shooter much longer. In that time, I have heard about how ‘limp wristing’ can cause a semi-automatic pictol to fail to feed and even to fail to eject. I have heard range officers time and time again as they blamed such problems on the shooter, telling the shooter to hold it firmer, and support it more. Then I watch as the shooter starts to shoot poorly because they are almost choking the thing as they grip it so tightly they start to shake. I then have them ease up on their grip, hold it so they do not interfere with slide travel (a new hold over the past several years has the thumb actually brushing on the slide – very poor form that does indeed cause misfeeds and stovepipes), and if that does not fix the problem we examine the gun – because I can say with certainty that in virtually 99% of the instances it has little to do with ‘limp wristing’ or not giving enough support to the gun, though it can have a lot to do with something causing resistance on the slide, or some other mechanical failure..
I have raised the ire of many a firearms instructor over this because they “know better”. Then I take a pistol, any semi-auto on hand, and I hold it betwixt my thumb and trigger finger with wrist hanging in a pretty limp position. I then fire shot after shot without a jam. I have done this with at least 10 different kinds of pistols but admitedly not a Para Warthog; but my bet is still that support is not the cause of the problem, just a way to deflect finding fault with the pistol.
Some culprits for such jams, feeding, extracting or ejecting, in my experience, have been:
Fouling (in the chamber, and under the extractor).
Bent magazine lips.
feed ramp is burred or otherwise not smooth.
Worn, chipped, cracked ejector.
Thumb of the weak hand brushing up on the slide as you shoot.
Weak recoil spring.
Hope this helps.
All the best,
GB
Thanks for the insight, Glenn.
We’re thinking it could be one or more of the things you mention.
The gun will begin its journey to the shop tomorrow.
I have my warthog on the way. Hopefully I won’t run into problems but I’ll keep an eye on the situation with yours. One thing that’s going to be irritating is I hurt my wrist some weeks ago when I wrecked on my bicycle and it still hurts. I doubt it will feel better working the warthog through it’s break-in period. Oh well.
I have heard the limp wristing complaint from firearms instructors for years. It never happened to me so I cannot comment on it one way or the other, but Glenn sure seems to have covered all the bases.