Cougar 8000 slide lock problem

[leeb]

I own a Stoeger Cougar 8000 9 mm pistol and have had no problems at all after several thousand rounds and many IDPA matches. While at the range today, I experienced a problem I have never encountered. Following most double action shots and even a few single action shots, the slide lock engaged even though several rounds existed in the magazine. This occured with the Beretta magazines and aftermarket. I'm using the same ammo as I usually shoot which is 115 gr Winchester FMJ. After disassembly I dont see any issues with slide lock. The spring appears to be fine. The magazines appear to be fine as well. I dont see how this can happen with the magazine with rounds in it. Does anyone have any insight into this problem?

Thanks!

[Defiantspaz]

I have a Stoeger 8040 and the only time i have ever seen this happen is if you hold up the slide lock while firing the pistol. I have a friend who uses a very high grip and sometimes if he doesn't control the pistol's recoil completely his thumb will hold the slide lock up just enough to catch.

[leeb]

Thanks for the reply. I've changed my grip to a thumb forward on the weak hand recently so maybe that whats happening and I'm just not feeling it hit the top of my thumb.

[Defiantspaz]

I was taught to hold the pistol with 30% grip with your shooting hand and 70% grip with your off hand, basically hold the pistol softly with your shooting hand with your thumb running straight down the line pointing at your target. In the space under your shooting hand's thumb place the palm of your off hand and wrap your off hands fingers over your shooting hands and squeaze tight, run your off hand thumb directly under your shooting thumb also poiting at the target.

This grip allows you to have greater control over recoil and because your off hand is locking your shooting hand in place it allows you to have less grip stress on your shooting finger.

Try this out, it may help you out.