Just got my wife a P239 in .40s&w. We went to shoot it and when she shot the gun empty the slide would not lock open.

When I shot it it would lock open.

Is she "limp wristing" the gun?

Sounds like it, though I am surprised she did not experience any feed problems if that is the case.  I assume you used the same mag that she had trouble with?

.40 is probably pretty snappy in the little 239...  what is your wife used to firing?

-tjg

Is she riding the slide lock lever while firing?  It's very easy to do this with the P239.  

Quoted: Sounds like it, though I am surprised she did not experience any feed problems if that is the case.  I assume you used the same mag that she had trouble with? .40 is probably pretty snappy in the little 239...  what is your wife used to firing? -tjg

Yes, I'm using the same mags. This is her first gun and she is going through a 40 hour defencive pistol course 8 hours at a time in 5 different classes. She has shot a 9mm and she said that this gun in .40 does kick harder than the G19 Glock she shot for her carry class but the G19's grip was just too bulky for her.

I'm confident with training and practice she will have no problem with the .40s&w.

Quoted: Is she riding the slide lock lever while firing?  It's very easy to do this with the P239.

Never thought of that. I'll keep an eye on that. Thanks.

A recently bought a 239 DAK, it did the same thing.  I took the slide off, put some oil in the area between the slide release and the frame and worked the slide release up and down numerous times, problem solved.

Quoted: A recently bought a 239 DAK, it did the same thing.  I took the slide off, put some oil in the area between the slide release and the frame and worked the slide release up and down numerous times, problem solved.

+1 also make sure that area is clean and has no burrs.

Quoted: Is she riding the slide lock lever while firing?  It's very easy to do this with the P239.

Yes, check this, too.  I had an embarassing time with my P239 during a Blackwater class.  Numerous failures to lock on empty, including three mags in a row on a single drill.  Once I got home I monitored it closely and found this to be the problem.

It may be partially due to the Hogue rubber grip I installed on it, as the grip mates very closely to the slide lock so my thumb can't feel it.  My normal firing grip would be so close to the slide lock that the recoil would cause my thumb to hold it down.  (This is with the 357 Sig)

Ensure she has proper stance and grip to eliminate limp wristing, as mentioned earlier, then watch for the thumb.  Run a few 2-3 round mags through with her intentionally holding her thumb out a bit.

Good luck!

Thanks guys, I'll post what I find out.

Wife took her class today. No slide lock problems. I put a set of Hogue grips on her gun and I think that made it easyer for her to hold on to it stopping the "limp wrist".

Thanks guys.