Xesse Slide

For those of you that use an Xesse, have you ever had to replace the slide?

For what reason - is it not locking back?

That's correct, not locking back.  It has problems using std vel ammo now.  I changed ammo just to test it out, velocity around 1100-1200 fps and will lock back only rarely.  I changed the slide lock back lever with no luck.  I have heard that the slide is the weakest part of this firearm.  There is also burrs that occur in the notch of the slide that I have to put a stone to.  I have also changed the hammer spring and recoil spring.

I had the same issue & so have others.  Mine works fine after I stoned the notch. You have to make sure you are squaring up the very bottom side of the notch at the bottom edge of the slide while following the same angle as the notch itself.  The bottom edge can round off as a result of the displaced material that formed the burr. Just a little rounding to that bottom edge and it will not be caught by the slide release/lock back lever

Mine is now only used as a backup and for EIC matches.  I suspect that if it was my primary that the stoning of the notch may wear out after awhile and result in needing a new slide once to much material has been removed. It sounds like you may have restoned it more than once already so you may need a slide. 

I have wondered as a last resort before replacing the slide If a person could use some JB Weld to build the bottom of the notch back up.

Jb won't hold but a micro or tig welder could build up the area. Question would then be the hardness of the repair.. I've also heard of folks recutting the stop with a mill..

it's long been the best way to release the slide is to sling shot it and not use the slide release.  Usually replacing the release fixes the problem but once the slide is worn it's slide repair time..

BTW there are two used slides on eBay.

I've fixed a couple of Marvel slides by drilling a very small diameter and shallow hole towards the rear of the slide and then inserting a small steel pin (friction fit) which was ground and filed to to create a new "flat" slide stop hold point in the notch.  This was tedious and small work, but never had a problem since.  Don't get carried away and weaken the slide.

A picture of yhe slide stop area would help

This trouble sounds like it could be caused by the magazines.  When I modify S&W41 mags for use in 208(s)'s, I have to make sure the slide stop is pushed high enough into the cutout that it doesn't just catch the corner.  If it just catches the corner, if will round it and then begin skipping by.  I'd take a look at how high the stop is pushed and if it isn't very high, I'd work that out.  It might take raising the top of the follower cross pin side slots.

On Eds note about the magazines Larrys offers an improved magazine spring that i have in all my eXesse/trailside mags. This does help with the stop function

Here are pics of what I have.  I carefully stoned any visible burrs (twice so far) and had it milled about 5 months ago.  I don't know if it is beyond repair anymore or not.  



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The magazines are new.  If I pull back the slide manually, the slide catch works.  I have not tried raising the magazine pins yet.

What is the metal in the slide?

You can have that Laser Micro Welded and remachined. The weld is pretty damn hard. It would probably be harder than the original slide material. Ed is right about making sure the slide lock goes up completely into the slide notch.
Jon

The two slides on eBay are both Sig tailsides but should work fine on your exesse
 $250 and $200.

 One looks to be complete and in fine shape

You could check with walther USA see what a new one cost.

I would definately look into the improved mag springs from Larrys

Not for sure what the slide metal is made of.  A new one from Walther costs $400 plus shipping.  Not worth it just to have the lock back to work.  I wonder what the welding and machining would cost.  Probably still not worth it.  May try some springs.

Larry's guns used to have them. Unfortunately Larry passed away (GOD rest his soul) so I don't know if anyone is manning the business

I think they are still listed on their website.  I have not called to see if they are new, stripped or complete.  They are expensive also.