SCCY CPX 2 Problems (Solved!)

The Sccy CPX-2 is one of a very select few firearms produced by Sccy Firearms. They don’t specialize in much, but they do specialize in polymer-framed subcompact .380 and 9mm pistols. Every model they produce has a 10+1 capacity, and while they are considered to be very well-made guns, they are known to have some issues here and there for the uninitiated. The Sccy CPX-2 is no exception, and while it is incredibly reliable, there have been some problems reported in the past that we want to cover before you put down your hard-earned cabbage for one.

Failure To Feed & Random Ejection Path (BTF)

On rare occasions, there have been reports of the CPX-2 having a failure to feed, both when dealing with new and used firearms. This is sometimes encountered with a seemingly random spent shell ejection path. There are several reasons that these can happen, particularly when the two issues happen in conjunction with one another.

The most common cause of the failure to feed is the shooter’s grip on the frame. Many people aren’t used to shooting a subcompact pistol and tend to ham-hand it, which causes the slide to contact the webbing or back of the hand. If the slide rubs on the grip for even a fraction of a second, it can slow the firing cycle enough to cause a feed issue. 

The lighter gun also plays a significant role in how it feeds and ejects the spent brass since it requires a more steady, robust grip. The recoil can be more difficult to manage with heavier loads or looser grips. This slight lack of control can contribute to the unpredictable feed failures and the sometimes rowdy ejection path since the gun’s movement will be more exaggerated.

Solution

The solution to both of these issues seems to be simply making sure your hands are completely clear of the slide, and keeping a firm grip on the gun to manage the inertial forces of the recoil. This allows the gun to fully transfer the energy that it needs for the firing cycle to the slide, and provided it’s not dragging across the back of your hand, the feed should complete normally. Keeping better control of the gun’s recoil will also help maintain and more consistent and predictable casing ejection path.

Random Jams

Another problem that has been mentioned on occasion is the tendency of the CPX-2 to jam if not held correctly. This is another problem that often stems from an unfamiliarity with gripping the CPX-2 and being ready for the reload. Even with new guns and brass casings, not steel, not having your grip dialed in can result in a jam. While the jam is easily cleared by pulling the slide again, this isn’t something you want to happen from a gun that is designed to be a concealed carry weapon or EDC pistol.

The jams most notably happen when utilizing the teacup grip, where the dominant hand grips the handle, while the non-dominant hand rests underneath for support instead of additional grip purchase. This can offer a steadier grip for shooting, but with a polymer-framed subcompact, it can deprive the shooter of desperately needed recoil control.

Solution

Ideally, shooters of the CPX-2 will want to use a thumbs-forward grip to eliminate the potential of reduced recoil control. While this may take some getting used to, since it makes slide rub slightly more likely, once the positioning is practiced a few times it should become more comfortable.

Another cause of random jams, albeit a far less common one, is using non-factory ammo. While using reloads can be a far more cost-effective way to spend brass at the range, it can also produce inconsistent results. One of the most common inconsistencies is that the round will be just slightly more or less powerful than is ideal, and will cause a variance in the firing cycle. Any time you’re testing your gun for anomalies, be sure you’re using factory ammunition to eliminate one common variable and cause for failures.

No Lock-Back On Empty

This is a rare problem and one that is encountered almost exclusively when purchasing a used CPX-2. If you happen to be at a gun shop and they have a used one, chances are they’ve tested it relatively sufficiently and have likely eliminated this issue, but if you’re shopping at a gun show you may want to pay close attention to the cause of this before committing. 

Sometimes, the previous owner will dismantle the magazines for cleaning or service and will reassemble them just wrong enough to work when full, while causing a failure of the slide lock to engage when empty. 

Solution

This is the result of putting the magazine springs in backward during assembly. Luckily that means it’s an easy fix. Simply break down the magazine and flip the spring around, and when you send that final round you should find that the slide locks just as intended. While Sccy’s quality assurance of the line has been known to be impeccable, there are also rare instances of it happening with a new gun and factory-fresh mag. Just something to be aware of.

Our Analysis

The CPX-2 remains one of the best budget subcompacts out there, and with the right amount of range time and practice it can function flawlessly as an EDC, concealer, or even a truck gun. Make sure you’re sticking to factory ammo since reloads can be an unnecessary variable, and be sure you’ve got a solid grip on this tiny wonder. 

While it isn’t unruly to handle, many people are surprised at the level of recoil it has for a subcompact, often forgetting that it’s polymer and the steel isn’t there to soak up that inertia. Also make sure that if you are having issues, you’re using factory ammo to eliminate one potential cause. Keeping these things in mind can help you make the right decision if you happen to come across one, or set out to buy one specifically. Provided you’re ready for it, the Sccy CPX-2 is a great subcompact to own.