[bclark1]

Finally trying to break in the SW1911 this past weekend. Got it, cleaned and lubed it, put one mag through it to make sure it functioned some months back. This past weekend I'm out in the field, where it's hard to find stuff that drops (lucky day is recovering half the brass) and on my fourth mag, less than 40 shots total through a new gun, the mag release comes loose and falls out. I found the piece of metal that is depressed to release the mag as well as the spring, but the screw or whatever is used to hold it in has gone missing. Although this is my first 1911, I understand this to be a pretty easy fix. SW wants me to send it back to the factory, presumably leaving me without it for a month or so. Should I send it in or should I just see if I can find the part somewhere and fix it on my own?

Thanks!

[Walkalong]

Send it to them. It's more than just replacing parts.

[GunNut]

I'd just buy a mag release and replace it myself, which i've done in the past. It will obviously cost you more money, but you won't be without your gun for 2-4 weeks either.

Please explain why it's more than just replacing some parts.


Steve

[Ala Dan]

Send it in, S&W's warranty repair service is reported to be excellent~!:)

[XavierBreath]

Here's your part. (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5521&title=1911+AUTO+TACTICAL+MAG+CATCH)

To R&R:
Depress magazine catch from left side; at same time rotate magazine catch lock 1/4 turn counter-clockwise using a small screwdriver. Magazine catch assembly is then removed from right side of receiver. Catch assembly can be reduced to components by turning lock clockwise 1/4 turn. Spring and lock will come out. Installation is the reverse procedure.

[Old Fuff]

Lets see....:scrutiny:

Ya' get a new gun, shoot it 40 times, and a critical part just falls out... :eek:

Maybe you should consider a different pistol.... ;)

[XavierBreath]

Maybe you should consider a different pistol.... Nahhhh Nonsense. I bet the magazine catch lock was not fully engaged at the factory. Shame, but I bet that was the cause of this malfunction. S&W is making some pretty good 1911s. They do have MIM and they do have the external extractor, but they are accurate and reliable. FWIW, I think Chip McCormick makes the mag release for S&W.

Here are some parts and the makers:
Briley barrel and bushing (older guns only, S&W now makes their own)
Wilson Beavertail and slide release
McCormick hammer, guide rod and thumb safety
Texas Armament trigger
Wolff Springs
Sights are Novak but for a S&W 9mm

The part you need from Brownell's (http://www.brownells.com/) is 965-011-153 (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=16388&s=36795) $2.95

[Old Fuff]

Well O.K. ;)

I was spoiled because "back when" we could buy handguns that didn't self-destruct after less then a box of ammunition. I would check the frame and latch to see if the cause of this misfortune could be determined.

[Sniper X]

Yeah, like something other than a S&W 1911! I hear those things are crap, I have 11 1911's Kimbers, Springers, a Wilson, and a few Colts. I'd never buy a Smith 1911 after hearing and reading what I have heard and read about them. There was a recall on them as well, not sure if it was for this problem....but a recall?!? Scarry!

[XavierBreath]

There was a recall on them as well, not sure if it was for this problem....but a recall?!? Scarry!I haven't heard of any recall. There is no mention of any recall on Smith & Wesson's website. Please post a source for this information.

Foul language is frowned on at THR. So is bashing another man's gun with foul language.

[bclark1]

I've had good luck with SW's in the past and this one seems solid but I figured the same thing, didn't put it in all the way and even a good screw jiggles loose after a dozen centerfire shots if it's not fully tightened. I obviously didn't shoot it enough to be totally certain but it seemed to shoot Blazer pretty well for the first few mags, and Gold Dots cycle fine.

They're sending me the label but I'd rather do it myself, you're supposed to know 1911's better than your average polymer anyway, right?

Thanks for the info XB.

[Old Fuff]

Be aware that what looks like a screw in the magazine release... isn't. It is a latch with a little tab on it. You only turn it a quarter turn after pushing the release partly out. A lot of them have been ruined by someone who tried to unscrew it.

[wally]

Send it back to S&W, they'll give you a FedEx number and pay shipping on their dime both ways. You'll only be out the time to box it up and drop it off at FedEx (hint: unload it and put back in the original box it came in, FedEx will have an overnight box to put it in and send it off). Turn around should be no more than about two weeks. S&W even answers their Email.

When you figure out how to make mechanical things that never break please let me know how so I can get rich showing NASA, Honda, GM, GE, Lockhead, Boing etc. how to do it!

--wally.