[islander]

The slide on my FN Hi-Power built in the 1950s suddenly will not retract more than one-half inch, magazine in or out. I had field stripped it and reassembled strictly according to the diagrams - but did have difficulties getting the slide latch back in. Nothing broken as far as I can see. Hammer cock and trigger release are normal. The gun is otherwise in very good shape, with no excessive wear.

Any words of wisdom from the Browning experts will be greatly appreciated. I would hate to pay a gunsmith if there is some simple explanation for this problem.

[Phil DeGraves]

Sounds like to me, that your slide latch is not lined up correctly with the spring and barrel. Perhaps the spring guide rod is in upside down (I'm not sure if that's possible, but perhaps it isn't and that is why your gun doesn't work). The slide latch should not be difficult to insert. The problem is obviously in that area.

[Whiteymin]

I first thought that the guide rod in upside down also. I know a guy who done this and was experiencing the same as you are and he really forced the slide back and it snapped the guide rod that was in upside down. He thankfully just had to replace the guiderod and everything else was fine.

[DrBoomBoom]

I just did the same thing a few weeks ago, couldn't get the latch in, luckily I didn't force it. The guide rod looked to me like it should have the flat part toward the barrel, but that won't let it seat right. Hopefully your problem's as simple as that.