1911 plunger tube is loose...

[LivewireBlanco]

After installing a new trigger I noticed that my Springfield GI's plunger tube is loose on the back side by the safety. It's not bad, but I imagine it'll only get worse. Is it safe to shoot it a bit until I can take it to the local gun smith or should I fight the urge to try the new trigger until it's fixed?

Also, I saw the tool to fix it on the Brownells website. Would it be worth it to try and fix it myself?

 

[rcmodel]

They are supposed to be staked using a staking tool like the one Brownells sell.

But a lot of manufactures, including Springfield it think, glue them in with lock-tight anymore.

If you go the staking route, you may have to use a Dremel tool and carbide bur to reach inside the frame and grind out a slight taper in each hole so the staking has a place to expand and hold.

You can safely continue to use it, as proper 1911 grips overlap the outside of the tube and hold it in place.
If you have those kind of proper grips.

The worst that can happen is the plunger overrides the outside of the safety and gets stuck.

rc

 

[LivewireBlanco]

Thanks RC. I do have those kind of grips. I don't think I have a dimple so would this mean I can't just stake it with the tool?

 

[rcmodel]

No counter-sink recess on the inside of the frame means no place for the staked pin to expand and stay staked.

If you don't have them, you will have to make it so.

rc

 

[kimbernut]

Brownells

Buy the Brownells tool. It is not a difficult fix and certainly needs addressing before it locks up your gun. Be advised if used improperly the tool can crush the tube to the point the plunger and spring will not fit back in place. Go slow and careful to do the job right.
I chose the Gun Runner staking tool from Brownells and have enjoyed great success with it.

 

[Maj Dad]

Avoid those pesky squashed plunger tubes with the Handy Dandy Brownell's Plunger Tube Support ( http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...s/1911-auto-plunger-tube-crimper-prod909.aspx ). I replaced (or restaked - don't remember, been a while) mine with the Brownell's tools and they made it a snap.