1911 Slide Lock Problem

[Prof]

I have a Colt 1991A1 (five years old) and it shoots beautifully. However, lately the slide has been failing to lock open on the last shot. I have tried Wilson/Rogers mags, Colt factory mags, and MecGar mags. Same problem. What should I look at next? Thanks!

 

[Matthew_Q]

I'd take the slide lock off and see if it's worn on the inside, where the mag follower catches it. If so, replace the lock.

 

[pogo2]

Wilson slide stop

This happened to me on a 20-year old 1911 gun, and it was doing it with a variety of magazines. So I bought a Wilson Combat brand slide stop at a gun show for about $30 and put it in the gun. It solved the problem.

I think the old slide stop was worn from use. The Wilson slide stops appear to be very high quality, and dimensionally correct.

 

[10-Ring]

Normally, I would suggest a quick inspection of the mag & mag springs...a good clean & lube might help too. If you've tried these simple steps & not taken care of it, the new slide stop may be your next step.
Good luck figuring it out.

 

[Old Fuff]

Before you do anything, unload and field strip the pistol. Them put the slide stop back into the frame. Insert an unloaded magazine and watch to see if the magazine follower slides by the lug on the stop, or engages it and pushes the stop up. Since you have removed the slide assembly you can see what is going on. Then decide what corrective action is required.

Another point: Be sure that the stop isn’t worn enough to the point where the slide doesn’t keep it in all the way. If the stop can move to the left when the slide is assembled the lip on the magazine follower may not engage it like it should.

 

[Navy joe]

Good suggestions. Have you recently replaced the recoil spring? If so, check if it is coming to spring bind early. Pull the slide back to where it stops. The back edge of the slide release should be just forward of the front end of the notch in the slide. If the slide is not coming back that far the release will not have enough time under recoil to pop up there. Solution, trim the spring.

 

[Prof]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. I will try Old Fuff and Navy Joe's tests first to see if they cure the problem. If not, then I will order a new slide stop from Wilson as pogo2 suggests.