1911 Slide release as finger index: normal issue?

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

Just curious about something. I shot my 1911 during IDPA for a while until switching to one or two other pistols. I switched from the 1911 as my carry pistol at that time too.

The only issue I had with my 1911 was when I was doing reloads. I used the slide release protrusion on the right side as a finger index for my trigger finger. As I'd drop the slide using the slide release, the pressure from my trigger finger would manage to push out the slide release pin enough to lock it up and cause a malfunction.

Assuming that made sense, anyone have this problem? The solution obviously is to retrain to keep my finger straight and on the guard instead of up and on the 'button'. But here we are...

 

[David E]

I used the slide release protrusion on the right side as a finger index for my trigger finger. As I'd drop the slide using the slide release, the pressure from my trigger finger would manage to push out the slide release pin enough to lock it up and cause a malfunction.

You can't always keep your finger off the protrusion. Once, when I had to switch to my left hand as primary, I discovered that particular, unpracticed, un-natural grip created the same problem you describe.

Happily, there are a couple ways to fix this:

You can mill the protrusion flush with the frame. I have several 1911's so modified.

But to do that right, you need a machinist or a gunsmith. It looks best when it's perfectly flush and flat to the frame. Some 'smith's then put a dimple in the center to aid in disassembly. It may require the nose of a bullet to push it out for disassembly, but that's not a big deal.

Another way is to file a vertical groove in the slide stop on the left side where the plunger contacts it. This allows the slide stop to work normally up and down, but will resist side-to-side movement. (such as putting your finger against it on the right side)

Since this is a problem for you, I highly recommend you do one of these two and not trust keeping your finger off the protrustion at all times.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Whatever tiny amount of finger pressure you would put on the slide stop pin should not be able to dislodge it.

 

[Quack]

it happens.
I filed my pin stop on one of my carry guns.


My friend is a lefty and i also filed down his slide stop pin to prevent the pin from being pushed out by his support hand.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks guys, glad to hear I'm not the only one who has dealt with this. I hadn't ever read of this happening before and assumed some user/equipment error.

I don't trust my dremel skills (eek!) and wouldn't touch a gun with one, anyone know if someone sells a pre-flushed slide release pin?

 

[Quack]

No Dremel used when i did it. I used a bench grinder to take a lot of it off, followed by a file, then some stones to smoothen them out.

i don't know of any flush slide stops that are ready to go.

 

[LawofThirds]

I've seen quite a few custom jobs where the pin is flush and then the frame is beveled slightly so that with a firm push of a bullet tip or finger it will push in far enough to pull out with a fingernail on the other side. Seems to be the best of both worlds.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I'll have to check around more and see who can do that type of work, I'd like to be able to trust my 1911 again! This is a disturbing design oversight, to still exist after a century. Though 'Tuner will probably show up to set me straight and tell me helps to disassemble the pistol or something.

 

[David E]

I don't trust my dremel skills (eek!)

Don't forget, you could use a needle file to create a vertical slot in the slide stop for the plunger to engage.

 

[Black Dime]

Would that slot be anywhere on the outer diameter of the slide stop pin?

 

[David E]

Would that slot be anywhere on the outer diameter of the slide stop pin?

No. It's on the rear facing part of the slide stop on the LEFT side (as pointing the gun downrange) where the slide stop plunger touches it. It's the most rearward portion of the slide stop. It would take very close inspection to reveal the slot.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I grew some balls and took the dremel tool to my slide release to truncate the pin. I took my time and dunked it in water every couple of seconds. It never got hot to the touch. It's not an elegant looking fix, but it'll do! There are obvious safety concerns, so I'll test it accordingly before shooting much.

But at least now I don't have to worry about that sort of malfunction and can trust my 1911 again. I'd take a pic, but it's just a 1911 with a silver dot instead of a protrusion.