1911 Slide won't come off during disassembly

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remingtonfoxx

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Maybe some of you guys know the answer to my question. I purchased a RIA Tactical 1911 in .45 acp. The RIA (made by ARMSCOR) is a colt clone and all the parts are innerchangable. I followed all the instructions down to removing the slide stop. Then came the trouble. The slide will not come off the frame. Something is impeding its removal. It is not frozen. I can move it back and forward, but it appears to be hitting something metal on the inside which prevents it from sliding off. Any suggestions? It is not the guide rod as the loose spring keeps it in line. Has anyone heard of this problem before? or had a similar experience with another 1911.
 
Ok if you removed the slide stop, I am going to assume that the safety is off.

Does the this have the full length guide rod? If so, have you removed it?

Mine sticks sometimes because the hammer catches on part of the slide...

I know that this probably wont help a lot, but it's all I have.

P.S.

After reinstalling the slide stop, make sure not the leave the "idiot" scratch across the lower receiver by rotating the stop while pushing down. I only did that once, and promptly *facepalm*
 
I used to have an RIA 1911, and I can say that sometimes you had to use a little force to remove the slide from the frame. As long as the safety is off, and the slide is moving (even a little bit) you might just have to kinda "slam" it off. Basically, grab the slide and with a sharp, forceful foreward movement, take it off of the frame. Worked for me.

I know what you mean about the feeling of it hitting something metal inside and being kept from being removed, which is why I suggested what I did. Sorry it's not very clear or specific, but it's the best I can do.

Good luck!
 
If you have a firing pin block safety (a.k.a. Swartz safety) it can sometimes stick in the up position which prevents the slide from coming all the way off. Two things you need to do.

1. Make sure the grip safety is NOT depressed as you are removing the slide.

2. Work the grip safety quickly in an attempt to 'unstick' the pin that deactivates the safety. Also, if you beat the magazine well into the palm of your hand this might help as well.

Good luck.
 
Thank you for your response. The ambi safety is off. I believe it is a full length guide rod, but I'm not 100% on that. That hammer is clear of the slide. Can I remove the guide rod prior to removing the slide?
 
Can I remove the guide rod prior to removing the slide?
Click to expand...
is this a gi model? does it have an after market guide rod? Did you remove the barrel bushing?

In fact I am sure you still have the barrel bushing in place it will twist one way to allow the spring to come out then the other to remove it. If you have a ful length guide rod it will likely need to come out first.
 
Lots of great suggestions. The mag is removed. I have only exerted minor force. Grip saftey is not depressed. I will try all of your good suggestions and report back. Thanks for all your help.
 
I have the same weapon. I find that it is much easier to remove the slide w/the FLGR still in place. This includes the spring and bushing as well. Basically I strip it like any other autopistol to get the slide off the frame, then finish stripping the slide/barrel/guide rod like any other 1911.

I'm sure that some 1911 lover will be along shortly to tell me that every time I fire a 1911 with a FLGR it's like kicking the ghost of JM Browning's dog, and that stripping it like that is akin to communism, but it works for me.

Good luck!
 
MaterDel mentioned the Swartz safety. You might have a little "flag" (for lack of a better term) sticking up a bit on the right side of the gun, just in front of the hammer preventing the slide from coming back all the way.

Make sure the grip safety isn't being depressed while you try to take the slide off.

Hold the gun upright (slide up) when you work on it.

Don't *force* anything.
 
This is the pin that can get stuck in the 'up' position. When this happens the slide will move forward only an inch or two. If it is moving more than that then your problem is something else.

Kimber_Pro_CDP_slide_removed_250.jpg
 
Can I remove the guide rod prior to removing the slide?
Click to expand...

You should be able to, I can on mine. The main reason I asked earlier is sometimes mine causes trouble during reassembly, I figured yours was have the opposite effect.

I believe it is a full length guide rod, but I'm not 100% on that.
Click to expand...

Easy test for this one. When the slide is locked back (obviously before you starting field stripping) could you see the guide rod under the barrel? Also on the full length guide rod models you use a plastic tool to rotate the barrel bushing.

I think there different designs for the full length guide rods. Does yours unscrew with an allen wrench on the front, or do the instructions indicate otherwise?
 
ERIC F

Yes, it is basically a GI model. Barrel bushing is off. Guide rod is stock. Should I try to yank it out?
 
I can see the guide rod under the barrel. no Allen wrench needed. Also, I can remove barrel bushing without a tool. just with my fingers.
 
if it is a stock guide rod you cant remove it first you have to take the slide off. if you have the short gi guide try to rotate the gun upside down then remove the slide the shotr gi guide could be binding on something.
 
I can see the guide rod under the barrel
Click to expand...
is it the short one or a full length guide rod? if its the short one push it back into the slide its binding.
 
I have the same problem with the slide not coming off on my Kahr M1911A1 GI.

The short guide rod or the rotating barrel link gets caught on something inside the slide. If I hold the pistol upside down and give it a few good shakes, whatever is hung up comes loose and the slide comes right off without any problems.
 
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I remove the recoil plug and spring and then remove the slide stop on my Spartan. Sometimes it requires some persuasion to remove.

If not... do you have a Dremel? ;)
 
On the tactical RIA

I just take the slide off with the FLGR in place. then I remove the rest.

steve
 
No, it is not fixed. I have tried all suggestions. I worked the grip safety a million times, I beat the mag well on my shoe, i exerted a number of sharp forceful movements and nothing . It does not appear to be the the firing fin safety block. I took off the grips incase it was blocking the ambi safety and nothing. It comes apart and goes back together fine with the exception of being able to actually remove the slide, barrel and guide rod. It shoots fine, no problems, but I am concerned that I can't fully field strip. Any other ideas short of taking it to a gunsmith/
 
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