Commander slide stop engaging prematurely

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bernie

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I picked up a used Colt Commander recently. It was pretty lightly used and looks like it was produced in 1980. However, about once per magazine the slide stop prematurely engages. It has done it with every mag that I have tried. Any ideas?
 
A fairly common problem with the 1911.

First thing to check is for bullet contact with the engagement lobe of the slide stop. Look for copper marks on the inner corner of the lobe. Removing a little bit of metal with a fine cut file usually solve the problem. Take one or two swipes then check for contact. Repeat until done.

Sometimes other things can cause that issue. Tolerance stack, out of spec parts, etc. The slide stop plunger spring might be weak, the slide stop plunger may not protrude far enough. The plunger tube may be crimped/improperly reamed/loose on the frame. Check against print specs and repair/replace as needed.

I sometimes end up putting a dimple about .005"-.010" deep in the back face of the slide stop thumb piece where the slide stop plunger tip rides. I put it at the point that the plunger touches with the slide stop seated in the down position. Just deep enough to provide a little extra resistance to the slide stop.

Sometimes the slide sop itself is out of spec and needs some additional fitting or replacement with a better part. Note that you should expect to have to fit every single part of a 1911. Assume that nothing is drop in fit and you will avoid that particular disappointment.
 
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What Bill said.
Many times it is the bullet design (ogive) that hits the slide lock on recoil.
A different shaped bullet could fix that.

Another common cause is your support hand touching the slide lock during recoil, nudging it up.
The best way to check for that is to shoot a mag 1 handed and see if it happens.

Another culprit could be a 38 Super or 9mm slide lock being used by mistake. Since the 9mm case is more narrow, the claw is a tad bit longer.
That would cause the wider .45ACP round to contact it. If you have another M1911, try switching the slide lock for a few mags.
 
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