Diagnosis, please?

[scbair]

I have a Kimber Ultra CDP, that would be my regular concealed carry choice, but for one annoying glitch; once or twice per box of ammo, the slide locks open prematurely. This may occur after fiting the first round, or near the bottom of the mag. It's occurred with different brands of ammo (PMC, W-W, Speer). All loads are 230 gr. FMJ (only load I'll consider carrying). I use both Wilson and McCormick mags, and it's happened with both brands. Simply depressing the slide release clears it, but . . .
This never happened with my older, blued Kimber Ultra Carry.

I've fired 600+ rounds through the pistol, so it should be "broken in" by now.

Any ideas regarding the cause and (more importantly) a cure? I'd sure appreciate any help.

 

[Black Snowman]

Something you might look at is your grip and the location of the slide stop. On my Desert Eagle if I don't tuck my thumb down I'll bump the slide stop and lock the action open.

Easiest way I know of to test this is try shooting left handed. If it works then it's the grip and not the gun.

If it is the gun it could be a weak/damaged slide stop spring. Other than that I'm not sure. I'm no expert so hopefully some more experianced folks can chime in too.

 

[scbair]

Thanks, Black Snowman

I tuck my thumbs down during firing; especially conscious of this, when the lock-opens first occurred. Also, I fire other M1911s frequently, and have never before experienced this. I'll probably purchase a replacement slide release at this weekend's gun & knife show and see if it still occurs. I'll at least have one to tinker with, then.

I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Happy shooting!!

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I bet its not your grip.

I have had this same problem with a compact 1911.

Replace the slide stop with Wilson's Bullet Proof slide stop and the problem will go away.

Alternatively, take a Dremel tool and burr out a little divit in your slide stop where the slide stop spring pin makes contact.

 

[Jim Watson]

A bullet nose may be rubbing the slide stop into engagment. This is actually more likely with good ol' hardball than JHPs and SWCs with narrower ogives.
Look for copper tracks on the slide stop stud.
Insert a loaded magazine in the frame with the slide off but the slide stop inserted and wiggle things around to see if there is interference.
If so, file LIGHTLY to clear.

 

[scbair]

Thanks!

Lone Gunman: If I can find the Wilson slide stop (pretty good chance at the upcoming show), I'll pick one up. I've heard nothing but praise for Wilson's parts & accessories.

Jim Watson: I'll also try the loaded mag with the slide removed and see if I can detect any "problem points" on the slide stop. Dunno why I didn't think of this, myself. If I can't find the Wilson, or if that doesn't clear the problem, I'll do some light removal/polishing.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input and experience.

 

[Al Thompson]

scbair, there should be a guy there (name escapes me) at about the third row of tables from the door. He usually has the Wilson parts. He's not cheap, but has the stuff.

May want to pick up some Georgia Arms 200 gr LSWCs to see if hardball is a problem.

 

[gharsh]

You might want to pick up a couple of slide stops if you plan on tinkering with them. I'm usually the one that gets one and then screws it up with my own tinkering and then has to go and get another.

I had the opposite problem, if you can call it that, with a Springfield. It would slam forward on its own when I loaded a magazine. I had a couple of people try it and they had the same problem. I do not like that feature of the gun so I sent it back to Springfield, which is where it is now. I really liked the gun, but it just started doing this and I didn't want to pay a gunsmith to do something the factory will do for free.

If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to call Kimber. I'm sure with their reputation, they will make it right.

 

[Old Fuff]

A new slide stop might be the answer. On the other hand, a far less expensive slide-stop plunger spring could work too. To experiment, I'd remove the plunger and spring assembly from the tube and streach the spring. Reassemble and see what happens.