New (to me) 1911 with issues

[NorthBorder]

I traded for a Springer Compact model 1911. It came with 4 Kimber mags, one of them stainless. 1st issue is that, when shooting, once or twice w/ each magazine the slide locks back. I think I have this figured out. It seems to be a pretty common issue when searching the web. I see a little copper on the slide stop lug so I think the bullets in the mag are bumping it when the gun is fired. However, I don't know if the mags could be the problem. When an empty mag is inserted the slide release requires two thumbs and a lot of effort to go into battery(unsure if this is normal). If there are rounds in the magazine then the slide stop functions easily. Without a magazine inserted the slide stop releases easily and the gun goes into battery. I am not sure if I have only one issue that can be solved by a little stoning or sanding on the lug, or if I have magazine issues that are contributing to the problem. Before I spend a lot on new mags I am hoping for some enlightenment. Thanks in advance.

 

[Oro]

1st thing to check is caliber compatibility. It's worth verifying the caliber of the slide stop matches the caliber of the gun. Common markings are 1/2/3 on the caliber specific parts where 1= .45, 2= .40/10mm, 3= .38/9mm.

Ideally, you could swap a known good slide stop of the correct caliber into your gun to test.

 

[9mmepiphany]

When an empty mag is inserted the slide release requires two thumbs and a lot of effort to go into battery(unsure if this is normal).

Yes this is normal, because the slide stop wasn't designed to be used when an empty magazine is inserted. If you must have an empty magazine inserted (I can't imagine why) when you release the slide:
1. Retract the slide with your other hand
2. Depress the slide stop
3. Hold it down
4. Ease the slide forward.

Is your slide locking back with all the magazines or just a certain one?
Does this happen with different kinds of ammo?

 

[tarosean]

A) mark all your mags so you can differentiate them. keep record of which ones work or cause failures. toss problem mags.

B) Pull your slide off.. Re-insert slide stop, insert loaded mag and check for function while pushing bullets out of mag with finger. This way you can see exactly whats going on.

Before I spend a lot on new mags I am hoping for some enlightenment

Mags are consumable. They wear out and need to be replaced or rebuilt (if possible).

 

[NorthBorder]

Yes this is normal, because the slide stop wasn't designed to be used when an empty magazine is inserted.

I guess I just had a "duh" moment after reading this. I shoulda figured this one out days ago. And yes, the slide does lock back on all of the magazines, generally in the middle of the string but not on the last round or when I release the slide on the 1st round. And it does happen with 3 different brands of ammo. So, maybe the magazine problem is a nonissue. I will concentrate on the slide release. Thanks for the replies. Hope to get more.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If it is happening with all magazines and all types of ammo...unless you think all your magazines are bad...the next thing I would look at is either technique or the recoil spring. (I always progress through the cheap to fix to the more expensive)

Since this is a 1911 platform, are you using a gripping technique that places your right thumb on the thumb safety and the support thumb off the frame?

Do you know how many rounds have been through the gun since the last recoil spring change?

 

[huntershooter]

Sounds like the slide stop shelf is too deep/long-into the receiver.

Yes, if too long, the bullets (depending on ogive) can cause the slide to lock back while cycling with rounds in the magazine.
Easy fix; remove material from the slide stop shelf-or install a different slide stop.