"Notchy" feeling slide

[Delija]

I have a Springfield "Loaded" that performs perfectly (so far, about 400 or so rounds).

This is my first 1911 in over 20 years...I can't remember that clearly how the old gun felt (it was a 9mm and this is a .45), and I am not sure about how the slide is supposed to feel exactly.

When I have the magazine out and slowly cycle the action, there is a "notchy" feel between when the slide is fully back, and within the first inch (less) of letting the slide move forward slowly.

Is this normal? It almost feels as if the slide could hang at that point. A weaker spring and I think it would. But as things are now, the spring overcomes this point of resistance and I have not had any problems at all in the actual function of the gun. But I read how people say their slides feel like they are on ball bearings, etc....mine is not that smooth.

Is this normal? Is this something that goes away as the gun gets more broken in?

If it is normal, then what is the cause? If it is not normal, is there something I can do to make the slide's action more smooth (if it's even necessary)?

Thanks for any input.

Peace,
D.

 

[Cazach]

Sounds like the disconnector engaging/disengaging in it's channel on the slide.

For example, slide moves back smoothly until it is near its most rearward position, as it approaches an increase in resistance can be felt.

Is this what you are feeling?

If so, normal operation.

If it is chunky or choppy it may need to be looked at.

 

[1911Tuner]

Notchy

Cazach probably nailed it, except the bump that you're feeling as you let the slide move toward battery is the bottom of the disconnector rail...the area that strips the rounds from the magazine during the feeding phase... hitting top of the disconnect. If you'll check carefully, you'll probably feel it again during the first bit of travel when you pull the slide backward, though it may not be as noticeable.

Normal operation.

 

[Jim Watson]

I had a Springfield with a very pronounced Bump! as the slide ran over the disconnector. The bottom bevel of the disconnector was not very rough - MIM is good for something - but the tip of the sear spring was sharp and the spring itself thick and stiff. A standard searspring with the tip smoothed helped operation a lot.

 

[Delija]

Thank you gentlemen!!! "Normal Operation" sounds good to me.

Peace,
D.