Problem with Colt 1991

[Georgia45cal]

I've recently finished running 200 rounds of Federal white box 230 gr. FMJ ammo through my new Colt 1991 Talo Custom Carry Government and I have a problem with the magazine catch.

Both magazines that came with the Colt are difficult to insert and do not drop free.

Towards the end of 200 rounds, the magazine catch was increasingly difficult to press.

It feels as though the magazine catch is rubbing the magazine body and causing it to stick.

If I press and hold the magazine catch, the magazine will insert and drop free. If I press and release the magazine catch before the magazine drops free, the magazine will stick and I have to pull it out.

What do you all think? I'm considering buying a replacement magazine catch which I hope would fix this problem.

Here are some pictures of the magazine with 200 rounds of wear.

 

[1911Tuner]

The first suspect is the magazine.

If it turns out to be the mag catch, remember that the "screw" isn't a screw at all. It's a cam lock.

 

[Georgia45cal]

Both magazines that came with the Colt are difficult to insert and do not drop free. I have to pull them out. There is enough resistance to prevent the magazine from dropping free, but it isn't terribly difficult to pull it out.

As I said before, at the end of a 200 round string of ammo, the magazine catch was difficult to press. When clean, it operates more freely.

I can try another magazine if perhaps Colt screwed up with both magazines.

The mag catch looks to be a pretty inexpensive part, so perhaps that wouldn't be a bad idea to swap it out?

 

[1911Tuner]

One way to find out. Remove the mag catch and see if the magazines are free. If they are, you've got your answer.

It could also be the grip screws protruding into the mag well and putting the magazine in a bind. Back out on the screws a full turn and try the magazines again.

Push the catch button in slowly while turning the lock counter-clockwise gently. When it gets to the right spot, it'll turn easily into the takedown slot, and the catch will come out.

 

[Georgia45cal]

Removed the grip screws and that didn't make a difference.

The magazine catch is very difficult to remove. I tried varying amounts of pressure while pressing it in and I can't seem to find the spot. It takes a lot of pressure to press the button, so it's difficult to keep it pressed in.

Perhaps I should have Colt fix it.

 

[S.B.]

Install a Heinie reduced power mag catch spring. You can get them from Brownells.
Steve

 

[bbuddtec]

the mags still look a bit roughed up for 6-8 loadings per. (to me)

 

[Georgia45cal]

The pictures are of a single magazine which had 25 loadings. It's been inserted about 30 times.

I think I'll box it up and send it off to Colt and have them fix it. The cost of a new magazine catch is about what shipping will cost to send it to Colt.

 

[Skylerbone]

From the looks of the magazines the mag. catch is trapping them. The port side should not show wear like that. If you lock the slide back, remove the magazine and look through the well from the bottom while pushing in on the catch you can check for intrusion. If the catch is visible on the left side (side you push from) I'd file a bit off rather than chance loosing the pistol in transit or incurring damage.

To remove the catch for a righty place the pistol in your left hand. Push the catch with your left index finger as far in as you can. Carefully set your screwdriver into the slot on the catch lock (looks like a screw as Tuner mentioned). Apply a small amount of counter-clockwise pressure against it while at the same time gently relieving pressure on the catch with your left index finger. When you find the right spot it will turn easily then drop free.

 

[Georgia45cal]

I actually did want to do the work myself seeing how this part is inexpensive to replace and it should be an easy job.

I actually don't have enough strength in my index finger to press the magazine catch button. It's difficult to press and I need more leverage, so I used my right thumb to press it in an awkward position. I tried for about 15 minutes with varying pressure pressing it in and out and I can't find the spot. I am trying to rotate the cam counter-clockwise.

Seeing how it's as difficult to press as it is and that I cannot get the part out, it's probably best to have Colt fix it.

Maybe I can get a free magazine to replace my worn one

 

[1911Tuner]

Drive a screw into a workbench or a 2X4 and use that the push the catch button while you apply the light turning force on the lock.

 

[S.B.]

Skylerbone, bad advice in my opion. You'll have the mag catch not keep the slide locked back when empty. The catch needs to move under spring tention.
Steve

 

[rcmodel]

don't have enough strength in my index finger to press the magazine catch button.

Well theres your problem right there!

Use your thumb and squeeze it.
If that hurts you thumb, put a leather glove on.

Or just press it against a 2"x4" or something like Tuner said.

You'll have the mag catch not keep the slide locked back when empty.

Say what??
This is the mag catch he is talking about, and that has nothing to do with the slide stop locking the slide back.

rc

 

[1911Tuner]

Skylerbone, bad advice in my opion. You'll have the mag catch not keep the slide locked back when empty. The catch needs to move under spring tension.

The mag catch doesn't lock the slide back. The slidestop does that.

 

[Skylerbone]

Though he probably is right about most of my advice.

 

[Georgia45cal]

I got my pistol back from the factory a couple of weeks ago and they took care of it. They replaced the spring and polished the mag catch.

They replaced the magazine in the pictures with 4 stainless 8 round magazines. Pretty good deal if you ask me

Colt has really good customer service. I'm happy.