Sig 1911 Magazine Question

[Dudemeister]

I recently got my first 1911. It's a Sig 1911 Stainless. I really love the gun, it well balanced, shoots well, etc.

However, the magazine spring is extremely stiff. In fact it's nearly impossible to put the 8th round in it without a loading tool. When the slide is locked back after the last shot, I's almost impossible to push the slide release lever with only one hand, I have to first remove the magazine, then release the slide, then push the magazine back in.

Both mags are the same. I tried a Springfield Armory at the range today, and it wasn't anything like this.

I'm not sure this should be this way. Anyone else found this problem, can the spring be replaced?

 

[ugaarguy]

The spring should be that stiff on a new mag, and you shouldn't bee dropping the slide on an empty chamber on any pistol - much less a 1911.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The slide stop wasn't designed to release the slide when there is an empty magazine installed

 

[LiveLife]

Dudemeister, I have a Sig 1911 TacPac and the 8rd mag spring is a bit on the stiff side but I can insert the 8th round with just the thumb pressure. If you want to soften the spring, leave the magazines loaded with 8 rounds for a few weeks.

As to releasing the slide, after inserting the magazine, I release the slide by pulling/pushing back on the slide instead of using the slide lock (However, I do use the slide lock to release the slide on Glocks).

If you are looking for replacement 1911 mags, I prefer Chip McCormick 8rd Power Mags. Even when new, 8th round is easy to insert.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

However, the magazine spring is extremely stiff. In fact it's nearly impossible to put the 8th round in it without a loading tool.

Use the loading tool if you need to. The spring needs to be pretty strong, or you will get failures to feed the next to last or last round. After you work with it for a while (preferably by shooting the gun) it will probably loosen up. This isn't an uncommon complaint with eight-round mags that have the same body length as the original seven-round design.

When the slide is locked back after the last shot, I's almost impossible to push the slide release lever with only one hand, I have to first remove the magazine, then release the slide, then push the magazine back in.

This is normal for any auto pistol with a slide holdback. Without any rounds in the magazine, you have the full pressure of the spring and follower pushing the slide stop up. Even just one round will take the pressure off. In actual use, i.e., reloading the gun, you will never be doing this.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

The springs that are in the checkmate mags that came with this sig are exactly the same Sig 1911 TTT Range Review But just about ever semi auto magazine has been this way for me.

 

[JTQ]

Your are trying to get 8 rounds in a tube length originally designed for 7 rounds. Through use they will get easier to load.

Here is an excellent blog post from the late Mr. Camp.

http://hipowers-handguns.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-is-best-7-or-8-shot-1911-45-acp.html

 

[Dudemeister]

The spring should be that stiff on a new mag, and you shouldn't bee dropping the slide on an empty chamber on any pistol - much less a 1911.

I don't "drop" the slide, I hold it overhand with my left hand, and release it gently, but I have to press the release lever with my right hand thumb, and It's impossible

Your are trying to get 8 rounds in a tube length originally designed for 7 rounds. Through use they will get easier to load.

OK, I can see that. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm just used to other pistols where the sping is not as stiff as this.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I don't "drop" the slide, I hold it overhand with my left hand, and release it gently, but I have to press the release lever with my right hand thumb, and It's impossible

You shouldn't have a magazine inserted when doing this either. Just release the slide, ease it down on an empty chamber and then insert the empty magazine...although, I'm not clear why you would want to store an empty magazine in a gun.

I like to keep all my magazines together in another pocket in my range bag or a separate container on my shelf. The only exception I can come up with is if a pistol has a magazine disconnect safety