Springfield 1911 -- too tight

[nulfisin]

I began this thread last night under a different (thread) name. My new "Loaded" is giving a few problems. The slide release plunger is way too tight. By using some suggestions gained here, I'm now able to reinsert the lever. However, if I have a magazine (unloaded) in the gun, I can't depress the lever to make the slide release unless I use a lot of force.

This is a brand-new gun bought on-line from CDNN. Does it need to go back?

 

[Walkalong]

With an unloaded mag in the gun it is harder to push down the slide catch because of the upward pressure put on it from the spring loaded follower in the mag.

Just how hard?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

However, if I have a magazine (unloaded) in the gun, I can't depress the lever to make the slide release unless I use a lot of force.

This is normal. With no rounds in the magazine, the follower is pushing against the slide stop with full spring force. Put ammunition in the magazine and I'll bet it is a lot easier.

 

[CombatArmsUSAF]

How much did you pay at CDNN??

 

[nulfisin]

Well the slide does return when there's a loaded mag. When the mag is empty, though, it needs to be removed before the slide release will work. I'll give y'all a range report as soon as I can get there. Thanks.

 

[Quack]

normal.

 

[nulfisin]

CDNN

In answer to the price question, it was just under $800. About the same as a store I called, but it came with free shipping.

 

[Quack]

the tightest Springfields i own (tight to loose) TGO1 > EMP > TRP > Loaded

 

[Shawn.L]

tight can be good on a 1911.

shoot it. cycle it by hand, work the tight parts by hand, the parts rubbing together will give you a perfect fit.

if you have any problems because the slide stop pin is too large just go around it with some 500 grit paper and it will smooth out. Just do a little and check it at a time.

 

[shooter1]

Nothing wrong with your Springer. Seems the operator needs a block of training. The pistol was not designed for dropping the slide with an empty mag in place. Don't even know why you would want to. It's your pistol, so do what you want. I never let the slide slam forward on an empty chamber. It's unnecessary, and can't be good for the pistol. The Springfield is a good pistol. Once you learn the 1911 platform "Manual of arms" you'll get good service out of it. Good Luck!
str1

 

[Walkalong]

Don't be too hard on him. Many of us dropped a slide on empty chambers before we knew better, and all of us were totally ignorant at some point in time.

 

[Quack]

yep, dropping the slide on an empty chamber could cause damage.

 

[Shawn.L]

Nothing wrong with your Springer. Seems the operator needs a block of training. The pistol was not designed for dropping the slide with an empty mag in place. Don't even know why you would want to. It's your pistol, so do what you want. I never let the slide slam forward on an empty chamber. It's unnecessary, and can't be good for the pistol. The Springfield is a good pistol. Once you learn the 1911 platform "Manual of arms" you'll get good service out of it. Good Luck!
str1

dropping the slide on an empty chamber on a 1911 will (literally) dull your trigger break.

 

[1KPerDay]

How?

 

[shooter1]

Just trying to educate, guys.
str1

 

[Quack]

The jarring of the slide slamming down on an empty chamber can cause the hammer to follow and the sear nose to crash into the hammer hooks. Your trigger job will last longer if you ease the slide down. Further, the lower lugs on a match fit barrel take a lot of impact when they contact the slide stop, and without the buffering effect of the round feeding into the chamber, you increase wear on your barrel by slamming the slide on an empty chamber.

 

[rbernie]

However, if I have a magazine (unloaded) in the gun, I can't depress the lever to make the slide release unless I use a lot of force.

That's not uncommon, nor is it a bad thing. It will probably get easier with time, as the magazine springs relax and the metal mating surfaces burnish.

 

[rcmodel]

The sear nose "crashes" into the hammer hooks every time you shoot it.
NO problem.

Dropping slide on an empty gun?
The damage if any, is mostly confined to light match triggers with fine engagement surfaces.
Because without the trigger being pulled, the disconnector is still engaged with the sear, and the weight of the trigger bouncing againt it may drop the hammer to the intercept (half-cock) notch. That right there will damage the sear surface.

rc

 

[mljdeckard]

Yeah, don't worry too much. This is break-in wear. I'll bet you a buck, that if you crank through 200 rds of defensive ammo you will find that it eases into more normal tension. It's also another reason to get into the habit of not using the slide stop to drop the slide, but rather inserting a full mag, and pulling the slide to the rear to let the slide stop drop and then let the slide fall.

And again, better magazines also often make a big difference.

 

[berkbw]

I suggest: compare, by eye, the angle of the hammer end of the cutout for the latch, and the angle of the latch, to another gun. I surmise that one or both of the faces are not angled right.

Whereas, a flick or two of a file will fix it, warranty work won't void the warranty.

b-

 

[nulfisin]

It shot pretty darn well

First, I don't want to release the slide and let it slide shut freely. I own a number of other semi-autos, including a CZ 75 with at least 10,000 rounds through it. The CZ does let me release the slide (I let it down slowly) with or without a mag in the gun. And I can get the slide release lever in without resorting to the "credit card" or "toothpick" trick. These tricks, by the way, do help the lever go in without much force.

That aside, this gun shot lights out. It was erratic for the first dozen or so rounds, but the groups tightened up right after that. The grips are great. I did have a few failures to feed, but I chalk that up to the ammo I was using. I hand load, but used factory rounds today. Most curious to see the groups with my home cooked loads.