SW 1911Sc Plunger Tube

[PUPP86]

Have an early model SW 1911 Sc (purchased in 2007), with well over 3k rounds through it with no issues. I've only had to replace a recoil spring once and that was just for the heck of it.

Maybe it's because I'm currently laid up from back surgery and have too much time on my hands but I stripped it down today to give it a good once over when I noticed a "slight" wiggle to my plunger tube.

When I say "slight" you almost have to forcefully push it up or down and even then the movement is almost non-existent but it is present. The tube is tight to the frame in that there is no in / out movement. With the grips in place and the thumb safety installed the "slight" wiggle is gone.

In reading posts here and elsewhere, I'm thinking I should have the tube re-staked. However, when I called SW this afternoon, I was told not to worry too much about it as there isn't any in / out movement and only the slight up / down which again goes away when the grips are back on. The guy also indicated that while I could send it back, the shipping both ways would be on my dime and the estimated turn around is 4-6 weeks.

So, what would you do ?

1) Note the situation and keep an eye on it?
2) Send it back to SW?
3) Try to find a reputable smith (next to impossible in the Chicago area) and get it re-staked?

 

[Kp321]

Strip the pistol to the bare frame, clean the plunger tube area with brake cleaner, and apply red LocTite while wiggling the tube. Clamp and leave for a few days before reassembly. Be sure to wipe all excess LocTite off before reassembling. Needless to say, don't get any inside the tube.

 

[BBBBill]

Re-staking works for a while. Better to replace it with a new long rivet plunger tube. The usual reason they come loose is insufficient relief to flare the rivets. The holes need to be opened up slightly on the inside of the mag well to allow the tips to flare adequately to hold. You can do the job yourself quite easily. You can rent/borrow a staking tool.

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...tools/plunger-tube-staking-tool-prod9489.aspx

rc

 

[Drail]

Yup. It came loose because the installation is poorly done and it will just keep coming loose. You have to flare the holes inside the frame and the legs must be long enough to have enough metal to flare out. Get that straightened out and stake a new one on and it will last forever. I have guns that I staked the sights on 30 years ago and they are just as tight as when I did them. The vise grip tool from Brownells works well.

 

[Jim K]

In the situation you describe, you can state that plunger tube without a special tool. Just remove the magazine, grip and slide, and rest the gun on its side with the tube on something solid but non-marring like a wood block. Use a thin center punch inserted from the "top" to stake the "bottom" of the rivet. Don't be shy; whack it good. I see no reason it should come loose again or require a new tube.

Jim

 

[PUPP86]

Thank you all for the advise. Ended up finding a somewhat local smith that was happy to help. Nice and tight now. Hope it holds.