Slide not locking back on SA 1911

[fstdraw]

I have a 2014 vintage Springfield Armory 1911 A1. I've replaced the plunger spring and the slide release with Wilson parts. Slide will not lock either on the last round OR with a mag inserted empty. Those of you in the know, please a bit of advice. It appears to me the slide release is not raising up to grab the notch in the slide.

Gun shoots and functions well. All mags are Colt or Kimber.

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[VinnieBoomBah]

I've found Willson parts to be a bit rough and in need of gentle polishing. I would check to make sure there are no burrs on the slide stop where it is against the frame and the back end were the plunger spring contacts it. While you are at it make sure the shaft isn't binding, often times they come oversized for a custom fit

 

[fstdraw]

Excellent advice, I'll do it.
Also is there a chance the slide could be worn a bit, not letting the slide release catch?

 

[TTSX]

Excellent advice, I'll do it.
Also is there a chance the slide could be worn a bit, not letting the slide release catch?

That would have to be worn a lot-a-bit for the slide to not allow a catch to work

 

[Koda]

Excellent advice, I'll do it.
Also is there a chance the slide could be worn a bit, not letting the slide release catch?

The notch would have to be really rounded off to ride over the slide stop lever, especially a new slide stop lever. Some 1911 afficianodes wont use the slide stop as a slide release for this reason but Ive never actually heard of a case of the slide stop notch wearing out.


The probable culprit is worn magazine springs or bad or worn magazine followers, if they are equally old as the gun and seen a lot of use. Another thing to check is the slide stop plunger and make sure its moving freely and not bound up, take the slide off and see if the slide stop lever moves the plunger easily. The force of the magazine spring is supposed to overcome the plunger detent.

 

[1775usmc]

Have you tried other magazines to ensure it's not a mag issue?

Was this a problem before installing the new part?

 

[TTSX]

Now that you've installed one Wilson part, you need to install a Wilson barrel, Wilson trigger, Wilson springs, a Wilson frame, a Wilson volleyball, a Wilson magazine, a Wilson barrel bushing, Wilson grips....

 

[fstdraw]

LOL.

Old part did the same thing. I'm removing material from the old part by smoothing it out, I think it's going to work better. I'll let you know tomorrow. Thank you guys.

Of the 12 mags I have most are fairly new. I will go to Sportsmans Hohouse in the morn and investing a new mag or two.

 

[VinnieBoomBah]

I have 50 year old mags that I've shot countless rounds through, been in a basement flood, never changed a spring and they all run fine. I would be shocked if it's you mags

 

[roseburger]

Wilson parts are all oversized so they can be hand fit. The slide stop isn't typically a drop in part.

 

[monks]

Are you running shock buffers in this gun? That can cause the problem you're experiencing.

 

[fstdraw]

No shock buffers.

I removed a lot of material off the rear (inside) of the slide stop. Started with 120 grit and worked to 600 wet/dry. Removed the factory casting marks and more. Mirror finish now and it slides nicely. Of 12 mags, 4 were iffy on the last round hold open. I just took them a part and lengthened the springs an inch or so and all mags work perfect now. Slide stop lever moves up and down easily and is held up by the mag spring pressure.

Thank you everyone!!! I could not find an answer on the web. I did find the answers I needed here. Why go any further than NWFA?

Thanks again.

 

[64MercurysRule]

Sounded like there was too much rear slide lock pressure that is fighting the free upward movement to lock slide . Taking off/ smoothing rear surface material relieves pressure . More mag spring length overcomes the lock resistance . The barrel link might be tight from an new oversized slide lock shaft . New spring might be longer creating more pressure and safety stiffness vs old spring . Many things at play .

 

[fstdraw]

Yes 64Merc, I did reduce the shaft diameter very slightly and polished it smooth.

 

[TTSX]

Yes 64Merc, I did reduce the shaft diameter very slightly and polished it smooth.

That's going in a certain thread and you know it.

 

[fstdraw]

LOL!