1911 Slide Release Problem

ridgleyart

I took my Springfield 1911 apart for cleaning like I've done a number of times. After putting it together the slide release has become nearly impossible to operate, I mean it takes nearly all my weight pushing it down on the corner of a marble table to get it to release. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

rufe-snow

You might check the slide stop plunger. To make sure it's not binding in the plunger tube. Check for movement of the plunger. It should move easily. It is always also possible, that the plunger tube has loosened from the side of the receiver causing binding?

Locust Fork

If nobody has pointed this out to you the "slide release" isn't really meant to be just pressed down and its actually bad for your gun to let it slam closed. Its one of those tv things, you see people do it and everyone just thinks this is how things work.

jimdeere

1911’s never need cleaning, once you get it working, don’t mess with it.

ridgleyart

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll be giving it a check.

badchris

Had a similar problem with a Colt and the plunger tube was slightly loose. Though it was only very gritty & tight to drop the lock I could do it while holding the gun sometimes using my support hand to help. Nowhere near what you are describing!

Grunt2

https://forums.gunbroker.com/discussion/comment/11234630#Comment_11234630

Letting a 1911 slam on an empty chamber is BAD...dropping the slide release on chambering a round is NOT bad...

my 2cents...

navc130

The slide-stop plunger is the only part bearing on the slide-stop. It can be improperly re-assembled. Examine the interaction closely.

montanajoe

Forge, is it possible to miss the barrel link with the slide release pin and still be able assemble the gun?

@forgemonkey

Ricci.Wright

I'm not Bill but yes you could miss the link but that would not cause the problem he is having. It just wouldn't hold the barrel in place.

montanajoe

ah,O.K.

montanajoe

Thanks Forge, I'm going to try that.