Sore Thumbs

[adam12]

OK, I've sung the blues elsewhere here about how I hit a bad stretch almost 20 years ago and had to sell 95% of my extensive gun "collection". Part of those were 3 Colt Gold Cups and a beater Colt 1911 I picked up for $150 (but would probably cost 800 bucks by the looks of things these days).

Anyway, I've been back for awhile and built up a lot of longarms, mostly old British double shotguns and double rifles. The only handgun I've had for carry was my old Colt Detective Special in a Milt Sparks form-fitted holster.

Well I've been going a little bonkers the past few weeks buying up Custom Ruger Bisleys and finally, 2 sr1911's - a full 5 and a Commander, which I picked up today.

I just put them in the safe after playing around with them for about a half/hour, a short time because it's been a killer day and I'm beat and I'd rather go over new guns when I'm fresh and awake and have lotsa time.

Alright, I'm beating around the bush. The main reason I'm writing is I don't know if my problem is old age or the pistols need break in time or what, but the slide releases are giving me the most unholy trouble in the world! I mean, I FINALLY am able to get the CMDR's slide release down (with 2 thumb pressure) and I STILL have not been able to push the full 5's slide release down to make the slide, DUH, release!

I cannot for the life of me understand it! These guns look beautiful, easily made so well they're better than some more expensive 1911's, but I'm hung up on the slide release!

Did I lose virile thumb strength in the past 20+ years? Has anybody out there experienced a similar problem that magically went away after X number of rounds were blasted through?

I need some help, guys, and I hope it's in the form of good advice. Both my thumbs are serrated down through the epidermis about 7 layers!!

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Are you trying to release the slide with an empty magazine in the gun?
If so, read the op manual again.

 

[adam12]

God Bless Ya, Chuck! Haste makes waste, and not bothering reading the manual thinking I remembered everything about a 1911 when I hadn't shot one in over 20 years is just D-U-M-B.

I'm going to bed now. G'night

 

[1911Tuner]

You shouldn't be lettin' that slide fly without ammunition in the magazine anyway.

 

[Snake45]

You shouldn't be lettin' that slide fly without ammunition in the magazine anyway.

True. :wink:

Tripping the slide release on an empty mag will be more difficult than tripping it with a loaded mag or no mag at all.

It IS possible however that you have a minor problem with the gun. The slide stop plunger might be sticking or stiff in its tube, or there might be some adjustment necessary to the rear face of the slide stop. Someone who knows 1911s should be able to sort out the problem and fix it in minutes.

 

[adam12]

Thanks, guys! I'm still amazed that I completely forgot some of the details that go with the 1911. I mean, it has been over 20 years since I shot my Colts but on the other hand it seems like some details should just stick in the memory. Well, I've never been 60 before so there's always that(!)

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I`m 68 , 50 years ago I was an Army trained small arms repairman. I could disassemble and reassemble a 1911 in my sleep. Since then I have only owned a couple 1911`s and never did hang on to one for very long. A year ago I discovered Ruger was making them. Now I own 4 and really do enjoy the old warhorse again.
That said, I had forgotten most of what I had learned at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and in my 2 1/2 years in Germany working in the Battalion level repair shop.
None of us know it all. We all can and do learn new things daily or we have a closed mind. Sometimes we just cant see the Forrest for the trees. LOL !!

 

[adam12]

God Bless you again, Chuck! You seem to have gained a good share of wisdom in your 68 years.

 

[SweetWilliam]

I just asked this same question on another forum because I just picked up a ruger cmd & noticed the same thing. I also have a gold cup & it doesn't do it with that.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I bet your magazines for the COLT have much softer springs in them.

 

[SweetWilliam]

I bet your magazines for the COLT have much softer springs in them.

You were correct
The 8rd. Colt mags. do have weaker springs.

 

[loaded round]

I enjoyed reading all the comments posted regarding the slide release difficulties regarding the SR1911. I've owed my Ruger for other 21/2 years now since I probably got one of the first ones to hit my area. I too, experienced difficulties releasing the slide on an empty Ruger magazine, and after having Ruger replace both magazines, I just assumed it was just 'the nature of the beast''. However I also discovered that all my Colt marked empty mags worked perfectly in my SR1911 so I was once again happy. BTW, I just reread my SR1911 manual and there is nothing in it about releasing the slide on an empty magazine.

 

[D_Gunner]

Another way to release the slide is to pull back and then release the slide. I never release my slide on a empty chamber.Colt manufacturing says slam away on a colt.I just don't do it on a empty chamber.Just my opinion

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I also let the slide down gently on an empty chamber. No need to abuse it.