1911 mags not dropping with slide locked back

[strickj]

This gun has always done this but it's never really bother me that much. But, it's raining, and I'm board so I might just fix it today if I can get some answers.

The symptoms:

Empty mags will not drop freely when the slide is locked back.

Empty mags will drop freely when the slide is forward.

Now, if I pull the trigger and press the mag release in combination together, then the mags will drop.

Brand of mags do not matter. It does it on all of them.

Not sure if this matters, but there are a few upgrades including an Ed Brown hardcore slide stop, 22 lb. Wolff spring kit, and a Fusion adjustable trigger.

I've searched Google but am only finding stuff like 'grip screws are too long'.

Any ideas?

Edited January 5, 2011 by strickj

[timcalhoun]

It's usually one of 3 areas...........2 of which you have new parts.

1. Slide stop and magazine follower relationship. Sometimes the follower will roll up on the slide stop enough to hold the mag there.

2. Trigger bow is a tad too narrow and is putting friction on the sides of the mag.

3. Mag release is making contact with the mag when mag release is pushed.

It seems to be pointing toward the trigger bow since it seems to work with the trigger pressed. But without the gun in my hand it's hard to say for sure.

[strickj]

It's usually one of 3 areas...........2 of which you have new parts.

1. Slide stop and magazine follower relationship. Sometimes the follower will roll up on the slide stop enough to hold the mag there.

2. Trigger bow is a tad too narrow and is putting friction on the sides of the mag.

3. Mag release is making contact with the mag when mag release is pushed.

It seems to be pointing toward the trigger bow since it seems to work with the trigger pressed. But without the gun in my hand it's hard to say for sure.

Thanks!

It will not release with just the trigger being pressed. The trigger has to be pressed while the mag release is being pressed.

While inserting mags I can feel a slight resistance when the mag reaches the trigger.

Is it possible to lightly file the trigger down in that area without affecting strength?

[timcalhoun]

Thanks!

It will not release with just the trigger being pressed. The trigger has to be pressed while the mag release is being pressed.

While inserting mags I can feel a slight resistance when the mag reaches the trigger.

Is it possible to lightly file the trigger down in that area without affecting strength?

Well, I would want to put it on a trigger stirrup and make sure everything is straight first, but you can remove material as well. It probably wont take much.

[RWF]

i am not a gun smith but i would not file on the trigger bar,s can't you adjust/bend the bow just a little to make it wider?

tim can the trigger bars be widen?

Edited January 5, 2011 by RWF

[timcalhoun]

i am not a gun smith but i would not file on the trigger bar,s can't you adjust/bend the bow just a little to make it wider?

I would never bend the bow without a stirrup. You can take a file to it but as I said before, I would want to put it on a stirrup to make sure it is straight first. I've seen more than one new trigger from the factory needing straightened.

[strickj]

Ok, while inserting\removing the mag;

pulling the trigger does not ease the resistance.

Pressing the mag release does ease the resistance but just slightly.

Pressing the mag release and pulling the trigger together removes all resistance.

Should also note that this trigger is not new. I've put roughly 1000 rounds through it. Not sure how many were fired by the first owner.

Edited January 5, 2011 by strickj

[timcalhoun]

Ok, while inserting\removing the mag;

pulling the trigger does not ease the resistance.

Pressing the mag release does ease the resistance but just slightly.

Pressing the mag release and pulling the trigger together removes all resistance.

Should also note that this trigger is not new. I've put roughly 1000 rounds through it. Not sure how many were fired by the first owner.

I'm still guessing it's the trigger bow. Take the top end off. Take the mag release out of the gun and then insert a mag and see if you still get resistance.

[Dolomite_supafly]

To determine what it is do this.

Remove the mag release. To remove it push it in about 1/2 way then turn the screw countermclockwise. You may have to push it in a little or let it out a little. The screw will remain captured and not screw out but turn about 1/4 turn.

Once the mag catch is out insert the mag flush with the slide locked back. If it doesn't drop free then it is the trigger bow. If it does then it is the magazine catch.

To fix the magazine catch file the nose of the part that catches the mag with a few strokes of a flie then reinstall and try to release the mag. Continue to do this a few strokes of a file at a time.

To fix the bow the gun must be disassembled pretty much completely but once you have the trigger out tweaking the bow is straight forward.

Not sure how often you are in Knoxville but if you are I'll be glad to help you fix your pistol.

Dolomite

Edited January 5, 2011 by Dolomite_supafly

[peejman]

Since I'm generally 1911 ignorant, googled a little to see what the heck you guys are talking about and found this... which was quite informative and addresses this problem. GunTech : Another Low Buck 1911 Build - Part 1 - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools If helpful, then I'm glad. If not, well... carry on.