Raymond759

Good afternoon folks:

I've had this pistol for a few years and have around 500 rounds down the pipe. The only modification I've done is to replace the sear spring with a Cylinder & Slide sear spring. With ball ammo, I've had no issues, although JHP are less reliable.

Here's the issue I am having, and I hope that you all can help me fix it!

I took this pistol out of the safe and did a standard field strip to lubricate it. I do so every three months if I have shot it or not (always cleaned after shooting). Upon reassembly, when I insert the slide stop, I cannot rack the slide, it feels "jammed". If I push the slide stop out a bit, but it is still under the plunger and through to the right side of the frame, the pistol racks just fine.

I don't see any "bright" spots from rubbing, and I am clueless. I realize that I can call SA's customer service and return it to them to fix, but this should be something relatively simple.

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Alabaster

Missing the hole in the barrel link as it passes thru the frame. Frame, then barrel link, then other side of the frame. ??? That'd be my guess. What's the "clean it and lube it every 3 months weather I shot it or not" line? 3 mos without shooting that thing?! I think we've found the real problem....

Raymond759

Thank you Alabaster for your response. I'm now up to 4 1911's, 2 Feg hi-power clones, 1 Glock 34, a Kimber 22 conversion slide for the 1911's, and a Ruger LC9. I do wish I could get them all a workout all the time, but that's not in the cards for right now. Although I like your thinking...

Regarding the barrel link, I have been using a punch to line it up with the holes in the frame before putting in the slide lock. It's got to be something else.

Alabaster

Hahahaha.... I was just pokin' fun. Glad you've got a sense of humor. And a nice pistol collection!

I don't know that "Bright spots" would really lead you to the culprit here, anyways. There really are quite a few things to look at here. Do you have any of Kunhausen's Shop Manuals(2), by any chance? Those or wjkuleck's 1911 Complete Assembly Guide are highly recommended reads. They'll point you towards many different possibilities, and the best way(s) to address them. If not, I'm sure we can muster the energy to give an idea or two, but if you're going to be undertaking this level of troubleshooting, I'd say those 3 books are as important as your bushing wrench.

Raymond759

Alabaster:

A couple of things. I called SA customer service. The representative asked a technician who stated that I should return the pistol as this is not a common issue. They authorized a FEDX priority overnight shipping label and I've sent it to them. I hope that they describe the problem solution to me.

I've also ordered a copy of Wjkuleck's book so that I may have better insight to the next esoteric issue that comes up. Thank you for the suggestions. I intend to update you all when I get the pistol back.

With best regards,

Ray

FMJ armory

is the guide rod the full size or GI? I have seen some customers sometimes have something similar to this and it was the GI guide rod, it was slightly turned, not allowing the slide to back fully. Just my .02

Alabaster

Careful with wjkuleck's book. I started reading it and couldn't put it down for almost a week until I finished it. Then, of course, after learning a couple of the "tricks" in there, I had to jump in and start a couple mods that I had done the "Hard way" before. I wish I'd have had that book a decade ago when I had plenty of money and time to spend on projects!

Raymond759

This is NOT the GI guide rod, it is full sized, double springed, and has a little clip-on, plastic take down tool. I hope to have the pistol back in a couple of weeks and provide updates.

Thank you for providing your input!

Ray

Raymond759

The "plenty of money and time" would be well appreciated here! Alabaster, I feel that we have a few characteristics in common!

I still appreciate your suggestions and look forward to receiving this book and tearing through it too!

Ray

Raymond759

Here's an update. On Friday, a customer service rep phoned saying that they've fixed the pistol. The only information I have received so far stated that the slide stop has been replaced and a burr inside the slide stop opening was removed (wonder where exactly). The pistol should arrive here on Tuesday, hopefully no more negative issues.

The "WHY" the problem happened will probably never be known to me.

Thanks for the participation in this thread.

With best regards,

Ray

one eye joe

DAAMN Raymond, IMHO that's excellent customer service. Wring that puppy out when you get it back and give us a report. BTW, we LOVE pictures.........

Raymond759

Dear Mr. One Eye Joe:

I have a photo to share, but still waiting for FEDX to deliver the pistol back. Here it is, stock except for the replacement of the sear spring to a C & S. I have, and plan to install a skeletonized commander hammer and a Wilson "drop-in" beavertail grip safety, and blued hex screws (Wilson).

one eye joe

That's a handsome pistol, Raymond. I LOVE the custom touches you have planned........

Raymond759

SA was good to their word and it arrived today. Paperwork states that the slidestop was replaced and a burr was removed inside the "slidestop window". In addition, they apparently test fired it too! I went to the range and put a few mags downrange without a hiccup.

I cannot praise SA's customer service, shipping policy, warranty service, and turnaround time ENOUGH! They are AWESOME.

This being Veteran's Day week, I'd especially like to thank all of you Vets for your service to your country (and ME!). That makes you AWESOME!

Take care and shoot straight,

Ray

Raymond759

Dear Mr. One Eye Joe:

I got to fitting the new hammer and grip safety today. The hammer, a S&W from Midwayusa cost only $8.59! Blued with "white" sides. I polished up the sides and trued the full-cock notch, and it was wonderful. Appears identical to the hammer on my Kimber Custom II. The Wilson Combat "drop-in" grip safety required significant fitting to clear the trigger bow. I took my time, not wanting to remove too much. Now fits well and trigger feels great.

I replaced the grip screws for hex head. Now that the photo has been taken, I noticed that one of the screws is of the "engraved" type. I haven't decided if I want to bother to have that one screw sent back and exchanged.

The photo is below and rather large. The "before" photo is earlier in the thread.

Happy Veteran's Day and thank you for those who've served and their familes.

Ray

one eye joe

BEAUTIFUL, Ray. If you had not mentioned the difference in screws, I doubt that I would have noticed it. BTW---Thanks for the kind words.......

Raymond759

Hoping not to bore you all too much with the details, but.... I called Midway and talked to their customer service folks. They were extrordinary. They listened and offered to send out a replacement set of hex screws at no-cost to me without returning the others. They've been sent already.

Another example of excellent customer service.

Thanks for listening.

one eye joe

Such a pleasure when companies actually provide "customer service"......

Alabaster

True. That's one thing you know about Potterfield and the Midway gang. They will not tolerate 2nd rate customer service. They are very good to deal with, IMO. I love that gun, man. Raymond759, I think I'd have gone for all engraved screws, personally. It goes against all I believe in on a 1911, but for some reason I dig em. I'd really like em on a parkerized or blued gun in stainless. I've taken to running all stainless bits on my 1911 for some reason. I like the look of it.