Mag latch lock problem (1911)

[madcritter]

had a API-Pahrump 1911 frame lying around for several years. Been working on it off and on. OK wichaka where you at ?
Installing mag release button I had to 600 grit sand paper the fool out of the frame hole to get the mag button not to stick. Now am at the pointing of getting the locking latch to turn in place to lock. it's a no go........ Am thinking of taking a dremel cut off wheel and wear it down to the size to fit in the mag release hole in the frame (lock side) and then insert it and make small cuts in the lock grove and see if I can get it to fit in the grove that way. Need suggestions or is this going to be about the best way to cut the grove a little deeper. ( I took a mag release out of another of my 45's and it was to tight also so was frame)

[1911Tuner]

Whoa Nellie! Put the Dremel down and back away slowly...and nobody gets hurt.

There's a spec issue there in the frame. Before you file or grind on anything, check the lock for burrs or sharp edges...and do the same in the lock's camming slot. Since the catch was tight in the hole, it may be that the hole is mislocated, and the lock is too long to engage in the slot. Stone the end of
the lock lightly and try it again. One or two strokes at a time, and be careful not to square the end off or make a sharp corner on it. It'll probably be a trial-and-error exercise, so take your time.

Some mag catch/frame combos allow easy engagement, and others are a little more persnickety. See if you can find just the right sweet spot that'll let in engage. Sometimes there's a fine line between engaging and not engaging.

Luck!

Tuner

[wichaka]

Yes............for the love of GOD!.........put away the dremel!

I've had a few builds I've done for people where some of the off brand frames..........were.........a bit off spec.

Like Tuner said..........check both the mag release housing and lock for burrs. Lightly dress down any burrs found. Don't force the lock when it gets close, it should be an easy turn to engage it.

Slowly dress down the lock. If you do something wrong to it, its cheaper to replace than the frame.

Also I've seen a few frames mangled when the owner thought the catch was hanging up on the frame..........when it was only the catch spring hanging up inside. Sometimes the spring needs to be rotated a bit to work properly.

Let us know how it goes.............

[madcritter]

OK, guys dremel is back in the box will get out the stone. Like I said this spring and lock is from another of my 45's it works fine in it. but when I change it to this unit it hangs. Wil stone it nice and slow between checks.

Thanks for the help will let you know how she goes.

[1911Tuner]

Whew! That was close...Take the Dremel out of the box and walk out into the street. Lay it down and hit it with a hammer...5 or 6 times should do it.
Now! Let's get to work on that pistole'. :D

[stans]

Now wait a minute there Tuner. The Dremel is a very important tool. There is no gun problem known to man that can't be made worse with a Dremel! :D

[madcritter]

OK guys I think you are pocking fun at my itibit dermel. It's back in it's box and I got out the stone for tomorrow morning. 1911tuner I see you are in NC I am costal NC below Wilmington.
I do tank you guys for the advice ( some I'll keep next to the grain of salt) I'm not to proud to ask.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy madcritter,

I'm about 15 miles north of Winston-Salem, and 20 miles south of Mt.Airy...
the "real" Mayberry, NC...for all you Andy and Barney fans. I can see Pilot Mountain...aka Mount Pilot... from the roof of my house. Ya'll come on up and set a spell. We'll leave the light on for ya. :cool:

[madcritter]

I was watch Andy before there were anything called re-runs

[1911Tuner]

I was watch Andy before there were anything called re-runs

Yep...Me also!

[madcritter]

OK, stuck watching Pvt. Ryan in the vcr at 11:45 AM. took sping latch lock and fine stone in hand. 10 in and outs later about the time they get the wrong Pvt Ryan I inserted the mag release and it works. A itbiti sticky but is working good holds and release mag.

Thanks guys for the help.
Next frame I buy will be of better quality. If I can find one some here in NC close to me. the guy who had the pawn shop who would get lowers and frames etc for me went out of business. Nearest thing I got is Jims Pawn 40 miles away and everything he has is gold plated. Ok now to go put in the new sear spring UPS just delivered.

[1911Tuner]

Ahhhh...Another satisfied customer. :cool:

High-Five, Wichaka!

[madcritter]

1911tuner do you know of any reasonable dealers in NC that sell 1911 frames. Before retiring last May I went by the SO and picked up a few permits. I go from the coast up to Pigeon Forge 3 or 4 times a year and am about due another trip.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy wildcritter,

Don't know of any that sell bare frames, but several will receive a new one and transfer it via your permit. Check Brownells for a list of frames...I'd go with Caspian. They're fairly pricey, but not unreasonably so...and they're
top-quality frames. They can also supply you with a machined forging at a little higher pirce, but their investment cast frames have given very little problem...and if they do. they're guaranteed. They also offer matched slide and frame setsin various stages of fitting, up to 100%. You can call Caspian directly if you'd rather go that route.

Now...If ya go to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg on I-40, you'll pass within 15-16 miles of me...Stop by and have a cuppa Turbocoffee. Caveat: Tuner's Turbocoffee is not for the squeamish. :cool:

[wichaka]

Ahhhh...Another satisfied customer. :cool:

High-Five, Wichaka!


...........Slap! ;)

[madcritter]

just sent email to Caspian.

[madcritter]

got to the range with this peace from here peace from there 1911. Worked fine except for some mag feed problems and was fairly acurate.