Slide Stop Frustration

[StrongMedicine]

Seems overly difficult to put in my slide stop.

I've looked at the technical issues section on inserting the slide stop. It helped explain my frustration somewhat but really hasn't made it any easier.

I haven't scratched the slide yet...but I did nick the frame. :mad:

I have to get a blade or something to push in the plunger to get the stop to go in and to me this just seems to be a bit much. :butthead:

Am I doing something wrong or is this normal?

Several weeks ago, (one magical moment), it went right in without anything, and I can't figure out how to do that again. Darn it.

[Shipwreck]

The one on my TRP is the hardest one I have ever had to deal with in putting in - I need a 3rd hand to put mine in w/o scratching the frame - I have my wife use the end of an allen wrnch to push that little plunger part in so I can put the slide stop in. For some reason, the slide stop will not force the plunger pin in on it's own. This is my 4th 1911, and I've never had one that was this much of a pain in the butt.

I did scratch the frame despite my best attempts. But now that I have the little allen wrench trick worked out, I will be more careful when I get my gun back from Tripp Research after the refinishing it is getting. Won't do that again.

[Hunter]

When you are installing your slide stop be sure the frame notch is lined up correctly (it is the smaller notch closest to the rear of the slide) and if you notice the slide stop ramp that is activated by the magazine is angled you can use that angle to help push in the plunger tube and then push the slide stop in.

[StrongMedicine]

When you are installing your slide stop be sure the frame notch is lined up correctly (it is the smaller notch closest to the rear of the slide) and if you notice the slide stop ramp that is activated by the magazine is angled you can use that angle to help push in the plunger tube and then push the slide stop in.


The frame is lined up correctly, and I've tried to let the slide stop ramp do what it appears it should. But it just doesn't.

Should slide stops just pop right in or are they all somewhat finicky?

[Hunter]

The slide stop can be hard to get in especially if there is strong spring pressure on the plunger tube. I have some Colts that the slide stop will fall in and a few that take a little patience (namely my beloved Gold Cups). You are on the right track using the ramp on the slide stop to get it installed. It may just take some time to get it to act right. They can get aggravating I promise you.

[StrongMedicine]

Well at least I Know that I'm not alone!

[Shipwreck]

Well, like I said before, I've had other 1911s, and this one is the hardest to put in I have ever had. I think some may have a small dimple that makes the plunger go on easier. I guess the one on my TRP doesn't.

[scooter]

I had 1 that was next to impossible and finally shortened the pluger spring 2 coils with cutters. Ihad no problems after that but you might just try ordering a spring from brownells first. Maybe you've just got an overly stiff spring like mine was http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon10.gif(and check with tuner before cutting he may have better ideas

[Johnny Peppers]

It is not that unusual to find a GI .45 that the slide stop does not want to go back in. Normally the plunger is just sticking out too far to let the slide stop pass. I have a thin bladed screwdriver that I use to push the plunger in just slightly, and then the slide stop will go in.

[John]

A playing card can be used as well, or a small knife's blade.

[warmrain]

Thanks John, I like the idea of a non-marring tool. Maybe a credit card is too thick... but something along those lines... I've got two Kimbers and a Colt Officers that the slide stop will not push directly in without starting low and applying up and in pressure. The up pressure to get the plunger to retract the in pressure to get the slide stop in without having it slide up over the slide and scratch it...

[Hawkmoon]

I have tried a thin knife blade, a small screwdriver, a special tool Brownells sells for the purpose (didn't work worth spit!), and even my thumbnail. Some are just more finicky than others. On my most finicky example, so far the thumbnail has worked best.

[1911Tuner]

Use the small flat file in a needle file set...5 bucks at your loval flea market...
On the two walls on either side of the slot at the back, where the plunger pin
is hanging it up at the rear corners...file a light bevel to act as a camming surface that pushes the pin back into the plunger tube. File the bevel from the back of the stop toward the front. Use light strokes so it'll be a smooth cut. That should do it.

Hunter had the same problem on one of his pistols when he came to see me. Fixed it in about 30 seconds. Blew him slap away. :D

[StrongMedicine]

Thanks Tuner,
I'm going to take your advice and try it out in the morning.

Sure got quiet around here, almost silent, except the sh,sh,sh of light filing...

[DanR]

If putting the slide stop in is hard, does the safety go in easy? On mind the safety is the "bitch" and the slide stop is generally not that bad.