need help reassembling my 1911

[swatmedic]

*****if this is in the wrong place, please move it****

I need help with my sw1911 5" SS. I bought this gun used, and since I couldn't waite to shoot it, I brought it to the range and put about 100 rounds downrange, this gun is an excellent shooter,. I then field stripped it and cleaned it. The problem is that I can not get the slide past the firing pin safety lever. I can not get this lever to depress low enough for the slide to pass over it. Is there a trick I can try? I have a return authorization from S&W, but I would hate to send it out if this is just a simple problem. The gun didn't appear dirty when I bought it, so I assume it was field stripped by the previous owner.
Thanks for any help you can give me

[AKsRule]

Manual from S&W

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/1911_Manual.pdf

Download it , READ IT. (yes there is a test ;) )

And start reading up on your weapon , this forum is a great place to
start :)

[Hawkmoon]

Well, a question like this could have gone here, under "Maintenance," or in the S&W forum. Here's as good as any, since we do dedicate this forum to messin' up your 1911 and it appears you're well on your way. :)

The S&W uses the Swartz firing pin safety system. This relies on the grip safety to activate the safety plunger, so I'm guessing that either you have the grip safety depressed when you shouldn't, or you don't have it depressed when you should.

[swatmedic]

I did read the manual, before I began to field strip the gun, again during the process, and several times since then. The problem is the firing pin safety lever will not depress far enough. there is still about 1-2 millimeters showing above the frame, and I can not depress it any further. I dont think I depressed the grip safety during this process, but I can't guarantee that. , for testing purposes the manual states not to depress the grip safety during installation.

Any other suggestions