Slide stop sticks

[shucks]

After a trip to the range, I tried to take my essex "pieced together" apart, and found the slide release wouldnt budge. It shot fine, but when I took the barrel bushing out, and went to remove the stop, it wouldnt come out. I went so far as to try to push it out from the other side, but I would move maybe a 1/32 of an inch and stop. I put it down, and went to it the next day, and it came right out. After the next seession, it did the same thing. It looks like maybe the spiring by the safety that holds the stop in position might have something to do with it, but I used a lot of pressure, and I would like to think that little spring couldn't have been the culprit. Any advice on the problem?

[1911Tuner]

Howdy shucks,

If the plunger wasn't getting caught in the slot between the inner lug and the release pad, the only other explanation...not bein' able to see the gun...is that the takedown notch is too small to let the top of the stop get past it.
I've run into that on some guns after peening the frame rails to lower the slide. The fix is to use a round needle file to deepen the notch. To remove the stop...Rap on the end of the pin with a small plastic hammer after you make sure it's aligned. The small amount that it will move should line it up well enough to knock out.

Do NOT file on the top of the lug. If you get it too short, the stop will walk out when it's not lined up with the takedown notch.

[shucks]

Thanks tuner,I dont think it's the takedown notch though, I have plenty of clearance there, and the issue only arose twice. Its almost like the barrel link, or the frame doesn't want to let go of it when its dirty or hot from shooting. After putting it back together after a good cleaning, it comes apart with no problem. COuld there be an expansion problem from the parts heating up after only 100 or so rounds?
I'm starting to think my 1911 is haunted.

[1911Tuner]

Not likely that heat would expand things and hang'em up. If it moves a little ways and stops, the next most likely issue is the plunger pin getting caught in the slot between lug and thumb pad. Happens a lot these days. Use a small, flat Swiss file to lightly bevel the rear edges so as to form a camming surface for the plunger. Both sides. It can hang up comin' and goin'.