Slide stop issue...am I an idiot?

[Mandelin]

I just got a new GSR. I am not new to 1911s, I have a Springfield through which I have put many, many rounds (too high to count). So I disassembled to clean, and on reassembly, got to the near end of putting the slide stop back in. Cannot do it. I took the slide off and used a paring knife and depressed the spring, and only then would it go it, but even then the top of the slide stop went above where the frame would be. In other words, when I put the slide back on, and tried the same maneuver, the top of the slide stop would not 'align' with the hole. I have a $1,000 brick on my cabinet. Any suggestions?

[rduckwor]

Sounds like something was not put back together right. New GSR's are VERY tight and I have difficulty getting my slide stop past the plunger tube pin. A little oil on it helps.

How hard was it to remove the slide stop?

Try it again and don't get frustrated. Which spring are you depressing? You don't have a magazine in the frame do you? If so, take it out. Good Luck and let us know what you find.

[BluegrazzGuy]

Does your Springfield have a full length guide rod or the "normal" length guide rod? What about your GSR? I have a Sig Rev C# and it has the "normal" length guide rod and my Springfield is a full length guide rod. You reassemble them differently. Check your manual.

I apologize if you are aware of all this, but it is best to start with the basics.

[Dimarini]

Just a thought, if this is too basic let me know, is the slide pulled back so that the reassembly hole is lined up with the slide stop?

[Mandelin]

Neither the GSR nor the Springer have the FLGR. Removing the slide stop was pretty easy, but roger that on the tightness of the gun...very tight, and very dry. Yes, I have everything lined as it should...simply cannot get the slide stop in. I know it is in the barrel link because I cannot move the slide back more than a half inch or so when it is in. Argh! Also, in my attempts, I have some scratches, albeit minor. Unfortunately, like most of America I have to go back to work today, so I will fiddle with it again tonight. Good suggestions, all...please keep them coming.

[rduckwor]

O.K. We'll talk tonight. When you get the time to fool with it, try this:

Put the slide back on the frame WITHOUT the recoil spring, guide rod and barrel. Work on getting the slide stop into position without all the hardware in the way. I'll bet you plunger pin is the hold up.

Good Luck,

RMD

[G-Dawg]

I had the same problem at first. Try pushing in and up at the same time, that works for me.

[JonCombatCdrGSR]

It IS a tight fit, with a somewhat powerful (relatively speaking!) plunger tube spring accentuating the difficulty in reassembling. I carefully line things up, and use a thin brass blade to push in the plunger tube pin, and the slide stop will then "click in" its position with a little pressure.

Best, Jon

[Mandelin]

Thanks to all. After a 'relaxing' day at work and some fresh eyes/hands, got it done. Now with all of the manhandling, I need to break her apart and re-lube!

[Dimarini]

Something I have noticed on some guns they have a more rounded off plunger pin, these are much easier to insert the slide stop. The ones with a more squared off pin are very difficult for me and usually require a small blade to get the slide stop past the pin.

[rduckwor]

Thanks to all. After a 'relaxing' day at work and some fresh eyes/hands, got it done. Now with all of the manhandling, I need to break her apart and re-lube!

Well practice makes perfect. Glad you beat the beast into submission.

Take it out and shoot it and tell us how it compares to past loves.

RMD

[Don]

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for what it's worth, I often use a small plastic mallet ... or even a small block of wood to tap the thing in place........and I almost never have the recoil spring in place yet before doing that ..... I have used almost anything which will not scratch the gun

Note once it starts getting easier, it is time to replace the little spring in the plunger tube..... I ususally buy 'rebuild' kits for 1911's in blue and s.s. from Brownells for approx $15 or $20 {'Ed Brown' brand...so I know the parts are good}...it has all the little pins and springs...so if you lose one, you likely have a spare, ....it saved my butt a few times !

Don

[XGunslinger]

It IS a tight fit, with a somewhat powerful (relatively speaking!) plunger tube spring accentuating the difficulty in reassembling. I carefully line things up, and use a thin brass blade to push in the plunger tube pin, and the slide stop will then "click in" its position with a little pressure.

Best, Jon
Pushing the pin in works the best. The plunger spring is extremely strong, which is good, and the fact that the slide stop is round doesn't give you any purchase. I use a plastic cleaning rod to push it in a little, and it works. Will try your blade idea next time. Thinner is better as you only need a bit of push to get the stop into the hole. My Hi-power is so much easier to fieldstrip it's like night and day. Well, 1911s...you live with it, I guess. :butthead: