Top end binding

[torquemada055]

I got a new commander slide and match barrel for my 1911 project and it is binding when you try to rack the slide rearward and when it goes forward it binds again and fails to go into battery.

I thought maybe it was the rails but after lapping them and the problem still persists.
I have figured out that it is the locking lugs, but I dont know how to fix that problem.

There is plenty of room for everything else to move freely, but I really need help on this.

[niemi24s]

I got a new commander slide and match barrel for my 1911 project and it is binding when you try to rack the slide rearward and when it goes forward it binds again and fails to go into battery."Match barrel" usually implies one with oversized lower standing lugs which must be cut down so the slide stop pin supports the barrel vertically when in battery.

Remove the link and see if the gun goes to battery:

• If it doesn't, it probably means the lower lugs have not been cut or have not been cut enough.
• If it does go into battery (without the link) it probably means the link is too long - and that the lower standing lugs are not causing the problem.

P.S.: What kind of barrel is it?

[torquemada055]

The top of the barrel is stamped "Storm Lake 45 ACP".

[Hawkmoon]

Remove the link and see if the gun goes to battery:

• If it doesn't, it probably means the lower lugs have not been cut or have not been cut enough.
• If it does go into battery (without the link) it probably means the link is too long - and that the lower standing lugs are not causing the problem.
If it doesn't go into battery w/o the link, it could also mean that the spacing on the barrel lugs doesn't match up with the spacing on the slide lugs, creating an interference fit. Closely insect the edges and corners of the lugs to see if there's any evidence that the corners are being peened by being forced into battery.

[clughog]

Is there any chance the barrel hood is a tad too long? I'm assuming that the hood was checked when first fitting the barrel, but maybe not.

[niemi24s]

The top of the barrel is stamped "Storm Lake 45 ACP".According to their website, Storm Lake makes both drop-in and oversized barrels: which type did you get?

When the slide is removed from the gun and placed upside-down with the barrel and bushing installed, when the barrel's in the battery position does the barrel go all the way "up" into the slide for maximum vertical engagement without any binding?

[torquemada055]

I got the drop in one, and Yes when it is dismounted from the frame it goes into battery without any problem.
But, I did discover while idly standing there that if I tryt o drop my barrel down through the bushing that it hangs up aproximately 1/4" from the muzzle and wont budge without forcing it..

Is it time for me to feel like Homer Simpson?

[niemi24s]

Don't feel bad. Homer visits me quite often!

Cheers