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Thread: Slide will lock open on an empty mag, but not on a mag that has been shot empty.

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    29th December 2016
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    Slide will lock open on an empty mag, but not on a mag that has been shot empty.

    American Classic II, 5", 9mm. 3 Metro Arms mags, one Mec Gar mag.

    Originally the slide wouldn't lock open on any mags so I:

    switched out the slide lock for a new OEM lock
    replaced all springs with Wolff extra power springs
    will replace Metro followers with Mec Gars followers

    The new slide lock does hold the slide open when racking the slide on any of the mags when they are inserted empty, but when I shoot them empty, the slide goes into battery after the last shot.

    I have a stock recoil spring, no frame buffer, no guide rod, light oiling on the moving parts, so there shouldn't be anything causing the slide of overpower the slide lock.

    Any ideas are appreciated!

  2. #2
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    Is there any chance your thumb could be riding the slide stop? I've seen it happen with some straight thumb or even high thumb holds.
    "Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you." --Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

  3. #3
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    No, I specifically kept my thumbs away from the slide lock.

  4. #4
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    In that case, I recommend trying another brand of magazine before making any changes to the pistol. CheckMate Industries (CMI); Wilson Combat; Tripp; and several other quality magazine makers all make 9mm 1911 mags. Check Brownells.

    http://www.brownells.com/magazines/h...9%2bmm%2bLuger
    "Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you." --Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

  5. #5
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    2nd January 2016
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    Dirty mag or weak spring?

  6. #6
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    When you say "switched out the slide lock for a new OEM lock" what all did you do? Did you order specifically for a 9mm, and what kind of fitting?
    "The 1911 was the design, given by God to us through John M. Browning, that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and it's true now." - Col. Robert Coates commanding, U.S. Marine Corp Special Operations Command Detachment 1 (DET 1)

  7. #7
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    I replaced the stock Metro Arms 9mm slide lock with another stock Metro Arms 9mm slide lock.

    The one I replaced was likely on the gun when new (I bought it lightly used) but it wouldn't lock back the slide on any of my empty (or shot empty) mags.

    The replacement looks identical, especially in the area that is in contact with the mag follower, but it DOES hold the slide open on an empty mag but not on a shot empty mag.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tawadc95 View Post
    Dirty mag or weak spring?
    Mags and followers are clean, the Mec Gar is shiny blue; the Metro's a dull blue.

    Thinking it it was a case of soft springs I changed them all out for Wolff extra power 9mm mag springs at 8lbs.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Roccaas View Post
    Mags and followers are clean, the Mec Gar is shiny blue; the Metro's a dull blue.

    Thinking it it was a case of soft springs I changed them all out for Wolff extra power 9mm mag springs at 8lbs.
    I have no idea who makes the Metro Arms mags, but Wolff mag springs must be paired with a matching follower or they will not work. As an example, Wolff mag springs do not work correctly with CMI patented bull-nose followers. Only CMI manufactured springs will work right. So you might take out the new springs and try the old old ones now that you have replaced the slide stop.
    "Make yourselves sheep and the wolves will eat you." --Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

  10. #10
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    Do you have any other 1911s, in .45 Auto? If you do, can you compare the slide stops of the .45 and the 9mm, particularly in the area where they contact the magazines? The 9mm slide stop should be a tad longer (extending to the right, as fitted in the gun).

    Traditionally, 9mm slide stops were longer there, but lately some makers use the same (.45) slide stop for all guns, relying on magazines with special followers that mirror the layout of a .45 follower... but this is a bit risky, because occasionally someone in the gun company makes a change in their sourcing/supply of magazines, not realizing they're sending guns with problem mags to customers (it has happened to at least one big-name 1911 maker).

    Alternatively, since you bought the gun used, it's possible that the previous owner did not like to have his mags locking back the slide when empty (some IPSC shooters prefer them this way) and modified the magazine followers for this purpose. Check the followers for any signs of modification. If possible, ask the previous owner.
    Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
    M. Setter

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