Do I have a 1911 problem or a magazine problem?

[stevie]

Some empty mags are harder to drop the slide than others.

Take the pistol to the range, insert a loaded mag and hit the slide release. If it works, yahoo.. shoot the entire mag... does the slide lock back? yes, yahoo...

repeat process... if no failures, everything is fine.

[postal]

Yes, I understand that - thank you.

Now...I have a Sig 1911 that I use both Sig-supplied mags and Wilson mags. The mags behave the same no matter the situation.

I expected the same with the SA 1911. But as I said, the empty Wilson mags will not allow the slide (one open exposing the chamber) to move back a bit further so I can depress the slide stop and allow the slide to sligshot (fall back) into place. Initially not sure if this was a pistol issue or a Wilson mag issue....or not an issue at all.

You got me there... The mag shouldnt have anything to do with that....

[Bushwack44]

OP, have you taken a look at the part of the slide stop that actually touches the follower?

I believe the answer you seek lies there.

Yes- the 'tongue' the very first round sits on is called a 'follower'.

And by "smoother"... do you mean 'lighter'? Easier to press down?

Thats what I mean- Why you can fight the SA mags with a weaker spring pushing the slide release... and the stiffer springs on the wilsons keep you from doing it.

By smoother, I mean slighter lighter and easier to press down.

Now...with the SA mags inserted and the slide pulled back, I can see the slide stop in action. With the Wilson mags inserted, the slide stop either isn't catching the tongue (follower) or it could be the Wilson mags are sprung tighter (I see much less movement by the slide stop). The solution might be either the Wilson mags need some exercise (maybe I should take one mag, loaded it up and let it sit for a few days) and take another mag, disassemble it, lubricate/clean it and then give it a try.

With your help, I think it is a Wilson mag issue that can be resolved.

[tophatjones]

yes it will, you're just not pressing hard enough on the slide lock lever. the slide does not need to move back in order to depress the slide lock lever.

This sounds possible. New mags with full strength mag springs could be holding the slide stop up a bit even when you think you have it fully depressed. Try removing the mag spring and floorplate, then push up on the follower with a stick. Pull the slide back, it should lock back. Now, depress the slide stop, it should return the slide forward. (You can do this with the recoil spring removed to save the barrel feet if you want; just push against the back of the slide or something.)

[L84CABO]

This is normal for the Wilson mags. If you're worried about it you can either call Wilson or post over on Wilson board over on the 1911 forum...but give a search first as I'm pretty sure this has been covered.

BTW...Make sure you load the mags full and let them sit for a couple of days before using them.

[rm1911]

I have a 1911 problem. 1911's are particular with magazines. Get several brands. I've had great luck with shooting stars by chip McCormick.

[dtrump]

Picked up my TRP today and even pulling slide back and release down it wont go, gotta release the mag