SA MC Operator question

[savasyn]

Hey all,
I just brought home the Christmas present I got for myself this year, a brand new SA MC Operator.

Looks and feels great! I have already ordered new grips for it, but after playing around with it a bit, I might just keep the stock wrap-arounds. It seems to fit my hand nicer than standard style grips.

I'm a bit surprised at how heavy the hammer spring is, it takes quite a bit of effort to cock it back. I'm also a bit surprised at the perceived breaking weight of the trigger. It's probably somewhere around 5lbs, which seems heavy compared to my Kimber, but I believe is correct for this gun. While it does feel a touch heavier than I'd like, it is certainly crisp. No creep or over-travel. Very clean.

Anyway, on to my question. I had it apart for a good cleaning before taking it to the range tomorrow and had a bit of an issue getting it back together. It seems that the plunger pin that hold the barrel pin/slide stop in place sticks out a bit too far. I could not seem to get a good angle on it when trying to re-inserting the slide stop such that it would retract enough to let the stop drop into place. I tried a number of different things but ultimately had to use a tool to push it in a bit, then drop the slide stop into place. This is the first SA I've taken apart, is this normal for a Springfield? I've not had an issue like this on my Kimber or Colt or any of the Colts I've taken apart.

Can that little plunger pin be removed from the frame and shortened a bit? I'd hate to have to send it back to the factory for something so small, but I'm not super thrilled by the idea of having to use a tool to have to put the slide stop back into place every time.

Thanks!

[leelaw]

Could you take pictures of the problem?

[wilshire1412]

Yes, you can shorten the slide stop plunger a little to get it to work for you. I have done this on several 1911 type pistols, just dont over do it or you will end up with the slide stop engaging when you don't want it to.

[speeddreamz]

Call springfield customer service. Send it back they'll return it to you within 2 weeks.(mine within 1 wk)

And...if you want to sell the wraparound pachmeyers give me a PM

[scootergmc]

Anyway, on to my question. I had it apart for a good cleaning before taking it to the range tomorrow and had a bit of an issue getting it back together. It seems that the plunger pin that hold the barrel pin/slide stop in place sticks out a bit too far. I could not seem to get a good angle on it when trying to re-inserting the slide stop such that it would retract enough to let the stop drop into place. I tried a number of different things but ultimately had to use a tool to push it in a bit, then drop the slide stop into place. This is the first SA I've taken apart, is this normal for a Springfield? I've not had an issue like this on my Kimber or Colt or any of the Colts I've taken apart.

Can that little plunger pin be removed from the frame and shortened a bit? I'd hate to have to send it back to the factory for something so small, but I'm not super thrilled by the idea of having to use a tool to have to put the slide stop back into place every time.

Thanks!

I had the same problem on my GI. It took quite the effort to get it back in the first few times. Technically, it's not a problem. It's just new.

[savasyn]

I had the same problem on my GI. It took quite the effort to get it back in the first few times. Technically, it's not a problem. It's just new.

I was wondering if that was actually the case. I'll give it a few hundred rounds and a handful a breakdowns before I do anything with it. This doesn't seem like the kind of thing that "breaks in" though, but perhaps it does.

[USN CHIEF]

I had the same problem with mine. Now it works fine, it was like yours when it was brand new. None of the other 1911's that I have had that issue, I guess it is the way all New Springfields come. I did have a hard freaking time the first couple of times.

[savasyn]

I had the same problem with mine. Now it works fine, it was like yours when it was brand new. None of the other 1911's that I have had that issue, I guess it is the way all New Springfields come. I did have a hard freaking time the first couple of times.

Ok, good to know. As you say, guess it's the way new Springers are.

Thanks!

[Crazed_SS]

Yes.. I have the same problem when getting mine back together. I use my pocket knife to press the little plunger in. One day I'm gonna scratch the crap out of the finish

[savasyn]

Crazed, did yours ever "break in" or do you always have to use a tool?

My first attempt with a tool today was with a small flat bladed screwdriver. Sure enough, it slipped and went down the side of the slide. Luckily, it didn't leave a permanent scar. I then switched to a small hex key and that did the trick.

[louscamaro91]

I've always had to use a tool with my operator. The springers are a little tuff to get the slide stop back into the gun but the Kimbers go together like butter

[Crazed_SS]

Crazed, did yours ever "break in" or do you always have to use a tool?

Not really.. I've had it for at least over a year and shot it a bunch and I still have to use a tool to press the plunger in.