Seeking Help - EXTREMELY Difficult Slide Stop Installation

[chiselchst]

I have a new SA TRP and the slide stop is extremely difficult to install. I'm talking EXTREMELY difficult. I own many 1911's and have been around them for many years, and have never come across one this difficult to install. It feels as if the stop is applying downward pressure that does not seem to push the plunger back, but only applies downward pressure directly on top of the plunger, rather than pushing it back.

My other 1911's, including WWII models, Dan Wesson's, Springers and Para's are all *normal*, with some easier than others, but acceptable (the DW's have an incredibly easy slide stop, machined or polished and just float themselves in).

I did a search, and I found that some "slightly polish" or slightly file the beveled edge, etc.

So my question is, is this a viable option?

(I have above average hand strength [currently single ], and I'm not babying this thing). Not worried about the idiot mark, just installing the dang thing!

Thanks in advance...

[ojisan]

Sometimes I have used a small flat blade screwdriver to push back the plunger so the SS will go in.
On my own guns I always bevel and shape so it slides in but then is "locked" in and down.
The plunger tip can be very pointy...be carefull rounding it to ease installation of the SS because it should bear on a dimple in the back of the SS to help keep the SS down unless the magazine follower pushes it up.

[chiselchst]

Sometimes I have used a small flat blade screwdriver to push back the plunger so the SS will go in.
On my own guns I always bevel and shape so it slides in but then is "locked" in and down.
The plunger tip can be very pointy...be carefull rounding it to ease installation of the SS because it should bear on a dimple in the back of the SS to help keep the SS down unless the magazine follower pushes it up.

Thanks for the info. However, I should have been more clear, in that the mods I mentioned were on the SS only. I'd never touch the plunger...

[JRJCP]

Yes, it is difficult to install. First let me take a look at your 1911 pistol. Be careful don't ruin your new gun. There will be no charge to take a look.

[dirtydrew]

The slide stop on my loaded is difficult to install also. I use the tip of my fingernail to push the plunger in slightly and then use my other hand to push the slide stop down and in.

[Rust]

Prior to any metal removal do what Ojisan suggested and use a tool to depress the plunger. Look to see if it is hanging somewhere else or really just bearing down on the plunger sideways rather than pushing it in. Also check that the plunger is moving freely on its own and try to duplicate pushing it down and in to make sure it's not hanging in the tube. There could be a rough spot in the tube which is causing it to bind. Next step would be to look at what point on the slide stop the plunger is contacting. If you find that the nose of the plunger is not bearing on the "ramped" portion of the SS you're going to want to modify one part or the other to make that happen. I'd grab the other slide stops from your pistols that do work well and compare them directly to the one that is not working. You can even stuff them into the TRP and see if they work better and then try to match the angles if they do. Same goes for the plunger if the nose is pointy or longer than the other ones try swapping it out and seeing if it improves. Just don't force parts from one gun in another so you don't risk damaging them.

[Ultimate]

I've heard <--------- Means no experience

that if you put the slide stop pin almost to the point of causing the idiot scratch but not quite you can swing the stop up which will press the plunger in then u can press the slidestop in the rest of the way. I've seen it in a few videos as well.

Can you tell I want a 1911 ?

[Falstaff]

Same here on my SA trophy Match. Sometimes I've used the back side of a utility knife blade or other "special tool" to push the plunger in. I was surprised and annoyed by this difficulty too, compared to my old Colt series 80 stainless which is as loose as Modonna's s****h compared to a modern 1911...

Mine is idiot scratched already BTW.

[chiselchst]

Also check that the plunger is moving freely on its own and try to duplicate pushing it down and in to make sure it's not hanging in the tube. There could be a rough spot in the tube which is causing it to bind. Next step would be to look at what point on the slide stop the plunger is contacting. If you find that the nose of the plunger is not bearing on the "ramped" portion of the SS you're going to want to modify one part or the other to make that happen. I'd grab the other slide stops from your pistols that do work well and compare them directly to the one that is not working. You can even stuff them into the TRP and see if they work better and then try to match the angles if they do. Same goes for the plunger if the nose is pointy or longer than the other ones try swapping it out and seeing if it improves. Just don't force parts from one gun in another so you don't risk damaging them.

Thanks folks for the feedback. The plunger seems to move freely when pressed directly or straight in.

I have some DW's that slide in easily, I'll gently try one of those...

Thanks!

[spaghettithrower]

All of the newer Springfield 1911s that I see have a plunger that protrudes farther than is typical for 1911's. I usually just depress the plunger slightly when working on Springfields during reassembly because they are so stiff as you have seen. It is possible to slightly shorten the plunger, but as others have said make certain to radius the end of it as it currently is after shortening.
Good Luck

[wamphyri13]

Bull barrel or bushing barrel?
Ryan

[SpringfieldEMP]

I've heard <--------- Means no experience

that if you put the slide stop pin almost to the point of causing the idiot scratch but not quite you can swing the stop up which will press the plunger in then u can press the slidestop in the rest of the way. I've seen it in a few videos as well.

Can you tell I want a 1911 ?

Exactally how I assemble my 1911's. Works a treat!
(kimber and SA)

[chiselchst]

I've heard <--------- Means no experience

that if you put the slide stop pin almost to the point of causing the idiot scratch but not quite you can swing the stop up which will press the plunger in then u can press the slidestop in the rest of the way. I've seen it in a few videos as well.

Can you tell I want a 1911 ?

Tied that, it's my method to install them...but doesn't work here. I'll look at the 2 parts under magnification...

Ryan,
Barrel bushing.

Thanks!