probably stupid 1911 question

[pumpkinshooter]

I have never owned a 1911 and its been years since i shot one. On the left side above the grip,on most (all?) 1911's there is a piece that appears to go from the safety to the slide release. What is the purpose of this part? Thanks

[thai562]

It hold the a spring and two detents. One for the safety and one for slide release.

[pumpkinshooter]

It hold the a spring and two detents. One for the safety and one for slide release.

Thank you, I knew there was a reason just couldnt figure it out without looking at one closely.

[LovingTheYear1911]

It shoots evil bullets that hurt puppies and sea lions. Just don't tell Ca this. They will ban the 1911 then.

[Virus55]

It shoots evil bullets that hurt puppies and sea lions. Just don't tell Ca this. They will ban the 1911 then.

Yup, That was a knee slapper....

[bohoki]

yea that piece contains the thingies that hold down the slide release and help the safety make a clicky sound

it does kind of look like a tacked add-on unworthy of john brownings genius

[Old4eyes]

At about 17 seconds in this video, you will see the answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6SmlOEzNBs&feature=player_embedded

(Plunger Tube)

[wjc]

It shoots evil bullets that hurt puppies and sea lions. Just don't tell Ca this. They will ban the 1911 then.

...and Sea Kittens. Don't forget the Sea Kittens!

[wmtrp]

I guess it is good thing I just bought a 1911. I happen to live in CA. Did not have any problem with buying it. Most of my other semi-auto must be faulty because they have not killed any one yet. Must have to send them in for repair

[falar]

Plunger Tube. Spring/detents for thumb safety and slide stop.

[opie4386]

The thing thats gonna help cause you to mess up and scratch the frame?

Oh...

Oh you neant the plunger tube that connects to the safety and slide release.

[pumpkinshooter]

At about 17 seconds in this video, you will see the answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6SmlOEzNBs&feature=player_embedded

(Plunger Tube)

Thanks! Cool video.

[Bill Steele]

It probably sounds pedantic (but it is not), but the name of the part is a slide stop, not slide release. The difference implies a lot.

[pumpkinshooter]

It probably sounds pedantic (but it is not), but the name of the part is a slide stop, not slide release. The difference implies a lot.

Are you not supposed to release it with the slide stop?

[Bill Steele]

Are you not supposed to release it with the slide stop?

It is kind of a religious thing with some people. It is metal on metal and if you do it frequently enough (some guys just think it is really cool looking to do), you can wear the notch in the slide that the stop catches. I have seen extreme cases (only by pictures, never in real life) where the notch gets rounded enough that the stop won't hold the action open on last round.

I think if one hand is bloody because it was shot just after you slammed home that new magazine, releasing the slide with your thumb would be considered good practice, otherwise I think releasing with your off hand by pulling back might be better than the two metal pieces rubbing.

Like everything with guns, in the end, it is a personal choice thing.