Tuning the slide hold open lever on a 1911

[Widder, SASS #59054]

I've got a 1911 that the slide hold open lever is prematurely locking back the slide while firing.

 

What causes this and how can I fix it?

 

..........Widder

 

[Rip Snorter]

Kuhnhausen, The Colt .45 Automatic Shop Manual,  has a short list - Magazine follower issue (use a round top follower), or plunger & spring (replace).  Haven't experienced the issue personally.

[Hendo]

Does it do it with every magazine? Does it happen randomly or with a couple of rounds left?

[Pat Riot]

Is it an extended slide stop?

I found my thumb knuckle was bumping my extended slide stop when shooting and locking my slide open. That was after testing, cleaning, lubing everything, trying  new magazines and cussing at it profusely. It turned out I was the cause. 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Thanks for all the replies.   But I think I found the gremlin.

 

The inside section of the slide stop appeared to be a tad larger than necessary..... and the bullets in the magazine were

slightly rubbing against it, causing some minor upward pressure.   After about 4-5 rounds of minimal upward pressure

from the bullets rising in the magazine, it became enough to cause it to lock open.

 

CURE:  I slightly polished the area which rubbed on the bullets and eliminated those close tolerances.

I'll probably head out on the farm tomorrow and test the results.

 

Thanks for the input.   I also found some good information on YouTube.

 

..........Widder

 

[Pat Riot]

Glad you figured it out. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Try different plunger and spring

OLG 

[watab kid]

never had that happen yet but sure would be irritating 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

2 hours ago, watab kid said:

never had that happen yet but sure would be irritating 

 

Yea, it was a first for me also.

I've owned and shot MANY 1911's.   This particular one is new with less than 50 rounds.   

Some full mags would run great.   Then trying some other bullets, I experienced the slide lock

popping up.

I didn't have a clue till after I posted this thread.   Then I started checking out some YouTube videos and

a couple of them spoke of this situation.

 

Sooooooo, I checked it out on mine and sure enough, that seem to be the issue.

 

..........Widder