1911 e-series slide won’t release on mag drop

[shawn mccarver]

Just picked up a S&W 1911sc e-series and my issue is after the slide locks open when last round is fired, I remove the mag but the slide will not close if I pull back on it. The only way to close it is with the stop release button. Is this normal ? Or is there an issue ? This is my first 1911
Thanks I’m advance

Not normal. Send to S&W.

 

[Bib]

Not sure if it would cause the problem but check to see if the recoil spring is installed the right way. The end of the spring that is "open" goes into the plunger...the closed end on the guide rod

 

[sceva]

I do not believe there is an internal part or spring that pushes the slide lock down. The forward edge of the slide lock notch serves as a ramp to cam the slide stop down. When sling shotting the slide should move to the rear far enough to do this; if it doesn't there is likely something preventing the slide from moving back far enough. Like other said; remove the recoil spring and guide and try it. Another thought is that the spring / plunger that works to retain the slide stop is preventing free movement but you say the slide stop worka fine manually.

A photo showing the cam surfaces

 

[Alk8944]

Just picked up a S&W 1911sc e-series and my issue is after the slide locks open when last round is fired, I remove the mag but the slide will not close if I pull back on it. The only way to close it is with the stop release button. Is this normal ? Or is there an issue ? This is my first 1911
Thanks I’m advance

Are you pulling the slide all the way back until it stops hard on the frame, or are you just pulling enough to take tension off the slide stop and expect it to drop on it's own? As another posted a photo of the slide and slide stop the slide has to cam the stop out of engagement by pulling the slide all the way to the rear. When the slide is locked open by the slide stop this is about 1/4".


If it is a brand new gun then it may be friction between the stop and frame! Make sure the slide stop shaft is lubricated. Shooting the gun will help take care of it if this is the issue.

Note that the slide stop, it is NOT the slide release, should not be pushed down to release the slide, you should always pull the slide to the rear to sling-shot the slide! This prevents excess wear to the slide stop and it's notch in the slide. Naturally if you are not actually loading the gun you should ease the slide down instead of letting it drop hard!