Pro Series 1911 Not Fixed by S&W

[alienbogey]

I have a Smith & Wesson Pro Series 1911 in 9mm that I received today back from the factory after repairs. I had two specific complaints:

1) Accuracy - it made 5 1/2" groups at 10 yards from a rest. Smith replaced the barrel and today I made 2" groups, which is okay for now.

2) The slide failed to consistently lock back on an empty magazine. In my letter to S&W I stated that it failed to lock back 20% of the time with both the two factory magazines and two Tripp Research mags. The invoice from Smith states "REPLACE SLIDE STOP" and "RANGE TESTED/MEETS SPEC".

Wrong.

I fired it today with my 124 grain reloads and it failed to lock back at least 50% of the time. Thinking that my relatively mild load might be the problem I bought a box of Magtech 115gr factory. The slide failed to lock back 22 of 29 times (I varied the number of rounds) using all four mags.

So, I sent it to S&W because it failed to lock back 20% of the time, and now it fails 76% if the time after being 'fixed'.

I could call up Smith and send it back to them again, but I'm already tired of waiting for it. If there's something I could do - another recoil spring or something - I'd just as soon order it and drop it in. Drop in replacement of springs is about all I'm capable of gunsmithing-wise, though.

An experienced shooter, watching me, remarked that the pistol ejects the brass very weakly - it was landing maybe 20 inches to my 4:00.

Suggestions?

 

[Pote]

what pound recoil spring are you using? factory? is it new?

 

[m1gunner]

I have found the 1911 platform should have the slide spring balanced to the load. Lighter spring for light loads, heavier spring for hotter loads.

The brass should eject 6 - 8 feet or so, a spring that allows this will lock the slide after last shot.

 

[alienbogey]

The pistol is 100% factory right now with maybe 500 rounds through it max. I don't know the poundage of the factory spring.

If I slingshot the slide on an empty mag it locks open every time.

 

[handgunner356]

If the empty brass is only going a couple of feet away you need a lighter spring. Most everyone using a 1911 platform has a selection of springs for various loads. I'm not sure what spring S&W uses in their 9mm, I'd guess 12-14#, I'd pick up a 10,12 & 14 and try them out. Look for the brass kicking out 4-6' from a standing position and see if the slide doesn't start locking back then.

 

[alienbogey]

I ran a box of Speer Lawman 124gr FMJ through it today with 75% fail to lock open.

I looked at Brownel's but was confused by all the spring choices, especially because I don't know what the factory spring lb is in order to order a lighter one—or several lighter ones. For instance, I have no idea if it matters that this is a Smith vs a Colt vs a Kimber, and whether the fact that its 9mm vs 45.

S&W Pro Series 5" barrel in 9mm—can anyone tell me the factory spring weight and point me to appropriate lighter springs to try?

 

[OKFC05]

12 1/2# ISMI silicon spring has been the cure for my 1911s in 9mm.
I also use Brownells action lube on the rails for a consistent smooth slide. Empties land about 4 feet away.
Brownells has the ISMI springs, or you can order from ISMI.

I ran one in coompetition a whole year with the same spring and zero issues.

 

[handgunner356]

All 1911 full size 5" guns use the same springs, common weights are 14# for 9, 16# in .45, 18# in .40 and 21# in 10. If you don't have selection for your 1911 to start with you most likely will end up with one before long.

 

[2hawk]

Lighter spring, and be liberal with the lube on a 1911 during breakin. Also watch your grip, if you are letting the gun recoil freely you are absorbing energy needed to return the slide, and if you hold high thumb you may be causing a little drag on the slide as well. That's all I've got off the top of my head, but it doesn't sound like a problem that is going to be hard to fix. Let us know what you find out!