Mag release on S&W 1911 getting stuck open. How do I fix it?

[rufunky]

After firing off a few rounds last week I noticed that when ejecting a clip my Mag release will get stuck open. No matter how hard I push the clip the mag release stays engaged until I turn the little screw on the opposite side of the button. Clearly not an ideal situation if you need to change clips in a hurry.

Is this a common problem?

Is it just some sort of extra safety feature? (I notice it's only when I press it hard that this happens)

How does one go about fixing this??

 

[M1911]

It's broken. Not sure the solution, other than simply replacing it (which is easy).

 

[Supermoto]

The problem is you're trying to release a clip with a mag release, you need a clip release.

or

make sure the screw on the mag release turns its little paddle into the groove so that the mag release stays locked into place

 

[fbirdquik6]

The problem is you're trying to release a clip with a mag release, you need a clip release.

+1 for you!

 

[rufunky]

The problem is you're trying to release a clip with a mag release, you need a clip release.

Sorry, my gangsta slang slips out temporally every now and then.. :OP

I just field stripped her and oiled the inside where it seemed to be getting hung up.

It seems much better now after working the button for about a half hour but it seems like you still have to slam the clip in pretty hard for it to engage.

 

[Supermoto]

you shouldn't have to slam the MAG in. Did you make sure the mag release is connected properly? Is this a new gun? New mags?

 

[rufunky]

you shouldn't have to slam the MAG in. Did you make sure the mag release is connected properly? Is this a new gun? New mags?

As far as I can tell it's connecting properly.

Yes, this gun is new to being fired. Only has about 25 rounds through it but when ejecting/inserting the mag before I hadn't notices this happening.

Should I send it to S&W?

 

[M1911]

Should I send it to S&W?

It would cost you more in mailing costs that just replacing the magazine release.

 

[Supermoto]

You could send it to S&W or just get a new mag release and put it in.
where are you located?

 

[rufunky]

I heard a few people say S&W covered there Shipping costs. May be worth a shot.

I'm in Brockton MA.

 

[Supermoto]

I'll be Ames on Sat at 2:30, I can take a look at the gun, if I can find my old factory mag release, I will to see if it solves the problem

 

[M1911]

I'll be Ames on Sat at 2:30, I can take a look at the gun, if I can find my old factory mag release, I will to see if it solves the problem

+1. It will take 10 seconds to swap out the mag release and that will tell you if the problem is the release or the frame.

 

[rufunky]

I'll be Ames on Sat at 2:30, I can take a look at the gun, if I can find my old factory mag release, I will to see if it solves the problem

Thanks so much for the offer but I have to work on Saturday. :/

I'll call S&W and see what they can do for me. The gun is almost brand new and after only 25 rounds I shouldn't have to be replacing parts. From what I have hear they have a great Customer Service reputation.

EDIT:If it's as easy as M1911 says Maybe I'll just have them send me the part.

 

[Urj]

The problem could also be that the mag release spring isn't strong enough. I ordered a set of reduced power mag release springs and ended up not using any of them because they all did this very thing.

The problem was that the weak spring would allow the mag release lock to turn into the channel and lock the mag release open.