1911 Problem

[JLaw]

I have a Sistema Colt and just noticed a problem with it today. Maybe some of the 1911 guru's out there could lend a hand?

I was cleaning the gun today and ran it through a function check list I had read some time back in a book. It passed in all areas except the following...

When I use the slide release to return the weapon to battery, the hammer falls to the half cock position, it will do this about every 4 out of 5 times.

This is not a carry weapon, just one I'm using to learn on and enjoy. What do you think the problem might be?

JLaw

[KinnyLee]

When I use the slide release to return the weapon to battery, the hammer falls to the half cock position, it will do this about every 4 out of 5 times.

This is not a carry weapon, just one I'm using to learn on and enjoy. What do you think the problem might be?

JLaw

Worn out sear component(s).

[carlson1]

If you put the three prong sear spring in correct then it might be the sear is damaged.

[AV8R]

Sear damaged, hammer hooks worn of rusted, or just a bad fit between hammer hooks and sear. Also not enough sear spring pressure, hammer bounce from a heavy steel trigger, of not enough pre-travel in the trigger. Lots of possibilities.

This is something to be careful with, as you may have your first fully-automatic pistol shortly. Might want to let a gunsmith look it over.

[BrassMonkey]

Oh come on, in a safe environment, that would just be kewl....

[flintknapper]

Sear damaged, hammer hooks worn of rusted, or just a bad fit between hammer hooks and sear. Also not enough sear spring pressure, hammer bounce from a heavy steel trigger, of not enough pre-travel in the trigger. Lots of possibilities.

This is something to be careful with, as you may have your first fully-automatic pistol shortly. Might want to let a gunsmith look it over.

+1

Several potential reasons.

Have a "Smith" look at it.

You can put a new sear spring it (or adjust the old one), but...if that doesn't cure it, I'd take it straight to a good gunsmith.

[HighVelocity]

Don't forget the thumb safety. It also engages the sear. Sear, Hammer, Thumb Safety, Sear Spring and Disconnector are all "wear" items and should be replaced when worn.

[JLaw]

Hmmmm, a man's gotta know his limitations. Sounds like a job for a 'smith. Too many internals mentioned above that I've always heard require gunsmith fitting, sounds like I should put it in for a little outpatient surgery.

JLaw

[AV8R]

Hmmmm, a man's gotta know his limitations. Sounds like a job for a 'smith. Too many internals mentioned above that I've always heard require gunsmith fitting, sounds like I should put it in for a little outpatient surgery.

JLaw

Before you do, though, you can completely disassemble the receiver and trigger group and have a look at the parts. You may spot something that's not quite right. You can also remove the thumb safety and check the sear, etc. visually for function, as everything will work without the safety being in place.

[Rex B]

No more than those Sistemas cost us, I'd suggest you order some spare parts - sear, hammer, thumb safety - and see if some new parts clears it up.
I bet you could buy all three for about what gas would cost to drive to the nearest smith. And you might even enjoy figuring it out.

I bought two of those GM Sistemas. One is apart and waiting to go back together as soon as I get it blued or Durakoted. the other is awaiting some attention when the first is done. In the meantime I'm using it as my "worry stone" ;)