1911 slide release ?

[Tropical Z]

My "new"1927 Colt Sistema has a slide release that you damn near have to be Mr. Universe to release.Is this normal for that gun or is there a possible problem with something?Remember,this is my first .45 and 1911 design so maybe everything is fine.

 

[BigG]

It is probably because the gun is built to pretty exacting tolerances.

Are you dropping the slide from an empty magazine or with the magazine removed? If with the mag in, it is because the follower is pressing up against the slide lock.

BTW, you are sure to get plenty of advice about not dropping the slide on an empty chamber so I will not mention that.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Personally I've always made it a habit to NOT release the slide just by thumbing the release down.

I draw back on the slide and depress the release.

I've seen quite a few handguns over the years with hold-open notches rounded off and releases well worn, apparently in large part from years of simply thumbing the release down while the slide is under recoil spring pressure.

That said, my Kahr K9 is the same way. With the magazine in, it's IMPOSSIBLE to work the slide release.

With the magazine out, it's still damned hard.

Strong springs and well-cut notches, I guess.