First time out with a 1911 Need some insight...

[Rokyudai]

It seems these threads are becoming more frequent here. I recently purchased a new Kimber Pro CDP II (.45acp) and took it to the range yesterday. As the subect heading suggests this was my first time out with a 1911. I am accostomed to glocks,springfield xds, and revolvers. I must say that I am very happy with this new purchase. I just have a few questions to those who have come across these observations/problems:

I field stripped, cleaned and oiled it up before going to the range. Had a bit of a problem with reassembly. The big factor was keeping my hands off the grip safety to allow the slide to align correctly. The second problem I haven't been able to fully remedy is replacing the slide stop. It seems I can get it through about 3/4's of the way and then I have to work the slide a few times to get it to set flush with the frame--Is there a technique to this or should I chalk it up to being a 1911 rookie?

I had one failure to feed out of the 50 rounds (I used Blazer if that makes a difference). I'm not sure if limp wristing was or could be a factor.

I had a a real time getting the first round into the magazine. After that, the subsequent went smoothly. I did notice that there is a small metal 'dot' on the top of the clip which seems to interfere with that first round sitting easily. Again, I don't know if this is inherent to Kimber 1911s or what. I did order some Wilson Combat mags. which should be coming in today to see if they will make any difference in loading or feeding. All in all, I am extremely satisfied with this firearm.

Thank you in advance for all your input.

[txinvestigator]

lol at re-assembly. I hold mine upside down when putting the slide back on the frame. It helps me.

[BadCo45ACP]

I have a SS Colt 80 series Gov't. model purchased new in '82. I've never had the problem you're having w/ the slide stop pin. I'm not familiar w/ Kimber products but it may just need more breaking in time. Failure to feed problems aren't generally associated w/ limp wristing, that generally causes the stove pipe problem. Depending where in the 50 you were, maybe it was just getting dirty. Blazer aluminum case often have faliure to extract problems, but I've never had a feeding problem. I use them in 9mm quite often but my .45 doesn't like them.

[anygunanywhere]

My CDP II hates Blazer. Winchester White Box or other good quality brass FMJ is the best practice ammo. My carry is Hydrashock 230 JHP. Never fails to cycle or feed.

I use a tiny flat blade screwdriver to move the little pin back out of the way to gety the slide stop in all the way.

Anygun

[135boomer]

you are holding the slide part way back to align the notch and hole in frame when you reinstall the slide stop, right?

[Rokyudai]

Thanks for your quick responses. Near as I can tell, I am able to line up the slide disassembly notch and barrel link. I can see it on the opposite side for sure.

It seems that the slide stop plunger (that little pin that sits parallel to the slide stop) does need to break in a bit more to get the stop to move in a bit easier. I'm sure as a whole, the firearm will loosen up over time.

Attempt at reassembly (#5):
I tried holding it upside down. While I'm sure it's my technique, I find the disconnector or push pin comes forward a bit causing a similar slide replacement problem...easily remedied by holding at a angle.

Thanks again for the help.

[Rex B]

Well, I have the same problem on mine. Mine are 50 years old and worn smooth as soapstone by scores of Argentine fellows.
I have the same problem, but I'm getting better.

Don't touch the grip safety
Barrel all the way back
Look through the hole and see that the link is lined up
Start the pin into the hole
Align the small notch with the end of the slidestop lever. Don't try to start it in below, it needs to be almost parallel with the slide.
If you get all that right, and the planets are properly aligned, it almost falls in.
Don't do like I did and tap on it. It's brittle, and it will (did) break.
OK, maybe I did more than tap on it. it was late, I was frustrated, and my vocabulary was at full extension.

On mine, the plunger tube is a non-issue, no need to depress the button. This is true despite new spring, and new slide stop. Also true on a new Llama 1911. The end of the slidestop lever should be beveled enough to depress the plunger as it goes flush.

[Rokyudai]

Thanks Rex.
Will do.

[jhutto]

1911 re-assembly. allign the link. put the pin in at 90 degrees clockwise so that just the pin slides in. then push further back on the slide to allighn the second notch on the slide. put the bottom of the ramp, (inclined plane) on the springgy thing, and push on the pin. it will snap in place..

another way to say it, , just loosly hold the gun by the grips and let the slide slip on the gun. no need to push it all the way back into position to insert the pin until the pin is in place. then slide it further back and get the entire pin seated.

Maybe someone will get what I am trying to describe.
I have taken my Kimber apart so many times I bet I coud do it blind.

As for the feed problem. I bet it is the magazine. I had a simmilar issue with one mag. it seems the mouth? where you put ammo in was a bit too wide. (not obviously) when the slide closed the round nose acually angled down just a littlebit and the backend up just a bit. this ended up jamming. FTF. a forcefull tap would chamber the round, otherwise you couldn't remove the magazine because the round was halfway in the mag,////

I reallly like my Kimber, I have the eclipse , and carry it daily.
you should look at the tucker answer if you keep carring the 1911.

[Rokyudai]

Thanks JHutto, I will give it a try. I did end up ordering 3 Wilson Combat clips that right out of the pack seemed to feed much better.

[Skiprr]

Mucho good advice. If you have continued trouble getting the slide stop pushed in that last little bit beyond the plunger spring, try putting a small amount of oil on the end of the plunger spring before you start manipulating the slide stop. That's often all you'll need for the slide stop to slip into place effortlessly with a satisfying little "snap!"

[Rokyudai]

Skiprr I am with you 100%. I did/do give a little oil treatment to that plunger and definately have a wave of satisfaction/relief after that little snap!

[Thane]

I have taken my Kimber apart so many times I bet I coud do it blind.

I've actually done this with my Springfield. Taken it apart with my eyes shut, that is, and put it back together.