1911 Assembly Question

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  • Boxcab

    MSI EM
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 22, 2007
    7,866
    AA County
    I am assembling a 1911 from kit parts. When I install the Main Spring Housing it is very hard to slide once it contacts the Sear Spring. It jams to the point I can not remove it by hand. The Sear Spring is down in it's slot in the frame. What am I missing here?

    Thanks for the guidance.

    -Boxcab
     

    alucard0822

    For great Justice
    Oct 29, 2007
    17,643
    PA
    I've had to stone the flat part, the rails, and especially the top lugs(to fit the grip safety).
     

    terryhimself

    Active Member
    Oct 19, 2008
    331
    Bel Air
    Just for giggles, have you tried the housing with out the sear spring ? If still tight, it could
    indicate another are of concern.
     

    Boxcab

    MSI EM
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 22, 2007
    7,866
    AA County
    Thanks for the reply's.

    When the Main Spring Housing is inserted by itself, it slides in and out easily. It appears that there is something with the Spring installation I am missing. The Spring looks OK, but I am fairly new to tearing down a 1911. Could the Sear being installed wrong cause this?

    I wish you guys were in my area, I'd love to get a second pair of eyes on the problem.

    -Boxcab
     

    Boxcab

    MSI EM
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 22, 2007
    7,866
    AA County
    Maybe pics will help

    I tried some pictures. You can see the scratches on the Spring from my heavy handedness. Safety is off for visability. The Main Spring Retaining Pin is fully seated and does project a few thousands out, but it is not the main cause.

    Any thoughts...
     

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    • MH n Spring2.pg.jpg
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    alucard0822

    For great Justice
    Oct 29, 2007
    17,643
    PA
    The leaf spring normally fits real tight on the MSH, if the end of the retainer pin is not flush with the housing it must be stoned down to fit, looks like that is where most of the scratches are, and it doesn't take much to bind it up.
     

    trbon8r

    Ultimate Member
    I agree with the above post. Looks like the mainspring cap retaining pin is protruding a little too far on the inside and is rubbing the sear spring. The mainspring housing should slide relatively easily as you push it upward for reassembly. You should feel just a bit of resistance as it slides up and over the sear spring. It should be snug but not super tight where you have to force it into place. Good luck.
     

    smores

    Creepy-Ass Cracker
    Feb 27, 2007
    13,493
    Falls Church
    I was just looking at your picture again. Is it the camera playing tricks or is your hammer strut bent a little bit towards the end? If so, I'd replace that. They are cheap.

    I just got an Ed Brown hammer strut that has the end rounded off and polished. Very nice and for around $6 or so from Brownells it's a good investment. Much better than the factory Colt part it replaced.
     

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