I have built several 1911s using a variety of 80% frames and a variety of manufacturers’ parts. But this issue has me stumped. On this build, I am using a Para 6″ slide and a Vy Tactical frame. The frame went together fine using the usual fitting processes. The frame was cut and lapped to the slide for a nice tight fit. Without the slide installed on the frame, I can cock the hammer and pull the trigger, about a 3-4 lb. pull, with no issues. The slide went together with minor fitting, again with no issues. I thought I was home free. Now comes the problem. When I install the slide on the frame and rack it, the hammer will not engage in the full cock position, it falls back to the half cock notch. Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Stumpy
Are you sure the hammer is going back far enough to allow the sear to engage the hammer notch?
You state that without the slide you can thumb the hammer and the sear will catch. Using the slide (racking) the hammer will not catch the sear. Can you put the slide on the frame and have the sear catch the hammer if you thumb it back? If you can I would suspect the the slide is not pushing the hammer down far enough. DC
Question Follow Up
I did a trigger job and stoned the sear down to .020, I also stoned the mating parts of the sear, disconnector, and hammer. But that’s a good suggestion, I will assemble it again on my jig outside the frame and look at it again.
With the slide on the frame, I can thumb the hammer down to full cock. I can see that there are a few thousands of space between the bottom of the slide and the hammer face. I was thinking that the inertia caused by the slide moving back would catch the sear, but your suspicion is correct. Do you have any suggestions on how I could remedy that?
Thank you both for your help, I am hoping to get back to my project this week and try your suggestions. I’ll let you know how I make out. Stumpy
Answer
Shorten the sear so the slide will push the hammer back far enough for the sear to engage the full cock notch. Ken
Reply
Thank you Ken!
