It’s been a long time since I have seen one of these malfunctions. Probably because I haven’t seen a 1911 without a staked link pin in maybe 15 years.
So what am I talking about?
On a 1911 there is a barrel. A barrel link. And a pin that holds the two together. The slide-stop goes through the link when inserted in the gun.
What the link does is pull the barrel down and unlock the action. It’s the “tilt” in the Browning tilt acton design. And when the link is missing, the gun doesn’t cycle. Everything stays locked closed. Generally.
Links fall out when the pin falls out during disassembly. If you don’t notice the link is missing and reassemble the gun? Well…you have a single shot. It gets even worse if you lost this pin and or link during a field-strip away from the bench.
The solution is old school and easy: Take a center-pinch and whack the seams of the pin on both sides. This holds the pin in place.
AR comparison, this is literally the equivalent to staking a gas-key on the bolt carrier. I expect manufactures to do it, but it is incumbent on the individual user to check for it upon purchase. And if lacking? Fix it.
STI / Staccato, this is a party foul on your part. But It’s also user error. It takes two to do this Tango. But for the reader, it’s an example of how running a traditional 1911 will require a little more analysis and critical thinking than a modern striker gun.
- You need to look at link pins.
- You need to look at plunger tubes.
- You need to look at extractors.
- You need to look at ejectors.
- You need to look at barrel bushings.
- You need to look at feed ramps.
- You need to look at breech faces.
- You need to look at the hammer.
- You need to look at the frame.
- PSA over.
Sincerely,
Marky
www.John1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Areas of focus: Defense and National Security, Modern Light Weapons, Small Arms, Weapons Training.
- Wilson Project 1 – Muzzle Flash - December 20, 2024
- Wilson Combat – Project 1 Magazines - December 17, 2024
- Jim Clark 50th Anniversary 1911 - December 15, 2024
