how to fix a stiff 1911 mag release?

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

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actually, it's a lot worse than stiff. as shot my new to me SS SAM Commander in 9mm, the mag release got to the point I couldn't push it in and had to use the heel of multi-tool.

first full size (I have a Browning 1911-22) 1911 for me and I'm not sure what I need to do or should do or look at to see what's causing this issue. :confused:

thanks!
 
You have to figure out if it is the spring or steel on steel

on a 1911 you have to press in and turn the little screw on the mag release (to lock it so mag release can be removed)

then you can figure if it is the spring(in the release) or steel on steel binding
 
Take the mag release out and clean it, in factories where a lot of hand fitting goes on, you can get grit in the frame around the release (where the tab on the lock screw sits) and it can lock on you.
 
I had the same problem on a SAM a while ago. I tried several different mag catches but they all were VERY stiff to push in.
What the problem turned out to be as that the hole in the SAM frame for the mag release was slightly out of spec.
On the left side it was too small and also off centered causing the mag release to be a metal on metal drag.
I had to carefully take a little bit of metal off the frame to make it a free fit.

I have heard the the SAM has a reputation for not being exact to spec and I believe it.
" some fitting may be required " applies to them.
 
It is possible the actual release is binding with the frame or a rough spot/burr on the release that is catching on the magazine.

And +1 with snipping a a coil or so off the factory spring (half-coil at a time). You definitely don't want to snip too much off or you'll be picking up your mag off the floor after each shot. :p
 
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