Binding Slide

[FlaChef]

Ok, so as many of you know I am 1911 free (heck only been a gun owner for about 1.5 yrs).

My goal for this year is a ground up build; my first 1911.

As part of my project (in addition to a lot of lurking on boards) I have temporary posession of a colt series 80 LTWT Commander until the end of the month (owner is a buddy out of the country).

After teaching myself to field strip it (following a tutorial) I put the slide on the frame to see how it moves.

With no barrell, bushing, recoil spring, or slide lock lever in it there is a DEFINITE binding/hang up of some kind at the rear-most of it's travel. Is this normal?

Do I need to check it under a magnifying glass for burrs or anything? It's not as tight as comp guns I've shot, but nor as loose as some rattlers I've handled.

I know this gun is dry and has been shot maybe 500-800 rounds or less and uncleaned in over a year and the slide movement is overall gritty but at the very end of the travel it is definitely sticking.

I will be cleaning/lubing/further detail stripping it this weekend.

I know for a fact it has never been cleaned beyond field stripping since purchased new in the early 90's. I believe i can get this gun running smoother than it has since new w/ some minor polishing and a lot of lube and maybe respringing it. Not that it has ever mis fired or jammed since new (so he claims and i believe).

[FlaChef]

a little oil and SURPRISE it moves much more freely, but still "sticks" all the way back.

[tous]

Remember, the slide presses down on the disconnector during rearward travel, thus, resistance.

Before you decide that it's a slide-to-frame fit problem, remove the disconnector and see if that changes the problem.

Also lay know straight edge on the top of the frame rails. Look for high or low spots, bowing and warping, but Colt makes a fine pistol and I'd be surprised if the frame was distorted.

Good luck building your own, mi amigo. <c>b