Need assistance with my 1911 grip

[ray1970]

I ride my thumb on top of the safety on a 1911 like just about everyone else. My problem is my thumb rides the side of the slide. It doesn't bother my thumb any but occasionally the pistol fails to go completely into battery when clambering a round. I'm fairly certain my thumb riding the side of the slide is slowing it down and causing this condition. Other than modifying the pistol with some sort of metal thumb guard type thing, is there anything I can do to keep my thumb off the slide?

Thanks in advance.

[buffalobo]

Maybe a little less/more cheeto dust on thumb?

[ray1970]

Maybe a little less/more cheeto dust on thumb?

Ah.... Like talcum powder. Perhaps a bit more of the magic orange dust would just let the slide glide along my thumb?

Thanks.

[Beer]

[buffalobo]

Maybe modify safety lever to angle down or bevel just slightly would roll thumb just a little away from slide.

[ray1970]

Maybe modify safety lever to angle down or bevel just slightly would roll thumb just a little away from slide.

I think someone (Wilson Combat?) makes a safety with a low lever. Maybe I should check into it.

Thanks.

[spleify]

Is this a new(ish) pistol? I cant imagine that your thumb riding on the side of the slide is slowing it down enough to keep it from going into battery. Does it do this when you are actually firing the gun or just during practice in your home? Are you riding the slide home when this happens? If you pull and release the slide does it happen also?

[ray1970]

It is a newer piece. I've got about 250 rounds through it. It seems to do it once every three or four magazines. Does it with factory mags, Chip McCormick mags, and Wilson 47D mags.

[sroz]

What ammo. I've had similar problem with a couple of my 1911s. Both only did it with WWB. Cleared up after 5-600 rnds.

[ray1970]

What ammo. I've had similar problem with a couple of my 1911s. Both only did it with WWB. Cleared up after 5-600 rnds.

Cheap Federal FMJ. Looks like decent stuff other than it burns a little dirty. Maybe I should try a different brand.

[BPTactical]

Limp wristing? New pistol,new springs and if your ammo is just a hair on the weak side the slightest give in your grip may soak up just enough recoil impulse to short stroke.
Make sure the slide/frame is well lubed.
Take your offhand thumb and hold your primary thumb down to keep it clear of the safety.

[ray1970]

Limp wristing? New pistol,new springs and if your ammo is just a hair on the weak side the slightest give in your grip may soak up just enough recoil impulse to short stroke.
Make sure the slide/frame is well lubed.
Take your offhand thumb and hold your primary thumb down to keep it clear of the safety.

Thanks, Bert. Twenty-five years of pulling wrenches for a living have taken its toll on my wrists and elbows but I'm fairly certain I still have a pretty firm grip on things. The pistol is kept clean and well lubricated. I'll try to lock my thumb down with my other thumb next time I go out. The flat wire recoil spring does seem a bit stiff to me. Not sure if that could be an issue or not. Perhaps I'll swap it out for a standard spring and see if that makes a difference.

[KS63]

I've got small hands and the factory TS paddle was too high for me. Changed it out for a Harrison Design TS which has a lower and slightly wider paddle with a more comfortable angle. Works great but not cheap.

[ray1970]

I've got small hands and the factory TS paddle was too high for me. Changed it out for a Harrison Design TS which has a lower and slightly wider paddle with a more comfortable angle. Works great but not cheap.

Thanks. Just checked it out. Looks much nicer than the Wilson Combat part. I'd probably try to file some sort of ridges in the top of the lever though.

[BPTactical]

Thanks. Just checked it out. Looks much nicer than the Wilson Combat part. I'd probably try to file some sort of ridges in the top of the lever though.


I was not trying to make fun of you RayRay with the limp wrist comment. Just pointing out that a little flex in your grip combined with weak ammo and a new, stiff pistol may have a cumulative effect.

Your welcome to slide by and I can run a checkering file down it and give you some straight lines.

[ray1970]

I was not trying to make fun of you RayRay

I wasn't offended. Just pretty sure limp wristing it isn't my issue. I still need to get it to you so you can do your magic with the hammer/sear. Just trying to get it running 100% first. I still need that barrel reprofiled as well. My job keeps screwing up my plans.

Thanks.

[Beer]