Hello!

This question is about a Smith & Wesson 1911. I know this is a Sig-oriented forum, but I trust you folks. Hope this is ok!

Out shooting my e-series scandium, bobtail commander today - using Winchester white box 230 ammo. First magazine went fine; but wouldn’t fire after I changed magazines. I saw a small dark part fly off. It is the part pictured. Gun will not fire. Pistol was bought new by me and has about 600 flawless rounds through it. Gun is 100% stock and the ammo was factory. What broke on my gun?

Thank you!

James

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum, July 18, 2020 09:43 PM

Looks like the safety/slide lock detent broke off.

What broke is the plunger tube and internals that was staked on the left side of the frame. The plunger tube retains the spring and detent pins that keep your thumb safety and slide stop in place.

Looks like a safety lock/unlock plunger.

H&K-Guy

PS. What doesn't kill you, scars you for life!

Looks like the safety plunger tube assembly.

Contact S&W's Customer Service, politely explain what happened.

You should get an RMA, ( Return Material Authorization ) from them to return the pistol for repair.

quote:

Originally posted by ARMT Guy:
Contact S&W's Customer Service, politely explain what happened.

You should get an RMA, ( Return Material Authorization ) from them to return the pistol for repair.

All for free.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
All for free.

As my parents used to say 'Well, I'd hope to shout'.

Yes. That will need to be replaced and re-pinned. Wouldn’t worry about good service from Smith and Wesson. They’ll make it right for you. While they have it ask the to give it a once over. Now’s your chance for any mods.

Good lookin pistol btw. My S&W 1911 always ran lights out. Internals were polished too. No sharp edges anywhere. Wish I still had it....never should have sold it.

It is a good looker isn't it? How would that part be attached normally, like a tack weld or three?

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:
It is a good looker isn't it? How would that part be attached normally, like a tack weld or three?

Staked in at two positions; fore and aft.

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:
It is a good looker isn't it? How would that part be attached normally, like a tack weld or three?

The plunger tube is internally staked to the receiver. Replacement requires a specialized staking tool. Unfortunately, this is not a job for the DIY home gunsmith.

Hello again,

Thank you all very much! I emailed S&W when we returned home. In 43 years of firearms experience I’ve never had to send a gun in for repair. I’m both anxious and hopeful about this. This is one of my dream guns (the other being a s&w model 686) and I want it to work and be trustworthy. It’s very odd to be going to bed with my glock 19 on the nightstand instead of my 1911.

Thank you all again,

Jim

This is a relatively common 1911 breakage. A lot of factory guns (not specifically Smith and Wesson) have poorly fitted and staked plunger tubes. Same with ejectors for that matter. I'm certain they'll take care of it.

My Dan Wesson had the same thing happen, except the plunger tube didn't fly off, it just loosened and prevented the thumb safety from disengaging. Rather than send the gun back to DW I bought the staking tool and a new tube and replaced it myself. If you're near me I'd be happy to loan you the tool.

Hello,

I appreciate the offer to lend the tool, but I’m in Wyoming. I’ll send her back to S&W.

Thank you again,

Jim

Sometimes plunger tubes loosen because the holes were not internally countersunk for the legs to be staked.
This one, the legs are broken clear off. I am sure that Smith will replace it for you, but if it comes off again, I would get a real gunsmith to put on a milled part from Wilson or EGW.

The plunger tube is one of the few weak points on a M 1911. The tube must be staked correctly to ensure a trouble free installation. S&W's tube may be manufactured by a method other than milling from bar stock, which may account for the legs getting sheared off.

If this was my pistol I would purchase a high quality milled tube from someone like Ed Brown and pay a good gunsmith to properly install it, then you will never have to worry about it.

The original design also called for a lip on the top of of left grip to help support the plunger tube in place. Many 1911 grips today do not support the plunger tube.

Hello!

I am thankful to this group for its wisdom ... I have learned a lot about my 1911 just from this experience and the comments made herein. Honestly this experience makes me wanna sell the 1911 and move to revolvers! I have several Glocks and they run with it issue. Next on my list is the S&W 686. Just venting!

Thanks again,

Jim

Common problem with Smith plunger tubes.

Don't bother sending it back because they will replace it with the same part.

Get yourself a quality part and do it yourself, or go to a local guy that can stake it properly.

It's like a 2 minute job, less if you talk to the guy while he is doing it.

Bob