Question about M1911A1 field stripping

[Slater]

Just bought a Springfield Armory GI 1911 as a fun gun/range plinker. It's my first 1911 so I'm going step-by-step by the manual for an initial disassembly and cleaning.

Problem is the slide stop doesn't seem to want to come out by using just finger pressure. Do these need to be tapped out? It's a brand new gun and maybe things are still really tight.

[drrufo]

Make sure the slide stop is lined up with the little cut out that allows it to slide out. I sometimes need to use a screwdriver handle to start the slide.

[9mm_shooter]

I think you may be right about the tight slide stop. I had the same problem with a (new rollmark) series 70 Colt. It gets easier after a few times.

[Pappabear]

There are two little grooves, do not use the slide stop groove.

You tube has good video's. Short and sweet.

[Business_Casual]

Is it lubricated?

M_P

[Boothj]

With the production " GI" style pistols, they dont fit the parts to each individual gun. So one could be tight and the next one loose. It should loosen up over time. But also everyone here is correct, make sure you have the take down notch lined up, and not the slide stop notch.

[Slater]

Yep, turns out that was the problem. Springfield's manual is vague at best, so I went to some online sites for more detailed guidance. I had the wrong notch lined up with the slide stop. Once I did it correctly it came right out. Live and learn, I guess.