Smyth Busters: Dropping a 1911 Slide on an Empty Chamber

Published on August 11, 2020
Duration: 5:41

Dropping a 1911 slide on an empty chamber can be harmful, especially to match-grade triggers with light pulls and reduced sear engagement. While service pistols with heavier triggers and more engagement are more resilient, repeated impact can cause 'hammer follow' and batter the sear. The myth is plausible because while occasional drops might not damage robust components, certain trigger setups are susceptible to degradation over time.

Quick Summary

Dropping a 1911 slide on an empty chamber can damage match-grade triggers with light pulls and reduced sear engagement. Repeated impacts can cause 'hammer follow,' battering the sear, especially without the buffering effect of a magazine.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 1911 Slide Drop Myth
  2. 00:28Sear Engagement & Metallurgy Differences
  3. 01:35Impact on Match Triggers
  4. 02:43Magazine Buffering Effect Explained
  5. 03:41Types of Sear Engagement
  6. 05:06Conclusion: Myth Plausible?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dropping a 1911 slide on an empty chamber damage the firearm?

Yes, it can be harmful, especially to 1911s with match-grade triggers featuring light pulls and reduced sear engagement. Repeatedly slamming the slide can cause hammer follow and batter the sear over time.

What makes some 1911s more susceptible to damage from slide drops?

1911s with custom match-grade triggers often have less sear engagement and lighter pulls. Service pistols typically have more engagement and heavier triggers, offering greater resilience against the impact of a dropped slide.

What is 'hammer follow' in a 1911?

Hammer follow occurs when the hammer falls to the half-cock notch after the slide slams forward on an empty chamber. This indicates a potential issue with sear engagement and can lead to battering of the sear itself.

Does the magazine affect the impact of dropping a 1911 slide?

Yes, a magazine with cartridges slows the slide's forward velocity due to resistance. Dropping the slide on an empty chamber removes this buffering effect, allowing the slide to slam forward with maximum force.

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