Beretta Model 21A Disassembly Problem

RanchHand · June 13, 2011, 04:07 PM

I am having problems lifting the slide from the frame, following the directions. Remove magazine, push barrel lever forward, swing barrel completely forward, cock hammer (safety off), retract slide 1/8". But the front end of the slide will not lift far enough to clear the frame's barrel hinge, preventing the barrel moving forward and off the frame. I have applied a fair amount of force without trying to hamfist it and break something (I'm actually somewhat well known for that around these parts). Any suggestions? Thanks to all.

Bill DeShivs · June 13, 2011, 04:21 PM

The barrel doesn't come off the frame-just the slide does. Lift the front of the slide up and forward.

lechiffre · June 13, 2011, 04:53 PM

...

Niner4Tango · June 13, 2011, 05:01 PM

Does this help?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9xZekOKQbo

lechiffre · June 13, 2011, 05:03 PM

Give it a bit of a tug. Those parts fit tight at first. After a few disassemblies / reassemblies it will get easier. It will take a bit of pressure to get the slide seated properly on reassembly.

amd6547 · June 13, 2011, 06:19 PM

The beretta 21a has an ejector held on by a split pin through the frame.
It is not uncommon for the pin to work part ways out, and prevent the slide from coming off.
If this happens, you need to take off the grips, shine a bight flashlight up at the bottom sides of the slide, and try to see the pin sticking out. If you see it, try pushing the pin back in with a thin tool like a penknife blade of tiny screwdriver.
Look at a parts schematic to locate where the pin is at.

RanchHand · June 13, 2011, 06:53 PM

Thanks for al of the replies. Sorry, I made an error in my OP. I meant "preventing the slide from moving forward" not barrel. The youtube vid shows exactly what I am attempting but the front of the slide moves up only about 3/8". I have applied about 15 lbs. steady pressure.

RanchHand · June 13, 2011, 06:56 PM

Got it amd6547. That has to be the problem! I knew I shoudn't try to muscle it any more. You guys are great with the quick replies and good advice. Thanks so much.

CrossEyedShooter · December 11, 2012, 10:32 AM

amd6547 Thank you for posting this info. I ran into the same problem with a 21A that I picked up recently. It took me a few minutes to see where the pin sticks out, but problem now solved.

June 13, 2011, 04:07 PM	#1
RanchHand Junior Member Join Date: June 13, 2011 Location: Navasota, Texas Posts: 6	Beretta Model 21A Disassembly Problem I am having problems lifting the slide from the frame, following the directions. Remove magazine, push barrel lever forward, swing barrel completely forward, cock hammer (safety off), retract slide 1/8". But the front end of the slide will not lift far enough to clear the frame's barrel hinge, preventing the barrel moving forward and off the frame. I have applied a fair amount of force without trying to hamfist it and break something (I'm actually somewhat well known for that around these parts). Any suggestions? Thanks to all.

June 13, 2011, 04:21 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 6,453	The barrel doesn't come off the frame-just the slide does. Lift the front of the slide up and forward. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

June 13, 2011, 04:53 PM	#3
lechiffre Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: phoenix,az Posts: 402	... __________________ if God hadn't meant us to shoot he wouldn't have given us trigger fingers do the interns get glocks ? Last edited by lechiffre; June 13, 2011 at 04:55 PM. Reason: poor memory

June 13, 2011, 05:03 PM	#5
lechiffre Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: phoenix,az Posts: 402	Memory Back Give it a bit of a tug. Those parts fit tight at first. After a few disassemblies / reassemblies it will get easier. It will take a bit of pressure to get the slide seated properly on reassembly. __________________ if God hadn't meant us to shoot he wouldn't have given us trigger fingers do the interns get glocks ?

June 13, 2011, 06:19 PM	#6
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 1,064	The beretta 21a has an ejector held on by a split pin through the frame. It is not uncommon for the pin to work part ways out, and prevent the slide from coming off. If this happens, you need to take off the grips, shine a bight flashlight up at the bottom sides of the slide, and try to see the pin sticking out. If you see it, try pushing the pin back in with a thin tool like a penknife blade of tiny screwdriver. Look at a parts schematic to locate where the pin is at. __________________ Still waiting for my Flashback...I would like it now, please.

June 13, 2011, 05:01 PM	#4
Niner4Tango Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 231	Does this help? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9xZekOKQbo

June 13, 2011, 06:53 PM	#7
RanchHand Junior Member Join Date: June 13, 2011 Location: Navasota, Texas Posts: 6	Thanks for al of the replies. Sorry, I made an error in my OP. I meant "preventing the slide from moving forward" not barrel. The youtube vid shows exactly what I am attempting but the front of the slide moves up only about 3/8". I have applied about 15 lbs. steady pressure.

June 13, 2011, 06:56 PM	#8
RanchHand Junior Member Join Date: June 13, 2011 Location: Navasota, Texas Posts: 6	Got it amd6547. That has to be the problem! I knew I shoudn't try to muscle it any more. You guys are great with the quick replies and good advice. Thanks so much.

December 11, 2012, 10:32 AM	#9
CrossEyedShooter Junior Member Join Date: March 6, 2009 Posts: 1	amd6547 Thank you for posting this info. I ran into the same problem with a 21A that I picked up recently. It took me a few minutes to see where the pin sticks out, but problem now solved.