P14-45 Limited ParaO slide release problem

thebrassmonkeys · December 13, 2012, 02:37 PM

Hi

Got a 1999 Paraordnance P14-45 Limited recently NIB from a gunstore liquidation sale and the slide release is so hard to manipulate i have to use both thumbs with maximum exertion.

Have physically inspected it, cleaned and lubed with no significant improvement. Could send it to Para but wanted to consider any alternatives Forum members might suggest.

It does go into battery and will lock back fine on an empty mag

Thanks

dayman · December 13, 2012, 03:19 PM

Is it any harder/easier depending on whether the magazine is in or out?

Iron Man · December 13, 2012, 03:21 PM

With a loaded mag in place it operates smooth as silk. It's very difficult if the magazine is empty. Get some snap caps and give it a try (or real bullets when at the range).

**Aguila Blanca** · December 13, 2012, 06:01 PM

If the magazine is empty, the follower and mag spring are what push (and hold) the slide stop up. You're fighting the magazine spring, which in a Para magazine is generally fairly stout. You shouldn't be allowing the slide to slam closed on an empty chamber anyway, so just stop doing that. Pop the magazine out partially (a quarter inch or so is plenty), release the slide stop and return the slide to battery by hand, gently. Then reseat the magazine.

thebrassmonkeys · December 13, 2012, 06:09 PM

ironman you are correct it is easier with round in mag, though i don't understand why. do you know the reason pls?

still tighter than i'd like. will it shoot in or does it need machining in yr experience with these POs?

thks again

thebrassmonkeys · December 13, 2012, 06:12 PM

Aguila

yes have 3 mags all PO but different yrs of manufacture and yes the springs are v stout . Think a magloader is definitely required. People happy with the
Magulas (sic ) about $30?

1stmar · December 13, 2012, 06:32 PM

Here is another good source for para help, Travis tomasie frequents this forum, GM shooter and GM guy, gets a lot of issues solved. http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33

Sounds like you got this one sorted out, as previously pointed out, never drop the slide on an empty chamber, messes up the sear/trigger engagement.

chris in va · December 13, 2012, 10:22 PM

Like Aguila said, the magazine follower is what holds the mag release button up when the mag is empty. It's supposed to do that. As a matter of fact, Kahr takes it a step further and designed the follower to NOT allow the release to be used when empty.

**Aguila Blanca** · December 14, 2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrassmonkeys

ironman you are correct it is easier with round in mag, though i don't understand why. do you know the reason pls?

See post #4.

December 13, 2012, 02:37 PM	#1
thebrassmonkeys Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 35	P14-45 Limited ParaO slide release problem Hi Got a 1999 Paraordnance P14-45 Limited recently NIB from a gunstore liquidation sale and the slide release is so hard to manipulate i have to use both thumbs with maximum exertion. Have physically inspected it, cleaned and lubed with no significant improvement. Could send it to Para but wanted to consider any alternatives Forum members might suggest. It does go into battery and will lock back fine on an empty mag Thanks

December 13, 2012, 03:19 PM	#2
dayman Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: The Woods Posts: 1,197	Is it any harder/easier depending on whether the magazine is in or out? __________________ si vis pacem para bellum

December 13, 2012, 03:21 PM	#3
Iron Man Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 346	With a loaded mag in place it operates smooth as silk. It's very difficult if the magazine is empty. Get some snap caps and give it a try (or real bullets when at the range).

December 13, 2012, 06:01 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,477	If the magazine is empty, the follower and mag spring are what push (and hold) the slide stop up. You're fighting the magazine spring, which in a Para magazine is generally fairly stout. You shouldn't be allowing the slide to slam closed on an empty chamber anyway, so just stop doing that. Pop the magazine out partially (a quarter inch or so is plenty), release the slide stop and return the slide to battery by hand, gently. Then reseat the magazine.

December 13, 2012, 06:09 PM	#5
thebrassmonkeys Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 35	ironman you are correct it is easier with round in mag, though i don't understand why. do you know the reason pls? still tighter than i'd like. will it shoot in or does it need machining in yr experience with these POs? thks again

December 13, 2012, 06:12 PM	#6
thebrassmonkeys Member Join Date: November 28, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 35	Aguila yes have 3 mags all PO but different yrs of manufacture and yes the springs are v stout . Think a magloader is definitely required. People happy with the Magulas (sic ) about $30?

December 13, 2012, 06:32 PM	#7
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	Here is another good source for para help, Travis tomasie frequents this forum, GM shooter and GM guy, gets a lot of issues solved. http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33 Sounds like you got this one sorted out, as previously pointed out, never drop the slide on an empty chamber, messes up the sear/trigger engagement.

December 13, 2012, 10:22 PM	#8
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Like Aguila said, the magazine follower is what holds the mag release button up when the mag is empty. It's supposed to do that. As a matter of fact, Kahr takes it a step further and designed the follower to NOT allow the release to be used when empty.