WE 1911 MEU - Slide not locking back

KBarlow · July 21st, 2012, 14:27

Buying a used WE 1911, but the slide does not lock back. Any ideas as to why? I'm thinking it could just do with a good cleaning and oiling, and if that doesn't fix it, start checking seals and o-rings.

Will have it completely apart after I get it and before I even use it.

Just thought I'd get this rolling early.

halifax1977 · July 21st, 2012, 14:46

Hi, dos the mag have a piece that would contact slide lock and engage the stop if the mag was empty. That if the slide relesde moved freely.

Styrak · July 21st, 2012, 15:03

That's a common problem with WE pistols. It's bad QC.

KBarlow · July 24th, 2012, 01:27

Is there a fix for it?

Drake · July 24th, 2012, 02:27

WE 1911s are awesome if you know what to do to em.

Here's a little troubleshooting flow chart for your problem:

1. Does the slide lock back on an empty mag when you pull the slide back manually (ie., it only fails to lock back when shooting)?

YES: go to #2
NO: Most likely your slide catch is damaged/broken and needs replacing.

2. Does the slide cycle with a fairly strong kick/travel fully rearward?

NO: go to #3
YES: Most likely the feed spring in the mag isn't applying enough upward force to push up the slide catch fast enough and/or there's too much resistance on the slide catch. 1) you'll notice a small bump on the rear face of the slide catch lever (where a detente pin pushes into it): you can file it down SLIGHTLY (NOT COMPLETELY!) so it moves more easily.

You can also disassemble your mag and GENTLY stretch out the feed spring slightly: grab it by both ends and gently stretch it outwards, maybe 10-15cm total, then let it return to its resting state. It will only be about 1-2cm longer, but it'll be able to push up on the slide catch with a bit more force. You'll have to do that to each mag. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDO IT AND DEFORM THE SPRING. You're better off not stretching it enough and having to stretch it a tiny bit more than over stretching it!

3. Assuming you're using green gas/propane and your gas is fairly full (tanks with less than about 25% gas start lacking enough pressure to properly fill mags), your blowback unit ("BBU") isn't performing as well as it should be. Make sure it's clean and well lubricated; make sure the loading nozzle can move freely (if the screw in the rear sight or the screw at the back of the slide are overtightened it may impair its ability to move smoothly/freely). Failing all else, you may want to opt for an upgraded piston head. I recommend the Nineball Dyna piston head (for Marui 1911/Hicapa). The ACTION aluminum piston head will also work. DO NOT use the Element Dyna piston head: its diameter is slightly wider and the O-ring ends up getting chewed up and jamming the BBU.

If that still doesn't help you're looking at a more serious problem and should have a gun doc look at it.

KBarlow · July 24th, 2012, 20:02

Thanks Drake. Interesting to know that the Nineball Dyna piston head fits in the WEs. Are WE 1911s clones of TMs?

-Thanks.

Styrak · July 24th, 2012, 20:40

No. Well at least not entirely. Mags and some other parts are not compatible.

KBarlow · July 30th, 2012, 23:48

Does this help?

KBarlow · July 31st, 2012, 11:16

I just see no way for the slide catch to be pushed up. There is nothing contacting it, no springs, nothing.

jordan7831 · July 31st, 2012, 11:26

With no mag in the gun. Can you rack the slide back manually and push up the slide lock?

KBarlow · July 31st, 2012, 11:47

Yes.

KBarlow · July 31st, 2012, 11:52

FFS. The follower is missing a piece that pushes the catch up..

The part below where it says Evike.

Problem solved.

EDIT:

Just an update. If anyone else is having this problem, I found a link in another thread to Capital Airsoft, whom apparently have these for sale. Unfortunately, the site is down, so I can't check right now.

http://albertaairsoft.com/store/prod...d_product=2271

Styrak · July 31st, 2012, 13:33

Yup, a follower is pretty important.

jordan7831 · July 31st, 2012, 13:50

So the follower was worn down so it wouldnt push the slide lock upwards is that correct? If so you can if your up to it superglue some plastic to it to get it working again. Oh check out tiger111hk, as they have oem we parts for dirt cheap.

Babam. $2.50 for a follower? Eh not to bad.

http://airsoft.tiger111hk.com/Airsof...duct_info.html

p.phresh · August 1st, 2012, 11:57

had that problem on a WA mag once. Piece was worn or chipped.

I used a hot glue gun put a wad of glue on there and then shaved off what I didn't need.

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July 21st, 2012, 14:27	#1
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	WE 1911 MEU - Slide not locking back Buying a used WE 1911, but the slide does not lock back. Any ideas as to why? I'm thinking it could just do with a good cleaning and oiling, and if that doesn't fix it, start checking seals and o-rings. Will have it completely apart after I get it and before I even use it. Just thought I'd get this rolling early. __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 24th, 2012, 01:27	#4
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	Is there a fix for it? __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 24th, 2012, 02:27	#5
Drake E-01 Trader rating Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Montreal, QC	WE 1911s are awesome if you know what to do to em. Here's a little troubleshooting flow chart for your problem: 1. Does the slide lock back on an empty mag when you pull the slide back manually (ie., it only fails to lock back when shooting)? YES: go to #2 NO: Most likely your slide catch is damaged/broken and needs replacing. 2. Does the slide cycle with a fairly strong kick/travel fully rearward? NO: go to #3 YES: Most likely the feed spring in the mag isn't applying enough upward force to push up the slide catch fast enough and/or there's too much resistance on the slide catch. 1) you'll notice a small bump on the rear face of the slide catch lever (where a detente pin pushes into it): you can file it down SLIGHTLY (NOT COMPLETELY!) so it moves more easily. You can also disassemble your mag and GENTLY stretch out the feed spring slightly: grab it by both ends and gently stretch it outwards, maybe 10-15cm total, then let it return to its resting state. It will only be about 1-2cm longer, but it'll be able to push up on the slide catch with a bit more force. You'll have to do that to each mag. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDO IT AND DEFORM THE SPRING. You're better off not stretching it enough and having to stretch it a tiny bit more than over stretching it! 3. Assuming you're using green gas/propane and your gas is fairly full (tanks with less than about 25% gas start lacking enough pressure to properly fill mags), your blowback unit ("BBU") isn't performing as well as it should be. Make sure it's clean and well lubricated; make sure the loading nozzle can move freely (if the screw in the rear sight or the screw at the back of the slide are overtightened it may impair its ability to move smoothly/freely). Failing all else, you may want to opt for an upgraded piston head. I recommend the Nineball Dyna piston head (for Marui 1911/Hicapa). The ACTION aluminum piston head will also work. DO NOT use the Element Dyna piston head: its diameter is slightly wider and the O-ring ends up getting chewed up and jamming the BBU. If that still doesn't help you're looking at a more serious problem and should have a gun doc look at it. __________________

July 21st, 2012, 14:46	#2
halifax1977 ^ Boring user name, and look he's old!! Trader rating Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Halifax	Hi, dos the mag have a piece that would contact slide lock and engage the stop if the mag was empty. That if the slide relesde moved freely.

July 21st, 2012, 15:03	#3
Styrak Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Saskatoon, SK	That's a common problem with WE pistols. It's bad QC. __________________ Airsoft Sales and Repair/Upgrade Services

July 24th, 2012, 20:02	#6
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	Thanks Drake. Interesting to know that the Nineball Dyna piston head fits in the WEs. Are WE 1911s clones of TMs? -Thanks. __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 24th, 2012, 20:40	#7
Styrak Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Saskatoon, SK	No. Well at least not entirely. Mags and some other parts are not compatible. __________________ Airsoft Sales and Repair/Upgrade Services

July 30th, 2012, 23:48	#8
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	Does this help? __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 31st, 2012, 11:16	#9
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	I just see no way for the slide catch to be pushed up. There is nothing contacting it, no springs, nothing. __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 31st, 2012, 11:26	#10
jordan7831 will always be Mike Litoris in our hearts Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North York - Toronto	With no mag in the gun. Can you rack the slide back manually and push up the slide lock?

July 31st, 2012, 11:47	#11
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	Yes. __________________ Airsoft Kamloops

July 31st, 2012, 11:52	#12
KBarlow attention whore wants a custom title. Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kamloops, BC	FFS. The follower is missing a piece that pushes the catch up.. The part below where it says Evike. Problem solved. EDIT: Just an update. If anyone else is having this problem, I found a link in another thread to Capital Airsoft, whom apparently have these for sale. Unfortunately, the site is down, so I can't check right now. http://albertaairsoft.com/store/prod...d_product=2271 __________________ Airsoft Kamloops Last edited by KBarlow; July 31st, 2012 at 12:32..

July 31st, 2012, 13:33	#13
Styrak Trader rating Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Saskatoon, SK	Yup, a follower is pretty important. __________________ Airsoft Sales and Repair/Upgrade Services

July 31st, 2012, 13:50	#14
jordan7831 will always be Mike Litoris in our hearts Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North York - Toronto	So the follower was worn down so it wouldnt push the slide lock upwards is that correct? If so you can if your up to it superglue some plastic to it to get it working again. Oh check out tiger111hk, as they have oem we parts for dirt cheap. Babam. $2.50 for a follower? Eh not to bad. http://airsoft.tiger111hk.com/Airsof...duct_info.html

August 1st, 2012, 11:57	#15
p.phresh Trader rating Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Winnipeg, MB	had that problem on a WA mag once. Piece was worn or chipped. I used a hot glue gun put a wad of glue on there and then shaved off what I didn't need.

WE 1911 MEU - Slide not locking back

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