Inserting mag into Springfield 1911

[viiiball]

By way of background, almost all the semi-autos I have owned to this point have been Glocks (own 5). Yesterday I purchased my first 1911 (Springfield Loaded BiTone Lightweight PX9104LP).

When inserting an unloaded magazine into my Glocks , with very little effort I can push the magazine up into the firearm and it clicks into place. In going through the 1911 last night, I insert the magazine into the firearm and it gets all but about 1 inch (see photo) of the magazine in and then it "stops" and it takes considerable effort to get it seated into place. I am not able to seat the magazine using one finger like I am able to do with the Glock. To get it fully seated in the 1911 I have to almost hit the magazine with the palm of my hand to get it fully seated.

Is this normal?

[WRW]

I noticed that on a Colt. Just out of curiosity, I turned the gun upside down and pushed in the magazine release...the magazine fell into place and locked when I let off the button.

[Username]

Tight is one thing, but physically hard to insert (no innuendo please..ha) would concern me. Factory magazine or after-market?

[viiiball]

I tested with both magazines I received with the firearm so they are factory and brand new, never fired

[WRW]

Where the magazine stops is where the catch begins to contact the taper of the magazine. After that point, you are pushing against the spring in the catch mechanism as well as the friction of the catch against the magazine. If the magazine isn't being deformed by the contact with the catch, I wouldn't worry about it. If it is too much of a problem...I'm about ready to make a new purchase.

[KennyS]

I would check first to make sure there are no patruding parts or burs in the mag well, same goes for the Mag's. If that is ok rub just a small ammount of vegtable oil on the mags after several insertions of the mags, or a couple hundred rounds, this issue should dissappear, mine did. Most of the times with the mag tolerances it does not include the paint and a little wearring does wonders.

[viiiball]

Where the magazine stops is where the catch begins to contact the taper of the magazine. After that point, you are pushing against the spring in the catch mechanism as well as the friction of the catch against the magazine. If the magazine isn't being deformed by the contact with the catch, I wouldn't worry about it.

This is exactly what the issue was. I took the grips off and ran my hand into the inards of the firearm to see if there was anything protruding. It is the magazine catch and because the top of the magazine is not tapered and is relatively flat, the catch is stopping on the top of the magazine and I have to exert more than normal pressure to get it by the catch. Now that I know what is happening I am no longer worried about it. I would imagine there is an aftermarket magazine that might have a small taper to it so that this does not occur.

Thank you everyone for your input. I am a bit anal about these things as if it doesn't seem to work right I get nervous I have made a bad purchase. Off the board and on to the range to shoot the new toy.

[zephyp]

I honestly believe every mag should get a nice smack going into the well merely to make it a habit whether it needs it or not. If the SHTF and you're trying to baby a mag in then you got a problem if it doesnt lock right. Having said that, if you have to use a hammer then its time to take the gun back or check your magazines. And, I honestly cant say whether mine will seat and lock with finger pressure or not unless I try them cause I smack them every time out of habit. I learned this lesson a long time ago when a certain instructor was trying to beat that into our heads. A guy fingered in a mag, raised the gun to shoot and it fell out.

[viiiball]

I honestly believe every mag should get a nice smack going into the well merely to make it a habit whether it needs it or not. ... I learned this lesson a long time ago when a certain instructor was trying to beat that into our heads.

No doubt on this as I was trained the same way. Its just the 1911 was so different than what I was used to with the Glocks that I was worried there might be some defect or issue.

Once I figured it out I felt kinda dumb and I could hear all the experienced 1911 users laughing at the newbie. But I got over that and went to the range and shot out all the laughing. While at the range tonight I held a high end Kimber and it catches in the same way so I am assuming this is native to the 1911 platform.

I shot both my Glock 21 and the SA 1911. Obviously the Glock felt more natural but my accuracy was better with the 1911. The sight picture is different and something I will have to get used to as I shoot more.

Thank you to everyone who chimed in here. I really appreciate all the knowledgeable folks at VGOF.

[WRW]

I think this is gonna be one of those "the more you try it, the more you like it" kinda things.

[zephyp]

I think this is gonna be one of those "the more you try it, the more you like it" kinda things.

Most of guns love being smacked around a little... It lets them know who the master is.

[WRW]

I think this is gonna be one of those "the more you try it, the more you like it" kinda things.

Most of guns love being smacked around a little... It lets them know who the master is.

I call it a "love tap", but yeah...