Dan Wesson 1911 Jammed Slide

[Goowa]

Was at range yesterday and I thought I had emptied magazine but realized that slide was closed. Went to rack it and it wouldn't move. I ejected mag and could see a round chambered but looks like it may not be all the way engaged. I had shot about 50 rounds to this point without issue. I am shooting reloads but I've shot 1000's of these reloads with no problems to this point.

Slide will move about 1/8" and that's it. Any suggestions on how to free it up?

[yocan]

sounds like a piece of ruptured case stuck the next round in or the rim of the shell and the extractor are on edge together. First thought is slam it, thats what I'd do with an ar, but go to 1911forum first.

have you removed the tension by taking out the recoil spring, and disassembling the firearm completely I'd try that.

[Goowa]

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

[jmichna]

Originally Posted by Goowa

Was at range yesterday and I thought I had emptied magazine but realized that slide was closed. Went to rack it and it wouldn't move. I ejected mag and could see a round chambered but looks like it may not be all the way engaged....

Slide will move about 1/8" and that's it. Any suggestions on how to free it up?

Originally Posted by yocan

...have you removed the tension by taking out the recoil spring, and disassembling the firearm completely I'd try that.

Goowa,
Be very, very careful if you intend to relieve the recoil spring tension, since your going to be (metaphorically) staring down a barrel holding a chambered round. Keep your face/head/fingers/hands clear of the barrel... do this with zero distractions, probably in a safe area where you don't mind discharging your firearm... just in case.

If you think you can safely do this, here's what I'd try.... use a large block of wood and use that to push the slide back (catch the edge sufficient so that you are able to exert as much force as you'll need)... you may be able to get it to open, then remove the chambered round.

[govtcheez]

I had a similar situation when I was first testing reloads. I had a round, which apparently didn't have any powder, but the primer was enough to push the round out of the brass slightly causing the OAL to be very long and jamming the slide. The smith that was on duty at the range recognized the issue and jammed it loose by sticking a brass rod up the barrel and hitting it against a hard surface, pushing the round in the barrel and the slide back to unjam it.

[Goowa]

Got it open by taking spring out of front to ease the tension then a coupe taps with a rubber mallet released the slide. Turns out the bullet had quite a bulge. Didn't get properly crimped for some reason. Lesson learned.