Guardian - slide not locking back

[Glenn54]

The slide is not locking back when the magazine is empty.  I hadn't cleaned or lubed the gun before shooting because I just picked it up.  Gun shop and range are the same business.  Let me know what you guys think the issue may be.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Clean the gun and lube it properly then give it 500 rounds to break it in and see how it goes.

[tomboyjr]

Try another magazine, could be the follower.

[Wobbly]

Clean the gun and lube it properly then give it 500 rounds to break it in and see how it goes.

1. The above first.

2. Then look at the ammo. Are the shell casings flying at least 6 feet away? Could be under-powered reloads or "target ammo" the range is selling.

3. The Guardian is sprung for powerful self-defense ammo. If you see anemic shell case distances with all but the best SD ammo, then order a reduced-power recoil spring to use during practice sessions. Those are easy to exchange back and forth when the gun is field stripped for cleaning.

[Ron IL]

Not cleaned and lubed with cheap ammo will do that.  Any new one I have had I always clean and lube and use a little hotter ammo for a couple hundred rounds.

[Glenn54]

Clean the gun and lube it properly then give it 500 rounds to break it in and see how it goes.

1. The above first.

2. Then look at the ammo. Are the shell casings flying at least 6 feet away? Could be under-powered reloads or "target ammo" the range is selling.

3. The Guardian is sprung for powerful self-defense ammo. If you see anemic shell case distances with all but the best SD ammo, then order a reduced-power recoil spring to use during practice sessions. Those are easy to exchange back and forth when the gun is field stripped for cleaning.

What spring weight do you recommend? 

[Raven45]

The stock spring weight should be fine.  I suggest following the recommendations that other members of the forum have provided before you atart changing parts.

I would really try some different magazines.

Stacking tolerances between different manufacturers of 1911's  and 1911 magazines often contribute to issues as you have described.

[Glenn54]

The stock spring weight should be fine.  I suggest following the recommendations that other members of the forum have provided before you atart changing parts.

I would really try some different magazines.

Stacking tolerances between different manufacturers of 1911's  and 1911 magazines often contribute to issues as you have described.

I purchased 2 Wilson Combat magazines but haven't tried them yet.  I'll try them and then try different ammo.  Thanks.

[Wobbly]

What spring weight do you recommend?

How far are the cases being thrown ?

[Glenn54]

What spring weight do you recommend?

How far are the cases being thrown ?

I'm not sure.  I was shooting at an indoor range and the wall was only a few feet from my right side.  I have cleaned the gun and used a Wilson Combat magazine.  With the new magazine, the slide does lock back, when I pull the slide back.  I don't care for the looks/fit of the Wilson magazine.  About 1/8" of the magazine case shows below the gun grips.  Thoughts on this?

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Perfectly normal for the Wilson mags to stick out as they are designed that way. They are much better mags than the crappy mil-spec style that Dan Wesson and others still ship their 1911's with today.

[Glenn54]

Perfectly normal for the Wilson mags to stick out as they are desinged that way. They are much better mags than the crappy mil-spec style that Dan Wesson and others still ship their 1911's with today.

Thank you.  At least it works properly.

[Raven45]

Stacking tolerances.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

If the gun functions normally with the Wilson mags but not with the DW supplied mags I would definitely call them and explain the issue so they can get another set of mags out to you. As I stated earlier though I would run it through a break in period first.

[Glenn54]

If the gun functions normally with the Wilson mags but not with the DW supplied mags I would definitely call them and explain the issue so they can get another set of mags out to you. As I stated earlier though I would run it through a break in period first.

Thanks again.  Hadn't thought of contacting Dan Wesson about a magazine issue but I definitely will.  I need to go shoot again soon.