Stainless Garrison Locked Up

[Okie John]

A few weeks ago, I bought a new stainless Garrison 5” in 45 ACP. I like this pistol. Stainless is ideal for western Washington and it regularly makes sub-3” groups at 25 yards with S&B factory 230-grain ball ammo without any modifications.

At the 72-round mark, it tied up so tight that I had to pound it against the bench to get the slide far enough to the rear to unload it. I disassembled it, worked it over with a rag and a toothbrush, then lubed it lightly with BreakFree CLP. It fired one more shot before locking up again.

After I got home, I detail stripped it and found nothing amiss internally.

Online research indicated that using grease instead of oil may help, so I cleaned off the oil and replaced it with grease. The slide moves freely now, but I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this with a stainless Springfield 1911.

Thanks,


X18C

 

[HayesGreener]

I always use grease on the rails of my semi-autos, TW25 to be exact. If the rails are dry with a little crud from firing they can jam up a pistol with tight tolerances. But I am curious about your ammo. Whenever I have encountered a lockup like you described it was an ammo problem.

 

[SL66]

Not sure what is causing the issue but I highly doubt it is the lube choice. Most 1911's like to run on the wet side.

 

[SL66]

Welcome from N.E. Fla. @Okie John.

 

[Okie John]

I always use grease on the rails of my semi-autos, TW25 to be exact. If the rails are dry with a little crud from firing they can jam up a pistol with tight tolerances. But I am curious about your ammo. Whenever I have encountered a lockup like you described it was an ammo problem.

It happened with S&B 230-grain FMJ. I'll try it with a different load and let you know how it works.


Okie John

 

[Annihilator]

Not sure what is causing the issue but I highly doubt it is the lube choice. Most 1911's like to run on the wet side.

Agree, most 1911’s like to run on the wet side, not into using grease myself, could just have been a fluke, welcome from ohio

 

[Okie John]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not convinced that the lube is the issue, but I'm going to try it with grease and different ammo tomorrow.


Okie John

 

[Mr.W.]

Should the difficulties continue, or worsen, Heaven forbid, consider Springfield Armory's excellent customer service/warranty coverage. 800-680-6866.
Welcome to the forum, from Ohio.

 

[NMEDGE]

I have had good luck with either Winchester or Federal 230gr ammo. I don't think it's a lube issue. Good luck.

 

[Okie John]

Not sure what is causing the issue but I highly doubt it is the lube choice. Most 1911's like to run on the wet side.

This one was borderline sloppy at the time.


Okie John