Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Steve are back to answer one of the most controversial questions of all time: Is it OK to drop the slide of a 1911 on an empty chamber? The critical factor is the effect on sear engagement. Simple military-style 1911s have heavy triggers with a lot of sear engagement and can probably handle a reasonable amount of slide slamming with no adverse effect. Finely tuned match guns with light sear engagement are not so forgiving. A properly tuned gun with a good "range" trigger of around 4.5 lbs. should be OK. The danger is with a 1911 that's had an improperly executed trigger job with a barely engaging sear. The hardness of the steel in the fire control components is also a factor. STEVE'S ADVICE: Start with a gun from a good manufacturer. If you upgrade it, use high-quality parts. And you can occasionally drop the slide on an empty chamber with little-to-no risk of harm. CALEB'S ADVICE: Check the owner's manual and do what it says. The manufacturer should know if its gun is built to handle dropping the slide on an empty chamber. What's your experience? Tell us about it below.
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