Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS - The Firearms Forum

polamalu43 · 12-04-2011, 09:26 AM

I have a new Rock Island Armory 1911A1 compact/officers model. I am having trouble reassembling the slide to the frame after cleaning. Seems the slide stop/takedown pin will not push into the hole. There seems to be just enough of the barrel link in the way. I have tried turning the gun in every way conceivable. I can't seem to get the barrel link to completely recess in the slide so the pin will fit in. I looked on Youtube, and it seems that putting the slide stop back in can be a difficult process. But, it should go in eventually. I am stumped. Anyone have a similar experience? Or does anyone have a suggestion? I really don't want to have to ship the pistol back to the manufacturer. Thanks for any help or ideas.

woolleyworm · 12-04-2011, 10:27 AM

You'll have to partially insert the slide stop pin and then give the slide a nudge while keeping light pressure on the pin; it should slide in and yes, it does take some getting used to. You'll get a feel for it after doing it a few times.

I think I'm following your problem correctly. It will also get a little easier with some break-in and wear.

H-D · 12-04-2011, 10:29 AM

leave the mag out and pull the slide all the way back this can push the link out where it needs to be then look thru the hole til its at least 75% lined up then push the link straight in also mind the notch where the slide stop goes in it will only go in where the notch is

Helix_FR · 12-04-2011, 01:18 PM

Its easier to insert the slide stop if you have the recoil spring captured in those compacts.

polamalu43 · 12-08-2011, 08:48 PM

Thanks for responding. I got the slide stop back in, and everything works great.

American Leader · 12-08-2011, 09:19 PM

Hey pola, after you get your firearm assembled, cock the hammer, put it on safety, and try to pull the trigger. I know a fella who can fire this pistol with the safety is on. Let me know how it works for you. Thanks in advance.

weasle94 · 01-23-2012, 01:33 AM

I found that the pin has a small hole in it about 1/4 of the way down it. put in a pin (safety or paper clip) to keep the spring compressed and assemble as normal and the link pin goes right through the barrel and frame ,no problem and then compress the spring with the slide and remove the pin.makes it very easy to reassemble

12-04-2011, 09:26 AM	#1
polamalu43 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 42	Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS I have a new Rock Island Armory 1911A1 compact/officers model. I am having trouble reassembling the slide to the frame after cleaning. Seems the slide stop/takedown pin will not push into the hole. There seems to be just enough of the barrel link in the way. I have tried turning the gun in every way conceivable. I can't seem to get the barrel link to completely recess in the slide so the pin will fit in. I looked on Youtube, and it seems that putting the slide stop back in can be a difficult process. But, it should go in eventually. I am stumped. Anyone have a similar experience? Or does anyone have a suggestion? I really don't want to have to ship the pistol back to the manufacturer. Thanks for any help or ideas. -->

12-04-2011, 10:27 AM	#2
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,885	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS You'll have to partially insert the slide stop pin and then give the slide a nudge while keeping light pressure on the pin; it should slide in and yes, it does take some getting used to. You'll get a feel for it after doing it a few times. I think I'm following your problem correctly. It will also get a little easier with some break-in and wear. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

12-04-2011, 10:29 AM	#3
H-D Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,334	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS leave the mag out and pull the slide all the way back this can push the link out where it needs to be then look thru the hole til its at least 75% lined up then push the link straight in also mind the notch where the slide stop goes in it will only go in where the notch is __________________ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

12-04-2011, 01:18 PM	#4
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,625	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS Its easier to insert the slide stop if you have the recoil spring captured in those compacts. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

12-08-2011, 08:48 PM	#5
polamalu43 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 42	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS Thanks for responding. I got the slide stop back in, and everything works great.

12-08-2011, 09:19 PM	#6
American Leader Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,630	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS Hey pola, after you get your firearm assembled, cock the hammer, put it on safety, and try to pull the trigger. I know a fella who can fire this pistol with the safety is on. Let me know how it works for you. Thanks in advance.

01-23-2012, 01:33 AM	#7
weasle94 Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 16	Re: Help reassembling RIA 1911 CS I found that the pin has a small hole in it about 1/4 of the way down it. put in a pin (safety or paper clip) to keep the spring compressed and assemble as normal and the link pin goes right through the barrel and frame ,no problem and then compress the spring with the slide and remove the pin.makes it very easy to reassemble