1911 Hammer locks up

[59f100292]

Its a springfield 1911, can't shoot it more than a mag without the hammer locking back after shooting.  No matter what is done with safeties or trying to bring hammer up by hand, the trigger won't pull and the hammer won't release.  Slide is free, hammer is locked back.   

I took every part out of the gun and laid them on a table to identify how it all works.  One thing I noticed is with the sear spring out, the hammer is still locked, however if I then turn the gun over (upside down) and wiggle a bit, It will free up again.

My theory, (here to be corrected) is that the sear spring is not adjusted correctly.  It appears as if the center leaf applies a bit of pressure to the sear disconnector, allowing sear to release the hammer.  Also, It seems like the sear center leaf on occasion is jumping over (around, under however to word it) the disconnect.  Im not sure because obviously it only happens when it is assembled and concealed inside the frame.  Any chance the Sear came just a hair too short? also the leaf is not quite square at the top.
Any one know the answer here?  Im tempted to purchase a new sear spring and just swap (around$7 from wilson).  Just wanted to know if anyone knew for sure what was wrong before I bought unnecessary parts.  Also, if it is sear spring, any one have an opion on which to buy?

[williamlayton]

As knowledgable as you are---IMO--it is time for a gunsmith.
Blessings

[Mikey]

59f:  if the pistol is new take it back and have it fixed or replaced; if the pistol is used and no longer under a warranty I would change out the hammer and sear just to be safe.

[59f100292]

As knowledgable as you are---IMO--it is time for a gunsmith.
Blessings

ha thanks for that but knowledgable? Hell this is the first time ive ever touched a 1911.  Im a Marlin Lever man.  Thats just the crazy theory I came up with after starrin and scratchin my head for long enough

[Mikey]

59f:  return the pistol.  There is something internal that is out of spec; either the trigger bar is too long, the sear is not properly cut and does not properly trip the hammer, or the sear spring is coming out of its retention hole and interfering with the proper functioning of the action. 

The factory only test fires a pistol for about half a dozen rounds for function so it might not have picked up the problem. 

I don't know if your 1911 has a beavertail grip safety or not but if it does then a Chip McCormick Hammer and Trigger Group should cure your problems and all you need do is swap out the parts.  HTH.

[Savage]

Odds are, it's the sear spring. Even so, I'd send it back for repair. A new pistol should run.
Savage

[59f100292]

As an update - I went ahead and bought a wilson combat sear spring for $7+S&H.  Put it in - reassembled, and the gun worked fine.  Atleast for the one mag I've run through it.  The two springs were shaped very differently on comparison.    Not sure if its fixed for good or not, but i'll let every one know once I put more rounds through it. 

[williamlayton]

Thanks for the update and for sharing your thoughts.
Blessings

[jack44]

I had this exact problem with my Dan Wesson CBOB. Turned out the trigger overtravel screw was loose and
had worked it's way too far in. After adjusting and loctiting the screw I have had no more problems.

[59f100292]

well it's god a few more clips through it, without a single miss.  Don't want to count my chickens but i think it's fixed.  Now onto this colt woodsman, pile of parts i was given.....