1911 Plunger Tube Question

[Shiloh]

Mine came loose with the safety on.

I had read about this happening in the past, so knew what it was and didn't panic. I was concerned that there was a live round in the chamber, and I could neither fire it, or eject it from the jammed safety. I was able to get the safety to the ready position and fire the round.

Anyway, I asked a friend if he had a staker tool and he did. Saved me having to buy the Gunrunner staking tool from Brownells. What I did, was clean up the plunger tube, and the holes, chamfer the holes a bit more, and re install.

Should I have replace it with a new one?? I suppose if it comes off again I'll have answered my own question. I bought this gun second hand almost 30 years ago, and this is the first real issue I have had with it. There were 700 rounds but through this firearm since June 30th.

Shiloh

[km101]

As long as it is not bent or dinged where the spring cant function, and it is staked solidly, you are good to go.

[Shiloh]

We'll See KM101. I did use Red Loctite on the rivets before crimping.

Shiloh

[EddieNFL]

Silver solder.

[Skipper]

If you're worried about it, they make a screw-on plunger tube

http://www.egwguns.com/plunger-tubes/bolt-on-plunger-tube-blue/

76799

[nicholst55]

They also make one that has four legs to stake. You have to drill two additional holes in the frame for them. IIRC a template is available to locate the holes for you.

[jrayborn]

The new Ruger 1911's are one piece...

[prs]

The new Ruger 1911's are one piece...

They (Rugers) are series 70, so that may be the difference.

prs

[gray wolf]

Series 70 series 80 a plunger tube is a plunger tube.
Correct [Y] [N]

[jrayborn]

correct.

[prs]

Ya, but maybe all are not tacked on or peened on.

prs

[Mk42gunner]

Back when we had 1911A1's in the Navy, I never tried to reuse a plunger tube that had pulled from its original staking. Of course every shore Armory and ship that I was on had dozens of new plunger tubes floating around the armory.

There really isn't much metal in the legs of a plunger tube, so I always figured it was better to properly fit a new one than try to reuse the old one that had already malfunctioned once.

Robert

[Shiloh]

Back when we had 1911A1's in the Navy, I never tried to reuse a plunger tube that had pulled from its original staking. Of course every shore Armory and ship that I was on had dozens of new plunger tubes floating around the armory.

There really isn't much metal in the legs of a plunger tube, so I always figured it was better to properly fit a new one than try to reuse the old one that had already malfunctioned once.

Robert

This has crosssed my mind. My next order from Midway or Brownells will have one on it. A cheap part.

SHiloh

[Shiloh]

Ressurected this post for further info.

I restaked with red Loctite. I also have a new one on the way. In the mean time, I located some mid power loads of the LEE 225 gr RN. 75 rounds with me constantly playing with the safety, and it is still solid. I'll try some more on tueday. If it holds, I'll keep the spare in reserve. Maybe put it on this winter when it is too cold to shoot.

SHiloh

[30calflash]

Ressurected this post for further info.

I restaked with red Loctite. I also have a new one on the way. In the mean time, I located some mid power loads of the LEE 225 gr RN. 75 rounds with me constantly playing with the safety, and it is still solid. I'll try some more on tueday. If it holds, I'll keep the spare in reserve. Maybe put it on this winter when it is too cold to shoot.

SHiloh

You know that when you restaked the old tube and ordered a new one, the old will never come loose!

The tube on my bullseye gun loosened and walked, on the slide stop end, and kept trying to engage while firing. Did little for my score that day. Once repeened it never moved again.

[Jammersix]

I use new tubes, stake and glue that sucker down.

[jrayborn]

Yes, always use locktite and stake vigorously... :)

[oldhenry]

Ya, but maybe all are not tacked on or peened on.

prs

The Ruger SR1911 plunger tube is part of the frame. It is not a staked-on separate piece. This + the titanium firing pin were the deciding factors for me going with the Ruger.

[Bazoo]

The plunger tube came loose on my Springfield milspec. I restaked it with a homemade tool I made at the time. I've put bout 7k rounds through it since and it is still holding fast.

[Boogieman]

Did this on my Colt O.M. about 20 years ago. It's a daily carry , gets nothing but full charge loads .Clean the holes and pins , use HD red locketite . You'll need heat to take it apart.

[Bigslug]

Yup. +1 on the Loc Tite prior to re-staking. Not just the posts - get it on the entire contact surface between tube and frame.

[M-Tecs]

For things you don't want to come apart ever Loctite 680 is your friend.

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/product/retaining-compounds/loctite_680.html

[Boogieman]

I;ve used 680 to repair a loose cylinder sleeve in a tractor motor. It's held for 20+ years.