Double-stack polymer-framed pistols are hot sellers. They check all the boxes when it comes to carry, home-defense, competition and firing-line fun.
Despite those facts, more than 100 companies produce at least one 1911 pistol variant today. The handgun’s history, performance and life-saving reliability for more than a century make it a popular choice.
There are millions in collections. Although they may not be carried daily or staged nightly on a bedstand, their appearance on firing lines, in training sessions and competition is frequent. Aftermarket accessories for 1911s sell at a steady pace, and several are ideal for value-added, over-the-counter installation.
Unlike many of its polymer contemporaries, not all 1911 parts install quickly and efficiently, however. New magazine releases are one of the exceptions, and inventorying a few isn’t a huge financial burden. Mention you have a few in stock and it can be a profitable conversation that builds customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Installation is fast and easy and, as always, begins by discussing the owner’s preferences and shooting passions. Some oversize versions, like the one used here to illustrate the steps, are not suitable for concealed carry or self-defense. A criminal encounter, after all, isn’t the time to inadvertently drop a magazine. They are, however, a solid choice for matches or to ease reloads during informal shooting.
Larger-than-standard grips can present a clearance problem during installation. Inspect the pistol beforehand to avoid unnecessary delays and frustration. In those cases, removal of material is required, and maintaining the cosmetics a customer deserves is not a fast, over-the-counter task.
Once the customer has decided on a suitable model, open the new magazine release package and consult the instructions. Ensure you have all the required tools on hand — Allen or star wrenches are often included by the manufacturer — along with recommended thread-locking compound.
Inspect for blemishes or imperfections on the unit. Clean if necessary. In the case of an oversize model, like the one seen here, use the proper tool to remove the pad that affixes to the magazine catch body. If the units were not attached in the package, assemble then disassemble to ensure it threads on with ease. Now’s the time to discover problems, not later.
Point the gun in a safe direction, engage the safety if it is not already in that position and drop the magazine. Disengage the safety, maintain proper muzzle discipline and rack the slide back. Check there is no cartridge in the chamber. If one remains, remove it, then double check the pistol is clear and completely safe for the installation.
Move the magazine and any cartridges from your immediate work area. Distractions, like other customers and phone calls, are common at the counter. There’s a small spring involved, so put on safety glasses.
Depress the pistol’s magazine release fully. Then, while maintaining it in that position with a finger, insert a properly sized flat-blade screwdriver into the mechanism now protruding on the other side of the handgun. Twist the screwdriver carefully until it indexes with the slot underneath, apply slight pressure and turn counterclockwise.
The original magazine release can now be removed from the gun. Hold it firmly, insert the screwdriver into the magazine catch body in the same round hole, apply pressure and turn clockwise. That releases the magazine catch guide and magazine spring from the main body.
Remove them and clean. Wipe with a lightly oiled cloth. Too much lubrication is a dirt magnet. Then align them into the new magazine catch body, ensuring they glide into the slot smoothly.
Now, hold the new magazine catch body, and apply sufficient pressure with the screwdriver to compress the spring and catch guide. Turn counterclockwise to lock them into place.
Oil the assembly lightly and insert into the 1911. Keep the left side of the release flush with the frame with a finger. Then, on the other side of the gun, reinsert the screwdriver into the release’s slot, apply enough pressure to compress the spring, twist clockwise and the assembly locks into the gun.
Finally, attach the oversized magazine release pad. Use a touch of locking compound if recommended by the manufacturer — a wise choice in most cases.
The last step is to use an unloaded magazine, with the safety engaged, to function test while keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction. Watch grip clearance and do it several times to ensure operation is smooth and obstruction free. Then hand the unloaded gun to the customer to give it a try.
If it performs up to their satisfaction, you’re ready to send another happy customer out the door to spread the news about your store’s focus on customer service and satisfaction.
