Cylinder & Slide Short Trigger Fitting

[ledavatar]

Hi, new member here (long time lurker). I have a Kimber 1911 and wanted to replace the stock trigger with a Cylinder & Slide aluminum short trigger (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=717974&t=11082005). It is a "semi-fit" and I was confused with the fitting process. From what I've read, I thought the fitting involved was on the top/bottom of the trigger (to make it go into the trigger slot properly without binding). It actually dropped right in. However, after reassembling everything, the trigger will not release the hammer. I noticed that the back of the trigger (opposite where your finger touches it) hits the mag catch rather quickly and doesn't go back enough to disengage the sear for the hammer to fall down.

My question is, should I file down the back of the trigger? It seems like the most logical thing to do, but I just wanted to make sure that it was indeed required and I didn't get a defective part or something. It just looks like there's a lot of filing involved.

 

[JoeHatley]

It sounds like your overtravel screw is too far out. I'd suggest turning it in or just remove it.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[ledavatar]

I suspected as much and will try it tonight, but I'm just wondering if there are any instances where filing is required on the back of the trigger face.

 

[nicholst55]

Hardly ever. Usually on a 1911 trigger the only part that needs fitting is the finger-piece, on the top/bottom.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Yes and no.

I'm just wondering if there are any instances where filing is required on the back of the trigger face.

There are triggers made solid without an overtravel adjusting screw where the adjustment is done by filing to a trigger stop on the magazine catch (there are triggers where the over travel stop is on the grip safety as well - different thing). The common tip is to do a trial fit with a Grieder made adjustable in proper adjustment then file the solid trigger to match - more or less with proper fitting. This does not seem to be the circumstance at issue.

Similarly there are triggers with adjustable tabs for forward travel and it is possible to prevent the trigger from going forward far enough. Again that does not seem to be the issue here but a trigger with insufficient free play will malfunction just as a trigger with improper overtravel does.