FN Model 1910 - slide lock slips

[Ivy Mike]

I have an FN 1910 my grandfather brought back from WW2. The slide lock slips, as in, won't hold the slide back without keeping a finger on it. Is there a repair procedure of any sort as I'd like to keep the gun original? Or will I have to replace the slide lock lever?
I haven't put many rounds through this pistol and it's more sentimental than anything else. I'd like it to work correctly, you know?

 

[wiscoaster]

I'm a little confused...I'm assuming you mean the safety? If I recall correctly, there is no slide lock and the safety does double duty locking the slide in the second notch. It works against an internal spring. Does it feel like it's working against a spring when you move it up? Maybe the spring is broken. Or, maybe the spring and the safety lever's detents are just gunked up. Without disassembling you could probably try cleaning with some aerosol spray action cleaner and relubricate. If the spring is broken, it'll have to be disassembled and those Browning pistols are bitches to reassemble, so I'd suggest taking it to a gunsmith.

 

[Ivy Mike]

I'm a little confused...I'm assuming you mean the safety? If I recall correctly, there is no slide lock and the safety does double duty locking the slide in the second notch. It works against an internal spring. Does it feel like it's working against a spring when you move it up? Maybe the spring is broken. Or, maybe the spring and the safety lever's detents are just gunked up. Without disassembling you could probably try cleaning with some aerosol spray action cleaner and relubricate. If the spring is broken, it'll have to be disassembled and those Browning pistols are bitches to reassemble, so I'd suggest taking it to a gunsmith.

Correct. The safety. There is definitely resistance. Just seems like there isn't enough resistance to keep the catch engaged on the notch in the slide. The pressure just pushes the catch out of the notch. The catch looks a little worn on its trailing edge, but is nice and sharp on the leading edge. I wonder if the lever just needs replacement.

 

[wiscoaster]

Ya, since it relies on friction, wear due to use and time would affect that, and I think your hunch is good. But, Numrich is out-of-stock on the part. And unless you're good at disassembly and reassembly of old guns, I'd suggest taking it to a gunsmith anyway. But that way you'd get your hunch verified (or not).

 

[Monac]

I don't have an FN 1910, but I have pistols with the same arrangement. Usually either the notch in the slide or the hook on the safety catch have gotten worn such that the slide can push the safety down and out of engagement. Making sure the notch and the hook are clean is all I can suggest. If the safety catch seems to be the problem, you could try to replace it, but those guns were made for so long, and so long ago, that there is no guarantee any part you get will fit without gunsmithing. The only other fix is to do some machining on the slide or the catch, I guess.

 

[Ivy Mike]

Ya, since it relies on friction, wear due to use and time would affect that, and I think your hunch is good. But, Numrich is out-of-stock on the part. And unless you're good at disassembly and reassembly of old guns, I'd suggest taking it to a gunsmith anyway. But that way you'd get your hunch verified (or not).

I'm fine with disassembly and reassembly. I think I'll start looking for a new safety lever and see if I can find one that isn't worn. Failing that, I could try to add some material with a MIG welder and grind it to fit.

 

[wiscoaster]

You might try Bob's Gun Store - https://gun-parts.com - he lists some Browning 1910 parts and says for other parts to "ask" - I've done business and they're modestly-priced and reputable.

 

[BBBBill]

I could try to add some material with a MIG welder and grind it to fit.

You won't like the results. Better to bite the bullet and ship it to a shop that specializes in welding small gun parts. One of the very best is Pullman Arms/Micro Arc Welding, Inc. They are the go to guys for many top gunsmiths who need precision welding repairs.

https://pullmanarms.com/contact/
EMAIL: [email protected]
Micro Arc Welding, Inc
33 Pullman St., Worcester, MA 01606
508-926-8730
508-852-6125