I've got a Colt Target pistol. The springs in the clip fail to hold theslide open after the last round is fired.
is there a place to get stronger springs? thanks, Robie.

Robie,

These folks have treated me real good. You may just have to get a new clip or two as I do not know if you can get just the springs.

Good Luck,

Scotty

http://www.e-gunparts.com

robie,

This may sound stupid, but are you sure the gun in question even has a slide stop? You didn't mention what model of Colt .22. auto you have, but some of the later production of the Woodsman, Targetman, etc. in this series did not have a slide stop. If it has lockedopen in the past, then this isn't the problem obviously.

Rather than the spring being weak, it is much more likely that the problem is the magazine is dirty. If the spring were weak it is likely, almost absolute, that you would be having feeding problems too. .22 fouling can be very sticky and cause a magazine to hang up. The slide stop may be dirty enough to require cleaning or at least a little oil. The slide stop, if it is the problem, can be cured by a drop of oil behind it at the pivot.

Another problem could be the magazine is damaged. On guns like the Colt, Ruger. etc. which have a button to pull the follower down the magazine can be damaged if the follower is pulled down and allowed to snap up to the top. This causes a swelling at the top of the slot which, with the Colts, can keep the follower from going up all the way. Even 1/32" is enough to keep the slide stop from operating.

First, dis-assemble the magazine and thouroughly clean and lubricate it. While apart, check the top of the button slot. If there is noticeable swelling it will need to be filed down. Remember, it will also have the swelling on the inside!

It's a target model, Model 22. I'll check the clips but i have cleaned them, The slide catch doesn't catch the notch in the slide at all sometimes or just barely. I'll try what you said and let you know. Thanks, Robie.

Check also that the follower is not worn out (failing to engage the slide stop correctly even if all the way up. Seen that happen a time or two.... wouldn't hurt to just get a brand new magazine, a spare is always welcome and then you'll have something to compare your mags to.