I have a Western Arms 1911 Military GBB pistol that's giving problems. Until recently the top-slidey-thingey would stick in the "back" position once the last bb had been fired (sorry, gun terminology not my strong suit). Now it flies back and forward on firing regardless of whether the magazine is full or empty. I imagine some bit needs lube - but what bit exactly?
Thanks for the link. My only reservation is that the gun has only had maybe 200 bbs through it since new and the notch seems pretty un-worn to me.
If the slide hold open latch is poping back up and down ok, it may be that the pip on the bb follower in the magazine is sticking. Check it and if in doubt try another mag. Also if it is cold outside the gas pressure may be too low, if this is the case the slide is not being blown back far enough to latch. Try warming the gun and mag by the fire and re-try.
ftj
"REMEMBER, LIFE IS NOT A REHEARSAL"
Thanks FT. I only have one mag 
Please explain what this pip is I'm looking for.
O.K.
On the top of the magazine is the plastic bb follower ( the bit that the spring pushes on to feed the bb`s). on the left hand side of the mag ( at the top) is a small pip/ tab that you can pull down a couple of mms in a slot to ease the first bb in to the mag. It is this pip/tab that pushes up on the slide latch to hold back the slide.
You can test it by removing the top slide then slowly insert the mag and push it up until it clicks into the grip frame, as you push it up the last few mms watch the silver coloured slide latch on the left side of the frame... this latch should lift up a couple of mms to hold open the slide. If it does not you may have a weak magazine spring, or the tab/pip on the bb follower mat be damaged or the slide latch in the frame may be damaged.
Hope this helps. any more info needed you can always phone me on 01952 406840.
pete.
"REMEMBER, LIFE IS NOT A REHEARSAL"
I'll give it a try and report back - hope you don't mind if I call you at 3 in the morning after 12 pints of lager (to wash down the LSD, you understand) 
Bedsn,
I realize I may have slightly misled you ..when I described the tab on the mag pushing up on the ``silver ``slide latch . I was looking at my Para-Ordnance pistol at the time, which is customised and has a `silver` coloured slide latch. I realize now that yours is probably black on your 1911. Also you will have to re-insert the slide latch in the frame after you have removed the slide (obviously ) or you won`t be able to tell if the tab is pushing the latch up .... doooohhh !!!!!.
If you phone me at 3 am I won`t hear the phone as I am deaf as a post once I remove my hearing aids. Being deaf has its advantages, especially a t Christmas when we have a house full of screaming kids and the tv is on too loud.
ftj
"REMEMBER, LIFE IS NOT A REHEARSAL"
Right, I've eventually examined this and I see how it all works (or doesn't). Pip on magazine is fine and the tab which raises the locking lever also works. The problem seems to be that the top slide of the pistol has some lateral movement (around 1mm). This can cause a lip to appear above the locking lever thus stopping it from raising. I've tried moving the locking lever out a bit so it can pass over the lip but the blimmin thing still only catches about 1 time in 5 on empty.
Mmmm, bit of a puzzle this one. Not sure what you mean about a `lip` forming. The top slide will have a little side play ( a few thou maybe 5 -6 thou.) but 1mm that`s 40 thou. , far too much play. My WA 1911 pistol has fired in excess of 18000 rounds an green gas and the slide only has slight sideplay.
If the pistol is still under warranty you should return it. If not , see if you can borrow another slide and try that.
Good luck.
"REMEMBER, LIFE IS NOT A REHEARSAL"
Thanks mate. I think I'll bring it to a game and get someone who knows about this stuff to give it the once-over.
