Because I’m blonde, or maybe just because I own a Colt Mustang Plus II in .380 I have discovered a problem that can go seriously wrong with the Mustang but is easily fixed once you actually stop kicking yourself and scratching your head wondering what the heck you just did.
The Mustang’s ejector pivots on a pin near the thumb safety and is held in place by the sear spring (click on the schematic above to see a larger representation).
After cleaning, when putting the slide back on the frame, it is sometimes necessary to reposition the ejector to insure that it is flat with the frame so that the slide can be replaced on the gun without interference with the ejector.
The following picture represents an ejector that must be leveled with the frame before the slide is returned to the frame.
If one is not careful, however, it is possible to push the ejector too far down so that it is no longer held in place by the sear spring. What will result is an inverted ejector as shown (the grips have been removed to provide better pictures).
You cannot return the ejector to it’s original and appropriate position merely by pushing or pulling on it. Do not force the ejector back into its rightful place. This may cause damages both to your ejector or sear spring.
If you find your ejector in the state of the picture above, follow these simple steps to returning it to its original and appropriate position.
First, Remove the grips on the left side of the gun (the side of the gun where the ejector is fastened). What you will see is the ejector, the trigger assembly, the sear spring and the sear clip as shown.
Second, take a small tool, such as a punch or even a toothpick or screwdriver and locate the left most portion of the sear spring as shown.
Next, hold the frame upside down and press in the sear spring with your tool.
The ejector will swing back out into place. Remove your tool from the sear spring to allow it to hold the ejector in its proper position, replace the grips and your Mustang should be back in working order.
Monday, May 14, 2007
