What's this lobe for?

[lee1000]

It doesn't seem to come into contact with anything or perform a function. What's is it there for? http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160906/d8aefde74c8ebc8b726857dbab3f2d9a.jpg

[kenemoore]

I think it rides the bottom of the slide and keeps the trigger bar from moving upward into a binding position.

[gb6491]

It's the disconnector. As the slide moves rearward, it is pushed down disconnecting the trigger bar from the cocking cam. This allows the cam to reset. It also prevents the pistol from being fired until the slide is forward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYRHpolEC_Y
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Thanks once again Greg, I knew that but durned if I could come up with an intelligent way to articulate it.

Lack of tools in my head I reckon.

[kenemoore]

Well exposed my ignorance, nice video.

BTW if ever I say one thing and Greg says another go with Greg, Greg is smart.

[gb6491]

Well exposed my ignorance, nice video.

BTW if ever I say one thing and Greg says another go with Greg, Greg is smart.
LOL, I don't know about being smart, but kind of you to say so.
As to ignorance, it seems to me your explanation is correct. While I might not have used "binding", that lobe does, for some portion of the slide's travel, ride on the bottom of the slide and, when it does, it prevents the trigger bar from moving upward into a position that engages the cocking cam.

Bawanna, you are your usual gracious self. :)

Regards,
Greg

[lee1000]

It's the disconnector. As the slide moves rearward, it is pushed down disconnecting the trigger bar from the cocking cam. This allows the cam to reset. It also prevents the pistol from being fired until the slide is forward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYRHpolEC_Y
Regards,
Greg
Thanks for the video and excellent explanation.