1911 Mystery Malfunction

[Aguila Blanca]

Any chance you saved the case that failed to eject, for examination and comparison? Didn't think so... (we almost never do, unless the malfunction is drastic)

Actually, I did. I can't really find anything unusual about the casing, except there are what looks like burn marks on the underside of the casing.

Was it a commercial load, or a reload?

Carbon marks on the outside of a case can be an indicator of a load that's so light the brass doesn't expand enough to seal the case to the chamber, allowing blow-by. A weak round might not have enough energy to eject.

 

[g.willikers]

Indeed, I did not trust the manufacturer.

I've had only four 1911s.
Two were from Colt and two from Springfield.
I was gonna' say the ones from Springfield worked the best, until thinking about it.
The ones bought from Springfield came last, long after the Colts.
After I had actually learned how to effectively shoot 1911s - and how not to.
Might have something to do with it.

 

[LouisianaAviator]

Was it a commercial load, or a reload?

Carbon marks on the outside of a case can be an indicator of a load that's so light the brass doesn't expand enough to seal the case to the chamber, allowing blow-by. A weak round might not have enough energy to eject.

It was a 100rd commercial Winchester White Box 230gr FMJ.

I did not know that about the brass. Makes me wonder if it was indeed a weak round. WWB apparently doesn't have a very good reputation in the first place. There are so many variables and things it could've been that I figure I just shouldn't worry about it unless it keeps happening.

 

[Big Shrek]

A lot of people squirt oil on like there's no tomorrow.

What they forget, or were never taught, is basic gun science.
Oil + Heat + Pressure + powder residue creates GUNK.

ONE DROP applied with a fingertip over all internals,
then ONE DROP applied with a fingertip or oil rag all
over the outside of the gun is usually all they need.
If ya wanna get fancy, lube the rails.

Excess oil attracts dirt, dust, and powder residue.
"Wet" guns sling gunk everywhere...and make the inside
your leather holster pretty disgusting in short order.

"A little dab will do ya!" just like the old ad sez.

 

[WC145]

I've seen crap like that come out of extractor channels before on guns that have been shot a fair amount and never been well cleaned. It's one of the reasons that I remove firing pins and extractors on any used 1911s I buy and clean everything thoroughly. And all of my 1911s get the same thorough cleaning routine from time to time and the firing pins, extractors and there channels/tunnels get lightly lubed.

I run my guns my 1911s well lubed but not dripping and use M-Pro7 or Wilson's products and reliability is not an issue.