New 1911 malfunction?

T

Tman

New member
Just received my new Valtro 1911. Took it out yesterday to the range. Used WinClean 230 grain, had two malfunctions (3rd round of 5 rounds/mag failed to fire (no primer strike) - 1 valtro mag and 1 Wilson mag), then once more in the next 90 rounds (same circumstances as above). Each time, cleared the round (safely), no primer strike, hammer fell but just an empty "click". What went wrong? Does it need a break in? I'm going to shoot some more, either today or next week.
 
This is not a break-in item. Take out and inspect the firing pin, its spring, the tunnel in the slide. See if the firing pin moves freely. Or have it done by a gunsmith. Or call John Jardine. I don't think the Valtro has a firing pin block to hang up like a 80, there has to be something wrong with the stock setup.
 
Thanks

Went back to the firing range today. Put another 100 rounds through it, no malfunctions whatsoever :confused: 50 rounds of Speer Lawman (230gr) and another 50 rounds of 185 gr WinClean. Maybe I didn't seat the bullets in correctly (used an HKS speedloader this time rather than by hand. Found the Wilson 47D mags easier to load than Valtro mags that came with the gun).

Mini-range report for the Valtro:
Very well balanced, easy to perform double taps. I found the Valtro to be easier to shoot accurately than my P7M8 (both are equally as accurate - Valtro seems just a bit easier - guess its a combo of weight and longer sight). I let the guy in the next shooting stall shoot it, he had a really big smile on his face after finishing.
 
FWIW, I think the problem was a too tight leade that is not allowing ammo with some bullet shapes to seat fully in the chamber. Some guns will allow the hammer to drop when not fully in battery, but the slide prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin. This can be checked by carefully manipulating the slide (with no ammo). Let the slide go almost closed, then see if the trigger can be pulled but the hammer not strike the firing pin.

Jim
 
Thanks everybody

Got to talk to John Jardine. Problem was probably not keeping thumb on top of the safety. He explained (in detail) what was going on with this and its connection to the sear, etc. Also answered some other of my really dumb questions. Anyway, very happy with the Valtro, very happy with John taking the time to personally answer my phone call.

Total 300 rounds fired. Very accurate, tight, terrific crisp crigger. I'm sure the other people with their Valtro's have had a similar good experience with their gun :D
 
I question the idea of requiring thumb on the safety for reliable operation. Puts left handed operation out the window. Maby ok for target n plinkin work but definately not for defense.

Sam
 
I agree with C.R Sam you should not have to ride the thumb saftey for the 1911 to work.The gun is unsafe.I would send it back to valtro.Totally unacceptable for a firearm of any type.Don't consider using this gun for self defense.Who knows when and if it will fire when you need it.SEND IT BACK .Stay Safe BILLG
 
Did he tell you how riding the safety made the gun work correctly? I've owned and fired more than a few 1911's, though none have been Valtro's, and none have needed the safety to be held down to function as designed. I'd have that gun checked by a competent gunsmith.
 
Clarification

I went back through my firing routine and I put my thumb (I'm right handed) on the side of the safety or sometimes under it. If I fire, I'm wondering if I inadvertently kick the safety ever so slightly upwards to disable the firing pin. Does this sound plausible :confused:
 
Yes, you could be tapping the safety due to the recoil, keep your grip firm and be aware of your thumb placement! I have heard of this happening before.
 
I am not familiar with Valtro at all, but if your safety is an extended style it is very easy for your thumb to push up on it just a tad. I don’t have any extended safeties on my guns, but my friends Kimber does. Both of us have to shoot it with our thumbs riding the safety or the recoil will cause us to flip the safety up slightly. I consider this a pain in the butt, but he couldn’t care less. If you’re happy with your thumb riding the safety I wouldn’t sweat it. If on the other hand this is caused because you have to exert downward pressure on the safety, then I would consider getting it fixed.

If all you have to do is keep your thumb from pushing the safety up, no sweat. If you have to push down on the safety in order for the gun to work properly, get it fixed.
 
I may be missing something here but if your thumb is bumping the safety up why would the hammer still drop when you pull the trigger? Wouldn't the hammer still hit the firing pin when the hammer drops? The firing pin has nothing to do with the safety. Does the hammer have forward motion and somehow the safety stops it before it contacts the firing pin when it malfunctions? I think I need to be enlightened. Mark
 
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