SA 1911-A1 problem

R

ring3

Inactive
Having trouble with my SA 1911-A1. Hopefully the pics show examples of the issues. I've read online a lot looking for answers. Tried multiple mags, loads and
OALs. Shot a box of factory Blazer ammo without any hangups, however the spent cases flew all directions. My hand loads fail to eject, fail to feed and also send spent cases in all directions.

The pistol was made in 1989. I bought it used. Should I look into changing springs, extractor, or other parts? I guess that is where I'm at with the frustration but don't know where to start. Hoping to get it shooting my medium hand loads for plinking, bullseye, and steel. Thanks

image_zpscfqvbke4.jpeg

image_zpsk6i04dka.jpeg

image_zpsjagwpemg.jpeg

image_zps09yyrndt.jpeg
 
^ Seems like an extractor issue. Make sure it is not too loose, but not too tight. It's a simple fix and hopefully corrects your issues.
 
Not nearly as tight as the video. Doesn't snap in either. Just kinda slides in. Case easily flops round too.
 
The test in the video shows an extractor a bit on the tight size.
But if your's is loose, it's an easy fix, just do a web and youtube search for how to videos.
Much easier than trying to describe it.
Don't forget to try the ball ammo, too.
SWCs can cause problems unless the barrels are accommodating.
 
Thanks guys! I'll start there and look up how to adjust. Givin the pistols age and unknown maintenance/modifications would you mind suggesting what should, could be done to improve function and reliability? Are there "kits" available with common or standard parts known to wear? I'm really just looking to enjoy shooting my reloads, nothing fancy.
 
I see. Thought maybe there might be some commonly worn parts or springs that I might easily install. Sadly, our area has no gunsmith. Have to mail out for service.

I shoot a lot of trap with a Beretta 391 and every couple years (20k rounds) I get a kit from Cole's with the things that wear out most often. Keeps me from suffering a breakdown on the line.

Well thanks again. You have really helped point me in new direction.
 
If you haven't done so remove the extractor and thoroughly clean both the extractor and where it resides in the slide. Q tips and pipe cleaners are very useful for that procedure. Reassemble and test for function.

1st Marine division, 3rd Marines
 
If you have no idea of how many rounds have been shot thru the gun, I wouldn't hesitate to change the recoil and firing pin springs. Investment is less than $7.

Two years ago I had an expensive 1911 fail after many thousands of rounds. I sent it to my gunsmith for repairs. He "fixed" it and it failed again shortly after I got it back. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that this was unacceptable and to take his time with the gun.

I got it back, shot a couple of hundred rounds out of it and was confident enough to take it to a Firearms Training Academy that I attend annually. On the second day at the Academy, my gun had a failure. The primer was being struck but the rounds were not firing. It dawned on me that I may have exceeded what I call the life of the springs. I always keep a couple of sets of recoil and firing pin springs in my range bag. I did a quick field strip, changed the springs, and voila, the gun was functioning flawlessly again.

I am not saying that this may be your problem but its a great way to start the trouble shooting process. I would check the extractor next by removing it and cleaning out the extractor channel and tuning the extractor.
 
Shot a box of factory Blazer ammo without any hangups, however the spent cases flew all directions
Click to expand...
That ought to tell you something.
First the extractor as has been pointed out,the shake test is useless,adjust the
tension the right way,you should have Lb. 1.75 +/-.
Then the ammo,if factory rounds work like you say then duplicate them with your reloads.Make sure the ejector is tight.
 
The extractor and ejector work together. The extractor draws the fired case from the chamber and must grip it hard enough that the ejector kicks it out the port, with the extractor acting as a pivot point. If the case is not gripped and comes loose under recoil before it reaches the ejector, the result will be what you see.

An easy test. With the slide off the gun, insert a loaded round into the breech face under the extractor. If it falls out, the extractor needs retensioning or replacing. A temporary fix, retensioning ("tuning") the extractor can be done by clamping the rear end in a vise and tapping the front side opposite the hook a few times with a light hammer.

The original style ejector rarely fails, but some extended ejectors will break or bend.

Jim
 
Don't know about why the ejected cases are going where they are, but the failure to feeds and slide slamming on the cases as they try to eject, has a lot to do with you'r hand loading. The recoil spring might be to strong for the charges you are using. And the shape of the all lead bullets don't fit you'r handguns feed ramp.
 
Thanks again all for your help. I have adjusted many variables with my reloads trying to solve problem. Nothing worked. that's why I thought something was wrong with the pistol. Powder, primers, coal, bullets, mags, etc. I don't think the 1911 should be so finicky that none have worked. Hopefully I will find the right combination and or issue with the pistol.


I have taken my time adjusting the extractor as suggested. Also cleaned its housing in the slide. Also given the pistol another end to end cleaning.

Ordering a spring kit from Brownell tomorrow, getting the Wolf set.

We will see how it goes and ill post my progress. Frustrating.
 
Uh...if factory ball is working, then maybe shoot factory ball? Your handloads don't look like factory ball. I am guessing you make your own bullets?
 
I would say factory ball works better. I stiil get empties hitting my forehead though.

None are my cast so far. Missouri, Bull-x230g rn Berry's230g rn , Bullet Meister200g swc, and some from a local caster using Lee 200g SWC.

Powders; Unique, Bullseye, Tight Group so far.

Primers; WLP, CCI LP, Rem.

All started below mid range and worked up

Hoe the answer lies with what I've mail ordered and completion of what has been suggested.
 
ring3 posted:
I would say factory ball works better. I stiil get empties hitting my forehead though.

None are my cast so far. Missouri, Bull-x230g rn Berry's230g rn , Bullet Meister200g swc, and some from a local caster using Lee 200g SWC.

Powders; Unique, Bullseye, Tight Group so far.

Primers; WLP, CCI LP, Rem.

All started below mid range and worked up

Hoe the answer lies with what I've mail ordered and completion of what
Reply:
I shot hundreds of lead 185gr and 5.0 gr. of Bullseye, and had no problems. Shot in a Colt 70 GoldCup .45.
 
Either adjust or replace the extractor, and I would also recommend a so-called "Commander" (extended) ejector.
 
I seem to have missed some key details or others are making assumptions. First, in your double feed image, is the top round loaded or a case only. Is the bottom one a loaded or empty.


Condition of the gun......when was it last cleaned? Oiled? Round count?

Recoil spring changed? What weight?

Mags...round count? Type or brand? Have they had the springs replaced?

Extractor.....Is it clocking, loose? Has it been tuned by someone who knows 1911's?

Ejector....Is it loose? Tip peened or broke? Long or short type?



Some thought....erratic ejection is likely too low extractor tension as would be a double live feed. Hitting you in the forehead could be ejector or extractor Tuning.
 
If you have brass popping you in the the 12 o'clock, it's likely a loose extractor. I had to adjust my brother's Kimber that was doing the same thing. It was so irritating to me that I refused to shoot it until it was fixed. It seems to have corrected the issue. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top