M1911 extraction/ejection problems in sandbox

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M1911 extraction/ejection problems in sandbox

Posted: 10/22/2004 10:39:00 PM EDT

I'm issued a M1911A1 over here in the sandbox. Am having problems with it not ejecting spent casing at least once per mag. Round extracts but doesn't eject and gets hung up on extractor. Have no spare parts for the M1911A1s here. Is there anything I can do to tweak the extractor?
Have 6 Wilson 8rd mags and 2ea Wilson 10rd mags that its doing to all mags and ammo is M1911 230 FMJ.

Thanks,

CD

Posted: 10/22/2004 10:45:25 PM EDT

[#1]

Extractor Tuning Tips

By Bill Wilson

A well fit extractor is essential to the reliability of any M-1911 pistol. The following guidelines apply to fitting a new extractor, or properly tuning the one you have in your gun.

1. Correct Tension
With the slide taken off the frame and with the barrel removed, slip the rim of a LOADED cartridge under the extractor hook and position it so that the extractor is gripping the case at the center line, as shown in fig 1a and 1b. You should now be able to lightly shake the slide in any direction, without the cartridge falling off. If this test is unsuccessful, you will need to adjust the tension.

For tension adjustment, place aprox. 1/2" of the tip of the extractor into the extractor channel and apply just enough pressure to slightly bend the extractor. Be careful, a little goes a long way! See figure 1c.

Do not put more tension than needed to perform this simple test - too much tension will result in feeding malfunctions whereas too little tension can cause failure to extract and/or erratic ejection.

2. Positioning of the Extractor
The locator pad (the radiused lug behind the extractor groove) determines at what point the bottom of the extractor groove contacts the rim of the cartridge and puts tension on it.

Slide the rim of an EMPTY case under the extractor hook and position the case so that the extractor hook grips it at the center line. Now pull the case downwards approx. .075 - .1000"; there should still be tension, enough to keep the empty case in position even when the slide is lightly shaken. The same test performed with a loaded round should result in the cartridge falling off. This equals roughly to 1-1.5 lbs tension on the case.

If you have correct tension on the case when it is centered on the breechface, as described in (1) above and little to no tension at all, with the case being pulled down approx. .075 - .100", you need to bring the extractor groove closer to the firing pin hole.

This is done by removing a small amount of material at a time, from the locator pad, while maintaining the radius. Constantly check for correct tension, so that you don't take too much material off. See sketch below.

3. Fitting the Firing Pin Stop
The fit of the Firing Pin Stop to the groove at the rear of the extractor is crucial to the correct extractor positioning. If there is a loose fit, then the extractor will move or twist, causing inconsistent ejection.

With the extractor installed, the firing pin stop should slide into position using normal finger pressure. If the firing stop binds (when installing a new extractor), you will have to reducve the width of the firing pin stop, by removing material from its right side, where it contacts the extractor.

Remove only a few thousandths of an inch at a time, while being careful to keep the right side parallel to the left side. When correctly installed, the firing pin stop will fit snugly into place, which prevents the extractor from twisting.

That came from m1911.org. Id try adjusting the extractor tension. Id also inspect the ejector for any undue wear. Also, and I doubt I have to mention this, but keep the extractor channel cleaned out also.

Id also download the Wilsons to 8 rounds and give up on the 10 rounders entirely. Ive yet to meet a 10 round mag that functioned 100% under hard use.

Posted: 10/23/2004 12:33:21 AM EDT

[#2]

Thanks Lumpy,

These mags have worked 100% in other pistols and only a year old. Working on trouble shooting it now.

Thanks again.

CD

Posted: 10/23/2004 12:36:32 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
These mags have worked 100% in other pistols and only a year old. Working on trouble shooting it now.

8 round mags are like that. They ride the ragged edge of being functional at full capacity depending completely on the pistol.

I have some Wilson 8 rounders that will work slick in one of my 1911s with 8 rounds and hit and miss in another gun. I think it depends entirely on the tolerances the slides were milled at along the disconnect channel.

Good luck man. Cant have you running around with an iffy pistol.

Posted: 10/23/2004 2:32:08 AM EDT

[#4]

CD Stay safe and thanks

Lumpy What do you think of the Tripp mags? I understand the 7's may be more reliable than the 8's but I see thousands of rounds go through the wilson 8 rounders without a hitch every time I get out of the house. Only issue Ive had with the wilson is the mag body expanding. Easy to fix though.

Posted: 10/23/2004 3:51:40 AM EDT

[#5]

Combat_Diver;

If you need something like parts or Wilson 7 rounders and it is legal to ship to you there, let us know. I am pretty sure somebody could scrounge you up some. Heh heh heh

Posted: 11/2/2004 7:39:37 PM EDT

[#6]

I would volunteer to send you some parts. Just call if you need something [email protected], wish I was there with you................

Posted: 11/2/2004 10:18:05 PM EDT

[#7]

Thanks for the offer but I already have some new parts in bound.

CD

Posted: 11/2/2004 10:22:55 PM EDT

[#8]

CD, any ideas as to whats not working?

Posted: 11/2/2004 11:40:24 PM EDT

[#9]

It seems that its the extractor. Still having some trouble once in awhile. It'll stay in the base camp when I go out and have to carry the M9 til then. (I do shoot it every day and have put close to 1000rds thru it in the last few weeks) Diffinitly have my clearance drills down.

CD

Posted: 11/3/2004 7:22:17 AM EDT

[#10]

good luck then, thanks for your service........................

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M1911 extraction/ejection problems in sandbox

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