Is this a "new to you" gun? (any previous owners?)
Is the pistol thoroughly clean, particularly on the breechface and inside the extractor cavity? Proper lubrication present?
Have you replaced the recoil spring? (how old is the recoil spring?) Factory ammo or reloads?
Check the extractor to make sure the "claw" is intact and not damaged. (use a magnifier) With the slide and it's internals removed, if you insert an empty casing against the breechface and under the extractor claw will it stay in place when you turn the slide back over or shake it with the empty in place? If not, the extractor may need re-tensioning. Inconsistency in ejection usually suggests the extractor is loose, damaged or not tensioned correctly.
Also, to be sure, check the ejector to make sure it is still secure in the frame, and that the contact point is not broken off or damaged. Ejector damage or improper adjustment can also send the casing all over the place, including into a collision with the ejection port on the slide. After the impact with the ejection opening in the side, casings can go almost any direction. You may actually be able to see damage on the mouths of the empty casings, and brass deposits on the edge or edges of the port opening in the slide.
I am probably the 3rd owner. I have had the pistol for several years but have not shot it much until now. I do remember that the erratic ejection was present when I obtained the pistol.
I shoot mostly reloads but also have the problem with factory.
I thought I replaced the recoil spring some time ago but may not have. If original it is 27 yrs old, Mfg. 1995. I will order a new Wolff spring later today.
Note: It is very accurate and has tight groups.
It is cleaned after after shooting, field stripped and breachface & innards of the slide scrubbed with toothbrush. It is well lubricated but no over lubricated.
Just now upon close inspection in bright light I notice the following.
- The extractor spring is tight with some effort needed to move it and has a good hook.
- However, the face of the ejector is rounding some, like the face of an old chisel having been used a lot.
I will locate a new ejector.
The Para varies some from model to model regarding what 1911 parts are interchangeable. Mine is a P13 which is a Combat Commander size except has double stack magazine. I wanted to install an ambidextrous safety but the 1911 version would require considerable fitting because the engagement surfaces are much larger than those on the P13.
At this point I will obtain a new recoil spring and ejector and post a follow up after they are installed.
I THANK EACH OF YOU WITH YOUR RESPONSE WHICH HAS HELPED ME CONSIDERABLY!!!!
