1911 Pro Series 9mm FTE issue

[wlp624]

Hello All,

I own and shoot a number of Performance Center 1911's and I just bought this Pro Series to compare against them, and, well, because it looks good and I didn't have one. At the range today I put 100 rounds of PMC Bronze 115g FMJ target ammo through it. Pretty much every magazine had one, sometimes two Failures to Eject. The empty case would only back out about 3/8" to 1/2" and jam against the top of the next round in the magazine. I could clear it fairly easily by locking the slide open, pulling the next round back into place in the magazine with a screwdriver tip against the lip of its casing, then using the mag release to drop the mag, and finally shaking the spent shell casing out. Each time I would wipe down the feed ramp, reinsert and finish the mag. It never happened twice in a row, never on the first round of a mag or the last. I bought the gun used from a reputable dealer, and it still appears new in all respects. The mags it came with are Wilson Combat 500-9 Elite Tactical 10 rounders, also like new. I did my usual range prep on the gun before firing: Lock the slide open and apply: A drop of CLP smeared around the exposed barrel and guide rod, another drop down the slide rails from front and rear, then work the slide back and forth several times to work the oil into the channels, and finally another drop smeared on the barrel hood and a little of that smeared on the feed ramp and the breech face. What do you think, extractor adjustment? Recoil spring? Any other ideas or input? Thanks,

Bill

 

[Bruce51]

Lubricate

It's hard to believe that no one has helped with an answer.

From your description it would appear that the extractor tension needs an adjustment.

Try to slip an empty case under your extractor to see if it holds firmly in place.

If it slips out easily then during cycling it will drop down and the base will hit the lip of the next round in the magazine.

If it holds firmly then you might try something that cured one of my PC pistols of FTE problems.

Spray the entire extractor with Breakfree,Triflow or another lubricant.

Then push heavily on the back end of the extractor with a wood or plastic stick.

Do this several times to force the extractor to move in and out. When finished remove the extra lubricant and retest the gun.

I was about to send my gun back when I performed the above procedure.

After lubricating and working the extractor there were no further FTE.

Amazing what a little lube will do.

BLM

 

[wlp624]

Thanks, I'll give that a try. I also didn't try a different brand of mag yet because the two I have are essentially new Wilson Combats, but you never know. Next time at the range I'll try all three possible fixes and let you know.

Bill

 

[Kevin G]

wlp624,
Can't comment on your FTE issue but I've got a Pro Series 9mm that also came w/2 Wilson Combat mags. Needed a couple more mags, being frugal I ordered a couple less expensive mags, Metalform. Appeared to be well made, have a good reputation but just didn't work in my 1911. Was able to exchange them (along w/the $ I was trying to save) for a pr of Wilson Combats, Midway was the vendor. No problems, except I've noticed if I look to top of a mag (10 rds) w/a round in the chamber that top round often will FTF. I just live w/one in the chamber and 9 in the mag.
That aside it's a really fine pistol.
Good luck.
Kevin G

 

[wlp624]

Thanks Kevin,

I've noticed that on virtually every 1911 mag, you're much better off stepping down one in capacity, i.e. only load 7 for an 8 rounder in a .45, and 9 in a 10 round mag for a 9mm, etc. I like the feel of the gun a lot, so I'm sure its a keeper once I find a mag it likes. I'm thinking Tripp Research Cobra mags.

Bill

 

[Bruce51]

I have tried the Springfield and Kimber magazines in a 9mm 1911.

While both work the Kimber magazine is my go to mag for almost all of my shooting.

Other brands may be cheaper and work just as well.

The Kimbers were purchased through Midway USA and while not cheap, they certainly seem to be a high quality magazine.

BLM

 

[Xbray]

Here's one to try, go ahead and fully load your mags and let them sit for a few days. This will help to speed up the break in of your mags. Many folks miss this, the instructions that come with Wilson ETM mags also suggest it. Simple enough and won't hurt anything to try.