4506-1 FTF Maybe a Magazine or Recoil Spring

[crcsen]

Hi, Need some advice. This evening my son and I went to the local range and I decided to practice with the 4506. When using the first magazine. It cleanly fired the first 2 round, then locked open with a round half way loaded. Locked back, did not jam. Removed the magazine and the round fell out, slide remained locked back.

Looked at the loose round, seemed fine. Remaining rounds in the magazine looked like they were seated correctly. Reloaded the round, inserted the magazine, and released the slide. It did not load. Slide remained locked.
Removed Magazine, cycled the slide a few times, re-inserted the magazine and it loaded fine. Fired, and FTF again, same issue.

Pull the magazine, cycle slide again, reloaded loose round, loaded, and fired fine. Worked fine the rest of the evening.

Original magazine, Yellow follower.
New S&W Recoil spring (purchased from Brownells with PN supplied by forum members). This was first run.
First firing of firearm since February (around Feb/Mar).
Cleaned and oiled frame 3 days ago in anticipation of range visit.

50rd S&B 230gr JHP (3 FTF as described above, remainder was flawless.)
50rd Remington UMC 230gr JHP Flawless.

So: Could this be just the new spring getting settled, or could there be a magazine issue (worn spring)? I am leaning towards just the recoil spring needing a few cycles. I was thinking I was handling the pistol wrong, but the FTF from a cold start (freshly inserted magazine) makes me doubt that.

Remainder of the practice session was pretty good. I had forgotten how nice the 4506 is.

Anyone had any similar issues like this?

Best Regards,
Charlie

 

[Erocksmash]

Thinking maybe an ammo issue, a mag spring issue possibly, ive never herd of a spring settling before, if it ran flawless the rest of the session could have been a funny fluke....

Somebody will be along soon with more knowledge than I...

 

[18DAI]

What do the mag feed lips and follower look like? Are the tops of the feed lips spread? Dented or damaged? Is the mag spring old? Is the follower chewed up or badly worn? These are what I would trouble shoot first.

S&B is usually pretty good ammo. I don't have much experience with UMC or Remington.

What weight replacement spring did you get? Regards 18DAI

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Ditto what 18DAI said:

- what's the recoil spring's S&W PN# that you installed?

- is that the only magazine you have to test?

- is the magazine clean inside & free of debris?

- install a new magazine spring if it's age/use is unknown. A new black follower would be good too at this time.

3rd Gens can usually chamber empties from a magazine so loaded ammo should be a snap.

.



.

 

[crcsen]

I installed a S&W Recoil Spring (PN: 201610000). The PN was provided by BLUEDOT37 (12/21). Purchased from Brownells. Installed 2/1.

I have 2 magazines (came with purchase), 2nd ran flawlessly. Both look identical, feed lips and follower look good. I have a set of Wolfe magazine springs for these. I will tear them down, clean real well and install the new springs.

Next week I will be going back to the range. Wife and son purchased a 1911 (Dan Wesson V-BOB), for me as a present. I really have zero experience with 1911, so I have been hesitant to try it. Now I have an excuse to take both.

 

[Aegis]

Make sure the gun is properly lubricated. I work at a local range and approx 20% of shooters have dry guns.Stovepipes and feeding issues.

 

[Trooper224]

First, install a new mag spring, the original is likely worn out. Second, check the condition of the mag feed lips. If they're cracked or spread they won't hold the round securely enough to relase it at the right time in the feed cycle. If a spring change doesn't work the mag is likely shot. Remember, you're dealing with a magazine that's around 25 years old.

 

[crcsen]

Just an update (FWIW). I disassembled both magazines, thoroughly cleaned (not really dirty to begin with) and installed new springs (Wolfe). Loaded and let sit 4 days.
Went to range last night. Fired 100rds Remington UMC 230Gr FMJ and 50rds, S&B 230Gr JHP. Ran flawlessly. The more I use this pistol, the more I am impressed.

Thanks for the advice.

Charlie

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! The 4506-1 is my favorite 5 inch full size 45. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

 

[JohnHL]

Based on your first and today's post, Charlie, I'd say there was nothing wrong with your gun or technique.

It sounds to me like you had a couple of funky rounds.

If it were the pistol or your technique, the problem wouldn't have gone away the first range session and you would have still had it on the second session.

John