wihunter
Member
Generally quality replacement / upgrade parts are oversized and need to be fit by a competent pistol smith
SW1911 after 500 rounds= Frustration - Solved?
- Thread starter Rastoff
- Start date
I don't know the resolution to this situation, but I do know these SW1911's are top notch guns. I say that not because I heard it, but because I own and have shot a few of them. I tend to be open minded when I read of a problem on the internet, there are always 2 sides to a story and when we only get to see one side of it, it leaves much to interpretation. Smith and Wesson is as good as it gets. Not only do they make great guns and more guns than anyone in our country, but they back it up with great support and a warrantee second to none.
The reason you won't see alot said about the SW1911 is because .... drum roll...... there just are not many problems with them. We all know that bad news travels fast, faster than good news will ever travel. Someone recently pointed that out here, all the feel good storys tend to be kept to ourselves. When you look for 1911 stories, you will find far more problems with other manufacturer's guns than you will with SW 1911's. I find that to be the case with all of my SW's. I own more than I can share about here, not just 1911's, but M&P pistol, AR's, Revolvers of all calibers and there is a reason for my passion in S&W products. It is the same reason my tool boxes at work are full of Snap On Tools tools... I believe they are the best product available for the money, the best product available with a warrantee and also the best product available with a warrantee I will probably never need to use... that is most important. Anyone can offer a warrantee...
To answer your last sentence... a big YES, they should function properly from the factory... and they do it without mods!! I haven't seen a need to modify any of my SW1911's, I have had a few problems, but quickly found that I was the one that needed to be fixed... my hold and grip needed a little tweaking in both situations.
Good luck with your decision, I for one will recommend the SW1911's...... I think this picture answers the question.
I for one am antsy to hear what S&W says about this. Have you by chance gotten it back yet or heard anything? You problem sure sound to me like a mag spring issue. In two different 1911's, the SW1911SC and a Commander I had a very similar problems as I stated and just the change over to better, stronger springs solved my problem. I hope in the end it's the same with yours. Seven round mags, flat, dimpled follower and 11# Wolff springs can do wonders to a rebellious 1911.
I believe in post #35 he said he got the gun back and was going to the range with it today. I too hope to hear the results.
My next purchase is going to be a S&W 1911 and this thread has been very informative so far.
My next purchase is going to be a S&W 1911 and this thread has been very informative so far.
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i have some of the same complaints with a new colt rail gun
Kavinsky
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Hmph glad I never used one on my colt back when I was using it then. I had an odd feeling looking at one of those little things like okay this seems like something the gun wasnt designed for and it could be more trouble than its worth.
Little wonder it turns out to be true latter on and my colt series 80 NM has always been a 100% reliable and it was new in box when I bought it, although I did go for wilson combat mags as the supposedly new mags I bought off of the guy I bought it from were really junk.
hell the only mag that worked when I got it was the one it came with, the blued colt one it was made with, the other ones were stainless and junk with bent followers.
I really should have returned them but it was my first 1911 and I was too enthralled with it to really care, it was my first .45 after a really nasty ruger .45 that was a NIGHTMARE to take down.
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nearlynormalmike
US Veteran
My new SW 1911PD had significant problems from the git-go with no mods of any kind. It went back to SW where they did several things to it.
It has had no problems since and I will not trade or sell it. It remains a favorite but I have had similar difficulties with other manufactures and came to the conclusion that 1911s are not totally reliable IN MY HANDS.
I am a SW fan and now own 3 M&P models. I don't have a huge round count through any but never had a problem of ANY type. Sorry all you 1911 fans, and I still am one sort of, but I have to go with what works the best for me. I love my 1911s for the range, but for car or carry it's a M&P by my side!
It has had no problems since and I will not trade or sell it. It remains a favorite but I have had similar difficulties with other manufactures and came to the conclusion that 1911s are not totally reliable IN MY HANDS.
I am a SW fan and now own 3 M&P models. I don't have a huge round count through any but never had a problem of ANY type. Sorry all you 1911 fans, and I still am one sort of, but I have to go with what works the best for me. I love my 1911s for the range, but for car or carry it's a M&P by my side!
OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
Sorry I didn't get back earlier. Here are the results of the weekend after repair.
The actual SKU# is 108284. S&W said they replaced the Extractor Spring and made a barrel adjustment. I have no idea what they mean by that.
I shot 300 rounds on Saturday with no failures. Then I shot another 116 rounds on Sunday and had another failure to feed. I'm not sure what I want to do at this point, but there are a lot of good ideas here.
I have since removed all those things and returned to factory configuration. However, the Slide Stop and Guide Rod should not have affected the gun at all.
I would like to throw one thing in here. I have also acquired a Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical. It is the same configuration as my SW1911 except it has fixed sights. I now have 604 rounds through that gun and haven't had a single issue. It cost about half what the SW1911 did.
I believe that I've answered the question of reconfiguring by restoring it to factory condition and still having the problem. I'm open to any suggestions because I really like this gun and shoot it well.
Oh yeah, I haven't seen the issue with the premature slide stop engagement so, that may have been resolved.
One more thing: I now have 1,604 rounds through this SW1911 not including what S&W shot while testing.
The actual SKU# is 108284. S&W said they replaced the Extractor Spring and made a barrel adjustment. I have no idea what they mean by that.
I shot 300 rounds on Saturday with no failures. Then I shot another 116 rounds on Sunday and had another failure to feed. I'm not sure what I want to do at this point, but there are a lot of good ideas here.
Yes, you read the posts correctly. I replaced the Slide Stop with an extended one so I could reach it easier. I replaced the Guide Rod to make field stripping easier. I installed the Shok Buff to reduce potential damage to the gun and promote longevity.scooter123 said:
I have since removed all those things and returned to factory configuration. However, the Slide Stop and Guide Rod should not have affected the gun at all.
You may be right. If it is ammo related then the gun is still broken. I'm using 230gr Ball ammo which is the recommended ammo. It could be my technique, but I have no trouble with other guns.oldman45 said:
So, you're saying a stronger magazine spring could help with this issue?ColColt said:
I would like to throw one thing in here. I have also acquired a Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical. It is the same configuration as my SW1911 except it has fixed sights. I now have 604 rounds through that gun and haven't had a single issue. It cost about half what the SW1911 did.
I believe that I've answered the question of reconfiguring by restoring it to factory condition and still having the problem. I'm open to any suggestions because I really like this gun and shoot it well.
Oh yeah, I haven't seen the issue with the premature slide stop engagement so, that may have been resolved.
I have 751 rounds through my Glock 27 and nary a hiccup.oldandfatonaharley said:
One more thing: I now have 1,604 rounds through this SW1911 not including what S&W shot while testing.
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OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
Well, I got it back from S&W the other day and put 92 rounds through it yesterday. I had no problems.
I would have shot more, but I was out of ammo and it was cold and raining.
I will put more rounds through it shortly. If it fails again, I will be seeking a refund. I really like this gun and hope it doesn't come to that.
Just to sum up, here is all that was done:
Three different mags; Factory, ACT and Tripp Cobra
Polished feed ramp
Used factory ammo and re-manufactured ammo
1st trip to S&W; they replaced the Extractor Spring and made a Barrel Adjustment(I have no idea what that means)
2nd trip to S&W; they replaced the Extractor
Current round count is 1,694 so, it is broken in. It has been cleaned and oiled.
I would have shot more, but I was out of ammo and it was cold and raining.
I will put more rounds through it shortly. If it fails again, I will be seeking a refund. I really like this gun and hope it doesn't come to that.
Just to sum up, here is all that was done:
Three different mags; Factory, ACT and Tripp Cobra
Polished feed ramp
Used factory ammo and re-manufactured ammo
1st trip to S&W; they replaced the Extractor Spring and made a Barrel Adjustment(I have no idea what that means)
2nd trip to S&W; they replaced the Extractor
Current round count is 1,694 so, it is broken in. It has been cleaned and oiled.
Actually I have managed to put 540 rounds through my new S&W 1911. All is not rosy.
The second type of failure to feed is simply the round not going fully into battery. This has happened only once before today, but more than 5 times today. Here is what this type looks like:
That is not a spent shell, but is a live round that just didn't go in the chamber.
Y'all got any idea on how to fix these issues? I should mention that I'm a lefty.
I had that same FTF problem with a new 4566TSW. I noticed that there was a circular scratch on the rim of the cartridge that failed to feed. Close scrutiny of the bolt face revealed a burr around the firing pin hole. I deduced that as the follower pushed the round up, the cartridge rim slid up the bolt face and stopped as the burr caught on the rim of the cartridge.
I carefully de-burred the firing pin hole by spinning a drill bit, larger than the firing pin hole, with my fingers. I have had no further failures to feed with that gun.
That's a good idea and certainly something to check. Any roughness or irregularity on the breech face is not good.
I hope S&W has your gun straightened out and that you will be fine with it from now on. The gun should work properly with good ammunition and with the factory mags. Avoid the cheap, off-brand ammunition (particularly anything with steel cases) and be mindful of your grip. Wilson mags are sort of the gold standard in 1911 magazines. If you decide to buy any more, you might try one of theirs. I hope you have good luck with your gun.
I hope S&W has your gun straightened out and that you will be fine with it from now on. The gun should work properly with good ammunition and with the factory mags. Avoid the cheap, off-brand ammunition (particularly anything with steel cases) and be mindful of your grip. Wilson mags are sort of the gold standard in 1911 magazines. If you decide to buy any more, you might try one of theirs. I hope you have good luck with your gun.
Yup
I've been having the exact same problem with my standard sw1911 and in my research I've found that you and I are not the only ones.
I'm getting ready to send mine in for repairs this week and regardless if Smith is able to fix it or not I'm getting rid of the damn thing.
A gun, especially one over $1,000, especially one from a manufacture with a reputation like Smith, should not need to go straight back for repairs after purchase or require special modifications/accessories to operate properly or reliably. This will probably be the last Smith & Wesson I'll spend money on; my trust and confidence in their firearms has been shaken.
I've been having the exact same problem with my standard sw1911 and in my research I've found that you and I are not the only ones.
I'm getting ready to send mine in for repairs this week and regardless if Smith is able to fix it or not I'm getting rid of the damn thing.
A gun, especially one over $1,000, especially one from a manufacture with a reputation like Smith, should not need to go straight back for repairs after purchase or require special modifications/accessories to operate properly or reliably. This will probably be the last Smith & Wesson I'll spend money on; my trust and confidence in their firearms has been shaken.
Too bad you are having problems....I ran over 3000 rounds through my 1911 Sc (JRE 4825) with NO hiccups before it was stolen from me. Great gun in ALL regards!
I hope yours will be in that same status soon as well.....
Randy
I hope yours will be in that same status soon as well.....
Randy
I've said it before and I'll say it again. ALL of my bolt over base issues have stemmed from under powered mag springs and/or plastic followers. Unless there's a breach face problem or the upper part of the chamber needing to be smoothed out, the mag springs are highly suspect. Just because two magazines came with the pistol doesn't mean they'll work sot after shot. That was my case at any rate. I swapped out the factory mags for Checkmate 7 round mags with 11# Wolff springs and my feed problems vanished. Maybe I was lucky and hit the right combination but it's worth looking into.
My problems were usually on the last round or the one before it. That's when the springs are at their weakest and it'll especially tell the tale with full power hardball or the equivalent hollow point. If that don't work, I look for extractor tension being too tight but usually it's the above. Just relating my experience with my Commander. Fortunately, I've had no problems with the SW1911 "billboard" variety-not even with the Wilson mags! That's quite a feat.
This is from the "horses mouth"...
"The classic Bolt Over Base misfeed...sometimes referred to as the "Live Round Stovepipe."
Here, the cartridge doesn't get into feeding position in time to meet the slide. The lower edge of the breechface catches the case in the extractor groove. The butt-end of the round is pushed down, and the nose goes up. The case is caught between the slide and the barrel hood...and is standing more or less straight up, mocking you and laughing defiantly.
This is a magazine spring problem, pure and simple. Often made worse by overspringing the slide. Simple explanation...The slide literally outruns the magazine. More likely to happen near or on the last round when spring load is at a minimum.
The BOB misfeed is closely related to the "Rideover" misfeed, and is caused by the same issues. In this one, the slide catches the case further forward, and actually rids over the top of it. In extreme cases, the slide goes to battery on an empty chamber. Most often, though...it pushes the bullet nose hard into the lower part of the feed ramp, and gouges the case...often tying the gun up solidly. Here is a true jam.
http://www.americanclassic1911forum.com/forumsii/showthread.php?94-Troubleshooting-Feed-Failures
My problems were usually on the last round or the one before it. That's when the springs are at their weakest and it'll especially tell the tale with full power hardball or the equivalent hollow point. If that don't work, I look for extractor tension being too tight but usually it's the above. Just relating my experience with my Commander. Fortunately, I've had no problems with the SW1911 "billboard" variety-not even with the Wilson mags! That's quite a feat.
This is from the "horses mouth"...
"The classic Bolt Over Base misfeed...sometimes referred to as the "Live Round Stovepipe."
Here, the cartridge doesn't get into feeding position in time to meet the slide. The lower edge of the breechface catches the case in the extractor groove. The butt-end of the round is pushed down, and the nose goes up. The case is caught between the slide and the barrel hood...and is standing more or less straight up, mocking you and laughing defiantly.
This is a magazine spring problem, pure and simple. Often made worse by overspringing the slide. Simple explanation...The slide literally outruns the magazine. More likely to happen near or on the last round when spring load is at a minimum.
The BOB misfeed is closely related to the "Rideover" misfeed, and is caused by the same issues. In this one, the slide catches the case further forward, and actually rids over the top of it. In extreme cases, the slide goes to battery on an empty chamber. Most often, though...it pushes the bullet nose hard into the lower part of the feed ramp, and gouges the case...often tying the gun up solidly. Here is a true jam.
http://www.americanclassic1911forum.com/forumsii/showthread.php?94-Troubleshooting-Feed-Failures
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OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
I thank everyone for their suggestions, but I'm done. The gun has had more failures and my confidence is so far gone now that I just can't trust it. Even if I sent it back a third time and they fixed it, it would take virtually the price of the gun worth of ammo for me to regain my confidence in it. That's not a logical course of action.
So, I called S&W and they will refund my money. I will be looking for another gun.
In all this S&W customer service has been good. Fast shipping, courteous people make for quality customer care. I'm just sorry we couldn't get it fixed.
So, I called S&W and they will refund my money. I will be looking for another gun.
In all this S&W customer service has been good. Fast shipping, courteous people make for quality customer care. I'm just sorry we couldn't get it fixed.
Pick up a gun with a looser fit.I have a few tight guns which can be great for target shooting,but they can be touchy,as you have learned.I happen to like the new series 70 colts.
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