[Nick]

My 1911 is finished and complete. It usually fires relaiably but the other % of the time the .45's dont quite feed up the ramp properly obviously causing a jam. I know why and its because there is about .50-.75 (maybe) 1000th's of an inch play in the magazine...The catch doesnt quite hold the mag perfectly tight. Is this common in 1911's? Should I shop around and try different mags? is there some modifications I can do to the mag catch? Is there a barrel out there that has an extended feed ramp someone might recommend? hmmm...besides that-anyone who ever thought cutting the rails for a 1911 whould be too hard to do without expensive machine equipment-think again and read what co7t has to say about the dremel method. I used like, 6 cutting disks maybe alltogether. and it took me maybe 4 or 5 hours-wouldve been less if i wasnt dickin around all the time tring to keep my dog from barking when i would start up the dremel.
Thanks

 

[Co7t]

I wouldn't worry too much about the fit yet - but I'll tell you this; a good mag makes a whole lot of difference. I had jamming/feeding issues and a new mag fixed it. Not only is that a more cheaper route to start, but you'll always be able to use that good mag in the event it's something else. I went with a Wilson mag and have yet to have a problem. Everyone I've spoken to who use Wilsons love them...

I wouldn't touch anything major yet - start with something inexpensive and simple and work from there. Just make sure your feedramp is polished up good and done properly, your ejector tuned and holding your casings properly and try a good mag to see if it makes a difference.

 

[Rhino_66]

For EVERYBODY who owns a 1911, I would like to recommend they pick up a copy of "The Colt .45 Automatic - A Shop Manual - Volume 1" by Jerry Kuhnhausen.

This is THE book for 1911 owners and builders/tweakers. The book explains everything there is to know about the 1911. It explains operation and maintenance. There is a thorough section on troubleshooting. And there is a HUGE portion of the book dedicated to assembly and customization.


Nick, does the mag have play side-to-side or up-and-down? How many magazines is this a problem with? What kind of mags are you using? The cheap G.I. mags in the sale papers are just that. CHEAP. These mags are the downfall of a lot of good pistols. Wilson, Chip McCormick, and a few others are good magazines to go with.

If it's just one magazine giving you problems, stand it on the table with some others and compare the position of the mag catch slot. I had a Springfield Armory Ultra Compact magazine that refused to feed properly. The slot was out of spec by about 0.050". This was obvious when I compared it side by side to my other mags.


Cephus, what other marks are on the slide? What is stamped on the frame under the ejection port area? Do you have any pics to post?

 

[Nick]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Rhino, I got one of those 1911 kits minus frame-to my suprise, the mag it came w/ (which is just marked US .45) fits better than the Kimber mag I bought. The mag play is up and down-not side to side. Like I said, its pretty significant. I got a combat mag catch when i was on vacation, (cephus) so I'll give it a try and see if it makes a difference. But I definatly have to pick up a copy of that book you mentioned (rhino) and also get myself a nice wilson mag (co7t).
Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[Rhino_66]

Nick sorry to steal your post , Hope you'll forgive me but my friend just came over and gave me this nice 1911 A1 and I was excitied again sorry.

E-mail with some REALLY good links sent.

 

[belayer]

It's possible you will have to add a drop of weld to the lip of the mag catch, holding it higher in the frame, and Dremel the weld down to fit. without another, proven reliable 1911 to swap out parts with, measure things on, etc, you will probably have little or no success. Try to borrow one.