1911A1, advice needed.
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Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 8:19pm
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Topic: 1911A1, advice needed.
Posted By: Zed
Subject: 1911A1, advice needed.
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 4:23am
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As some of you may know, I bought a 1911A1 .45 pistol recently. It is a US Army rebuild. I have an occasional issue when firing. More often when it's cold. Yesterday I was practicing for our Service Pistol competitions. The rapid fire stages, I am having the slide not completely return forwards into position. It requires a short pull rearwards and release, then it will fire . Seems to happen on the second or three shot. But when shooting 5 in 20 or 10 seconds, it creates quite a distraction. Causing the next shot to be rushed and badly aimed by me. On one occasion, I pulled too far and ejected the round, so only shot 4 of the 5 required. I am wondering what may cause this issue? ------------- It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice! |
Replies:
Posted By: Sapper740
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 4:42am
| In my experience the problem you detailed could be due to the ammunition. I shot IPSC for years with a bone stock surplus 1911A1 using both reloads and factory ammo. I never had any problems with the slide returning fully to battery with factory 230 gr, ball but did with the 200 gr. SWC handloads I often used. I fixed the problem by polishing the feed ramp and testing every cartridge by removing the barrel and dropping each round into the chamber. Any that sat proud were broken down and reloaded. The barrel was cold, of course and the rounds might have slid further down in a hot barrel. |
Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 5:16am
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That's a good point! I am using the 200grain bullet, but also, yesterday was the first time using new Winchester cases. I've kept to the same load and powder . Maybe the new cases are a bit tight. I'll check that out. I've been using old case's for years and decided to get some new ones to replace the ones that disappear at the range. Seems there's always one or two that vaporise. ------------- It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice! |
Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 6:09am
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I’m not that familiar with the 1911, but this problem sounds similar to what I experienced before when reloading cases that were fired in some pistol chambers that did not fully support the case just forward of the solid head (usually because of the feed ramp). I overcame this by using the LEE taper crimp die which incorporates a carbide ring at the bottom of the die, this removed the slight “bulge” which sometimes prevented the slide from going fully forward. But, if you’re using brand new cases, this explanation is not likely the cause. Have you given the chamber a good cleaning with a bronze brush? Could be some carbon buildup. You might want to get a cartridge gauge to be sure your loaded rounds conform to the required dimensions. Failing that, perhaps a new recoil spring? It’s been a long time since I shot pistol in competition. But I recall this very problem and for me, the Lee Taper Crimp die solved it. |
Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 9:24am
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I will measure the new case loads (200 grain bullet) and compare to some of the old cases and the 230 grain round nose bullet. I clean the pistol after every outing; so the chamber should be clean, but I will inspect it in detail. Anyway, I appreciate the suggestions from you both, and it gives me some direction for sorting this out. ------------- It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice! |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 9:34am
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Isn't that about the point where the swinging link cams over to lock the breech? Maybe check that area for burrs or drag marks.  ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 11:51am
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Actually Shamu, the first time I had this issue, just a couple of rounds with the used case reloads. I noticed a burr and slight resistance at the link, while cleaning. I removed the burr and it's fully free. It didn't re-occur the next couple of trips to the range, but it was warmerntil yesterday with the fresh cases, plus it was cold (2°C) I checked the link again yesterday, it is free and no new burr. Which is one of the reasons I decided to ask for some opinions and ideas. With the new cases the problem was worse than before, so I will start with the ammo inspection first. I'll update next weekend. Thanks guys. ------------- It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice! |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: February 15 2026 at 12:23pm
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OK I'm guessing ammo then. Hows the ejection pattern? I'm thinking the slide may be short-stroking. Enough to just extract & eject but not fully compressing the recoil spring so the slide has less force driving it forwards? ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |