Coltt O Frame - Failure to Feed

[rickr96]

I’m having a problem with my Colt Govt. Model (Series 70) .45 cal “O” – frame (aka 1911).

About every third or forth shot the slide stops short, not fully returning to battery… Some times it stops 1/8” short, sometimes more.

I’ve field stripped, cleaned and oiled the Colt, I’ve ran different ammo through it, and tried an assortment of mags. The results are the same, I can’t get through a full mag without at least one failure to feed (stopping short of battery.)

I'm pretty sure I’m not limp wristing…

Any ideas or suggestions?

Maybe I need to pick up a new slide spring… or maybe I need to find a good gunsmith… Or maybe I need to stick with the Kimber...

[1buba]

First, coltt????


I'm guessing it is the spring. Series 70 means it's been around for a while. May just be weakened.


As an FYI, Greg will know this and maybe a few others. While shooting 3 gun (or Bullseye depending on who you talk to) I found that the guys will hand load their .45's down ALOT and then they swap out their recoil spring to a lighter weight spring (otherwise the ammo wouldn't be able to cycle the action). I doubt that yours has this issue, but it would be possible with any target class gun, especially gold cups.

[Glock32]

Or maybe you need to sell it....to me.

I assume the gun has not been fiddled with. No new barrel, link, etc. has been installed, correct?

Try this:

Inspect feedramp
Inspect extractor tension
Inspect breech face

if all checks out fine:

Replace the recoil spring

[Putan]

<><> I had a Kimber that did that...

Changed out the recoil spring,,, solved
the problem...

The Kimber was a 4" model,,, whose
recoil springs should be changed every
700-800 rounds... On a 5" model,,, the
recoil spring should be good for 2,000
rounds,,, at least...

I now buy springs for the 4" by the dozen...

====================================

<><> Putan <><>

[rickr96]

Bubba... As a self proclaimed "gun nut" I thought you of all people would know about my Coltt. (a cheap knock off sold by Western Auto in the early 60's )


OK... sorry for any confusion I may have caused... The gun is a COLT .

I bought the gun new in the late 70's (I was a child ) and other then a couple new Wilson mags, everything about it is stock, just like the good Col. Colt intented.

I'll pick up a new slide spring and give it a test drive this weekend...

[1buba]

Originally Posted by rickr96

Bubba... As a self proclaimed "gun nut" I thought you of all people would know about my Coltt. (a cheap knock off sold by Western Auto in the early 60's )

LOL. You're KILLING me.

[CCWInstructor]

You may also want to look at the extractor too.

[sealbeach]

I vote for worn spring. Replace the spring, bet it works fine afterwards.

[DVSmith]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

I vote for worn spring. Replace the spring, bet it works fine afterwards.

Unless something else is providing drag on the slide, like a thumb resting on the left side of the slide?

[1buba]

Originally Posted by DVSmith

Unless something else is providing drag on the slide, like a thumb resting on the left side of the slide?

Very good catch Boog! And from a plastic sort of guy too!

[Justaguy]

Swap out the spring.
Even if it turns out not to be the case, it doesn't hurt to have the extra spring.

[ironpete]

+1 on the recoil spring.

Had the same problem on my Ultra Carry II after about 4000 rounds (they recommend replacing after 1800). Replaced entire assembly for good measure now it works like new.

[cksh8me]

Great thread.

Ok I'll bite who is Col. Colt and what did he have to do with the 1911?

[rickr96]

Originally Posted by cksh8me

Great thread.

Ok I'll bite who is Col. Colt and what did he have to do with the 1911?

Cksh8me:

Tell me it ain't so...

The Legondary Col. Sam Colt... Inventor of the repeating hand gun, founder of Colt Firearms, Hartford, CT... The man who's ideas and forsight lead to the creation of several of the finest handguns ever made...

God made man... Col Colt made them equal!

[1buba]

I'm sorry. I'm so depressed now that I can't respond to the question.

It JUST ain't right!