[Siderite]

Hi,
I'm new to shooting, and have a new Taurus PT1911. As this is my first 1911, first pistol, and first centerfire, I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I noticed some odd markings on the the ejected brass, along with some deformation:
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51144&d=1168644214
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51145&d=1168644228

And I was wondering if this was normal or the sign of some problem (or problem in the making). I didn't notice anything like this when shooting other calibers with friends, but this is my first .45ACP. I've tried searching the forum for "1911 brass" but didn't find anything. So far, I've no malfunctions/stoppages for the ~600 rounds I've put through it. The ammunition used was Remington UMC 230 FMJ.

I've checked the chamber to see if there was anything lodged there, but I didn't see anything protruding. I don't know if this relates, but I did notice some brass marks at the rear of the ejection slot:
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51146&d=1168644240

If anyone could tell me what is going on, and whether this is normal for a 1911, I'd appreciate it. If I've left out any important information, let me know and I'll try to add it.

Thanks,
Siderite

[HSMITH]

The extractor tension could use some attention, and the ejector needs tuned. For it to be hiting the slide right at the hood notch one or both is well out of whack. I am surprised it isn't pelting you with brass when you shoot.

[Azrael256]

That's normal, and extremely common. Any 1911 with a traditional ejection port is pretty well guaranteed to have this problem. Lowering and flaring will help, but like HSmith says, it requires some tuning to really make it right. Extractor out of spec, ejector misshapen, FPS too small (causing the extractor to turn) will cause all kinds of fun ejection problems.

Unless you're looking to reload that brass, it isn't much of an issue. I do, however, like to correct it on my guns because I absolutely hate looking at the brass wash all over the port when I'm done shooting.

[Candiru]

The dent on your brass is likely caused by the brass not completely clearing the ejection port during the ejection cycle. This could be caused by a number of things: extractor too tight, slide not coming back hard enough, ejector hitting off-center, and probably others. Given that you're seeing brass marks on the rear of your ejection port, that could be the case spinning around and bouncing off after getting scraped off the extractor.

If you'd like a definitive answer, I would visit the gunsmithing section of the m1911.org forums (http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=58).