Malfunction with 1911

[ARNETT44]

I just bought a Colt "Commanding Officers" model, in SS. The guy I picked it up from told me it had a problem firing. Great price so I have it. The problem turns out to be that when it fires one round, the trigger does not reset properly. If I manually pull the trigger forward it does reset and will fire again. I have taken apart 5 times now to try and find the cause, but the problem still continues. The trigger does look a little odd, in that it is much wider then a normal trigger. It is aluminum and at least 1/4 inch wider (length from frame to trigger guard) then any other 45 trigger I have. My next step is to purchase a new trigger, but wanted to check out this problem with you guys first to see if I am missing something really simple before fitting a new trigger.

 

[rcmodel]

and at least 1/4 inch wider (length from frame to trigger guard)

That sounds like longer, not wider. Perfectly normal for a long trigger

Either the trigger bow is spread and dragging inside the frame.
Or bent together and dragging on the sides of the magazine.

Or, the three-arm sear spring is bent wrong and not applying pressure to the trigger bow to return it.

Or, somebody just put the sear spring in wrong.

The first thing to do is strip the gun and get the trigger sliding freely in the frame. Then the same with a magazine in place.

Then, add the sear, disconnector, and spring and see if it still works.

IMO: A new trigger is not the answer if you can't get the old one working first.

rc

 

[ARNETT44]

That makes sense I will try and get back to you.

 

[ddog]

Check your firing mechanism.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

rc likely nailed it.

 

[ARNETT44]

With McCormack Mags gun functions, with stock mags trigger does not reset. It appears that the trigger arms ( on one side) is protruding into the mag well and rubbing on the stock mags,
Can this be corrected easy, or should replace trigger?

 

[rcmodel]

Just take the trigger out of the frame and spread the bow until is is a nice slip fit in the frame.

They make trigger bow anvils for this, but you very likely can just spring them back straight with your fingers.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=788&title=1911 AUTO TRIGGER STIRRUP DIE

rc

 

[ARNETT44]

thanks will try. The worst case if I screw it up is replace the trigger. The real pain here is going to the range to see if it works. These are the days I wish I could fire in the back yard.

 

[rcmodel]

You certainly don't have to shoot it to see if a repaired trigger bow will work.

Run all the 1911 safety checks and try all the magazines in it.

If it works, it works.

rc

 

[Oro]

I would also check the sear spring as rcmodel said in post #2. Just a little drag by the trigger bow against a magazine tube shouldn't really be enough to completely defeat the sear spring, should it?

 

[digdeep74]

disreguard

 

[ARNETT44]

Well after 2 hours in the garage she is up an running, Thanks to all the help, now I don't hate it anymore.

 

[richyoung]

So what was the problem?