1911 FTF issue

[gotboostvr]

So, I've got a Norinco 1911 5" that has a jam almost EVERY time it tried to load the first round out of a magazine. I've used 8 round CMC's, 8 round Checkmates and even the factory 7 rounder.
It nose dives into the feed ramp with all three types of mags (ten total mags)
I've tried switching ammo brands and types, and even a wolf 18 lbs recoil spring.


I discovered that this jam can be very easily cleared by slapping the mag, it almost always gets the round up and into the chamber and back into battery.
I figured I just wasn't seating the mags correctly, but no matter how hard I slap it in, it still does it.

It happens going from slide lock, "sling shoting" the slide, and even if I go 8+1, it'll have the same jam trying to feed the first round out of the magazine.

Outside of that, I never experience any jams and can even feed empty cases as long as it's not a whole mag full of them.

I'm thinking maybe it's the mag catch at this point? I've also seen mention of possible extractor issues with similar results. Any suggestions on what (and how) to look at next?

 

[Tcruse]

Polish feed ramp and look for rough machining that might leave sharp edges on items that CAN come in contact with the round. Also, check to see that there are no tight places when the slide travels. Changing the RSA spring strength can also be a factor. If it is a series 80 make sure the firing pin lock can not bind and slow the slide on the return path.

 

[gotboostvr]

there seems to be a very slight binding at 9/10's of an inch back when slowly running the slide back. Doesn't seem very pronounced, but it's there.

With regards to recoil spring, it started doing it with a much weaker, worn spring. I first tried new ammo, new magazines, and finally the higher powered recoil spring. still no luck.
Feed ramp looks very well finished, not polished, but definitely free of any burrs, machining marks etc.

And the Norinco is as close to original GI specs as anyone's made in a long time from my understanding.

 

[BBBBill]

GI 1911s have been feeding just fine with unpolished feed ramps for 100 years. Not to say that a polished feed ramp is bad. Just that it seldom solve any real issues. Might cover up a couple. Before you start grinding or "polishing" on anything try this. Insert the mag and hold it from the bottom up as far as it will go. While holding it there, depress the slide stop to feed a round. Mo betta? If so, you might consider an elevated mag catch. EGW makes a fine one. Also try removing the extractor from the gun to see if that affects feeding. Sometimes an extractor with too much tension or a sharp unrelieved corner can cause that.

 

[627PCFan]

Check that your mag is doesnt have anymore upwards play. I have the same problem with 230gn Golddots on my Nowlin Ramp. The Mag catch is the wrong size and doesnt hold the mag all the way up. When its not all the way up(as it could be when held manually) it changes the feed geometry, they feed fine.

 

[627PCFan]

BBBBill beat me to it

 

[gotboostvr]

The same mags DO seem to sit a little higher in my RIA, and there is a small amount of vertical play in the mags.

Ordering the EGW mag catch as we speak.