1911 "Platform" Pistols and FTEs

[Thomas Garrett]

OK Guys, A topic came up at the range the other day and i need some information. On a 1911 Pistol (brand doesn't matter) can "Limp-wristing" cause FTEs ? Is there a corrilation (spelling?) between the two? Can the "action" be interupted by the movement of the pistol in the shooters hands? This was brought up to a friend which is having some issues with new pistols.

 

[Olympus]

I've never had an FTE on my 1911. I've heard of people limp writing before but only polymer frames. I'm definitely not the expert on this though. I think limp wristing is sometimes wrongly used an excuse to account for an FTE. I think some people don't want to believe that there's anything wrong with their gun so they blame limp wristing.

 

[CWL]

Can you describe how the failure occurred? This could be a case of an ejector that needs proper tensioning, or a magazine issue.

 

[Thomas Garrett]

I have a friend which just recently purchased 2 1911A1 pistols in .45 cal. Both are brand new (not cheap ones either), he's having problems with both, FTEs and stove piping. When i shoot them, they are failure free. Now he can shoot mine and have the same problem, and other friends 1911A1's, same issue. A older pistol shooter at the range stated it could be an issue with "limp-wristing". My friend was told to buy a brace for the wrist like bowlers use and the problem will straighten out. I've never heard of this before. Does anybody agree with this, or will my friend waste money buying a brace? Like i stated we all shoot each others pistols, and he's the only one with the issue. in addition i brought my Barretta 92F in 9mm let him shoot it and he shoots it just fine.

 

[Steve C]

Failure to extract comes from 3 situations if all other mechanics of the pistol are good. One is ammo that seizes in the chamber, two is the slide speed is inadequate and the third is the slide travel being reduced.

Several things can result in FTE's with any gun including the 1911.

1. Low power target ammo without an appropriately reduced strength recoil spring.

2. Dirty pistol slowing the slide speed or residue around the extractor.

3. Dirty and/or rough chamber where the rounds are sticking in the chamber. Could be soft brass and high pressure ammo.

3. Too heavy a recoil spring and/or aftermarket accessories added like recoil buffers, flash lights, etc.

4. Interference by the shooter with the slide action reducing its speed. i.e. dragging the thumb along the slide.

5. Any one or more of the above that creates a marginal situation in the slide speed in conjunction with limp wristing.

 

[Thomas Garrett]

Thanks for the input, the thumb slowing the slide down may be the answer. We need to address that with him. keep yoiu posted. Thanks!