1911 technical question - ejection port

[Jimmie]

I'm looking at two 1911s. The more expensive one has a lowered and flared ejection port and "everyone" say that's an advantage. Why is it better? What will I gain? I know there are tons of threads that list the differences, but I'm looking for a pseudo-techincal answer.

 

[CPLofMARINES]

The more expensive one is probably a Kimber or Springfield. The lower ejection port is typically a custom feature to avoid any ejection problems.

Go with a Kimber or Springfield and you will not be dissapointed!

 

[Chipperman]

The flared port is, at least in theory, less likely to have a stovepipe jam.

 

[Dobe]

Also

A large reason was that the brass would get bad dings from hitting the back of the unrelieved port. A reloading thing.

Dobe

 

[shooting4fun]

G'day Jimmie, and et al.,

Dobe covered the brass issue nicely. Additionally, the larger, modified ejection port allows the pistol to easily eject 'live' rounds. On some of the vintage 1911 patterns, the only way to clear the pistol of a live round was to drop the magazine and allow the round to drop through the magwell, as it wouldn't clear the ejection port nicely. This could be an issue during a recovery drill.

Cheers!

 

[MICHAEL T]

I see nothing wrong with the orginal design un less you reload.
My 1941 USGI seem to eject very well and so did the millions of others that were made before the converting 1911 into game guns came about.

 

[mete]

The problem is that the extractor is at 3 o'clock and the ejector at 9 o'clock which means the case is swung to the right at 3 o'clock.Except that the slide is at 3 o'clock !! That requires enough energy in the case to slam around and up and out of the port. A light load may not eject. Cutting down the ejection port 1/8" helps but doesn't completely solve the problem. Flaring the port reduced denting of the cases. ....Real, well designed guns like the HK P7 don't have the problem .The ejector is at 8 o'clock, the extractor is at 2 o'clock and is centered in the ejection port. The case then never touches the slide . That's why the cases are thrown so far !!!

 

[Dobe]

Remember Mete, the 1911's that served us so well in our prior history did not have relieved ports nor were they known for being jam-o-matics. The original 1911 did function well. I prefer the relieved port, and I am a reloader.

3:00 and 9:00 (extractor and ejector)
Also, something can be said for having pressure applied 180 degrees from the fulcrum. That is perhaps the most efficient way to utilize the force.

By the way, I have a couple of P7's...great handguns

Dobe

 

[45auto]

Lowering the port and an extended ejector sends the brass out sooner, more to the right instead of over or into your head, and doesn't dent the brass. Allows for live ejection also. All improvements that most 1911's have now except for GI type models...which you buy for "history" or because they are cheap.

You don't need to flare the port for a 45 ACP model.

 

[mjolnir]

Mete, 1911 extractor, due to tilting breech end, is more like 2:30 and ejector (standard type) about 7:30 where the case makes contact with the vee.

Lowered-port 1911s have the TOP of the ejector extended, raising the contact point with the case, resulting in a more horizontal ejection; but it's still below 9:00.

An advantage to the original-style port is a higher slide wall resulting in a stronger slide. Older Hi-Powers, for ex, have been known to crack at the very narrow right rail section (thus resulting in the slightly raised wall on all newer production hi-powers).

(Not saying lowered-port 1911s will crack there).

A second advantage is there is less of a gap between barrel and slide, making it harder for the entry of foreign matter. Lower-port models have a nice size gap for dirt to get into....due to the barrel curving away from the slide there.