Bent/galled 45 acp cases from GI 1911

[Old Dog]

The reason your cases are bent is because a GI 1911 doesn't have this ...

Nope.

The 1911 has functioned quite well over the last 100-plus years without lowered and flared ejection ports. Almost certainly a problem with the ejector or extractor. OP needs to check his ejector tip and possibly tune (or replace) his extractor (although it might be worth trying a new recoil spring as well).

Here are two Colt Series 70s that don't ding case mouths upon ejection, yet do not have lowered and flared ejection ports.

 

[Stophel]

You can take the barrel out, and put an empty case into the extractor, and put the slide back on the frame and slowly slide it back and watch how the case interacts with the ejector and extractor. You can see if the case mouth is hitting the side of the slide under the ejection port. You can see how the relief bevel on the bottom of the extractor hook will allow the case to slip up more vertically (assuming you have a relief bevel.. if not, it needs to be filed in). You can see how the case rides up on the ejector. All of which can be helpful in working on it.

 

[CapnMac]

Common for small ejection port 1911, really.
Which is while cutting them down 5-6mm is so common.

 

[Erich Duplantis]

The book by Joe Poyer, Model 1911 and 1911A1 has a good section on extractors. Referred as types 1,2, and 3.
I have the type 1 (WWII) with the 20 degree on the face, type 2 (post WWII) the face is straight, the type 3 is more of a commercial extractor with an extended straight face. Which you can tweak to what your preference is.

 

[herrwalther]

First thing I would try is tuning your extractor. That is the easiest and cheapest method for tinkering with a 1911. All you need is bring a 1/8" punch to the range. Here is a video for extractor tuning.



If this doesn't solve the problem, you can look into troubleshooting other parts like the ejector or assorted springs. I like to start with tuning the extractor because it is easy and fast to do without ordering replacement parts.

 

[cfullgraf]

Even if you reload, that dent isnt a problem.

Ive reloaded a bazillion cases like that, and the dent comes right out when you size it.

Yes, most of the dented cases will resize just fine.

Sometimes though the dent is a bit deeper and the case collapses instead of returning to round.

It will take sizing lots of dentd cases to learn what will most probably collapse.

Those cases cn be returned to near round with something that flares, I use needle nose pliers with the jaws closed, and then the case can be saved.

 

[Erich Duplantis]

Why are the cartridges bent and galled on my CMP 1911.
Used Remington 230, ball ammo.
View attachment 935353

Good news! Replaced the recoil spring only. Shot 28ea. Federal 230 ball ammo and 7 reloads (Hornady fmj bullets in Winchester cases with Win 231 5.6 grns, typical reloads for me). Bent cases gone......!!,
the spring replacement is a Wolff 16# recoil spring (#41916) which was 6 1/2” new, but after 35 rounds the length is now 6 1/4” overall length. The old spring was 6” long as received with the pistol.
I am satisfied with the results and will now just enjoy the Colt.

 

[Old Dog]

Thank you for the up-date; that's certainly great news.

 

[Riomouse911]

Nice!

Wolff makes awesome stuff, I’ve gone to them numerous times to update tired magazines and to bring back to spec older/surplus firearms.

Glad to hear your honored veteran is back in fighting shape.

Stay safe.

 

[RA40]

I had a bit more severe scenario with my GI Springfield. New Wilson extractor and shaping the ejector solved it.

 

[Steve in Allentown]

I had a bit more severe scenario with my GI Springfield. New Wilson extractor and shaping the ejector solved it.

Nasty. Was the impact with the case as it's shown in the top picture with the case reversed in the ejection port? Did this happen with the last round only?

 

[entropy]

I was an Armorer and have never heard of "Type 2, etc" ejectors. Usually the long ones are designed to be customized.

 

[RA40]

Nasty. Was the impact with the case as it's shown in the top picture with the case reversed in the ejection port? Did this happen with the last round only?

Want to recall it was one of the last 2 rounds that did this. The gun started out fine but as it wore in, the ejection went to the forehead. The cases were hitting the top of the port like this jamb. Some would clear but the cases were pretty mangled with gouges.