Extractor Problems or Mags?????

[FROCKDUTCH1]

I have a new previously unfired, except for the factory, Kimber Custom TLE II that I just purchased. It has the internal extractor. I prefer this feature over the external type. Old Dogs- nuff said.

I fired it and it is extremely accurate, placing holes through holes chewing the center out of the targets, but I noticed that when hand cycling rounds (to determine if any polishing/tuning was needed), I noticed that all of the rounds as they cycle out of the magazine pop up in front of the extractor and right before the slide returns to battery it wants to force the lip of the round under the extractor. I know... BAD JUJU, cramming the extractor over the lip.

I had no FTE/FTRB/KB's/FUBARS/nothin, just clock reliable operation but I did not check the fired cases to determine if they have the same slight nick in the case like my current loading has after hand cycling due to the extractor issue.

Question is:
This happens with both of the magazines I currently own: 1-Kimber supplied which functions well and a Springfield Armory magazine from many moons ago, which also functions well when firing. I feel like this is an extractor tension problem due to the fact that both mags work well and have the dimple, but due to the known issues with Kimbers and magazines/extractors I figured that I would rely on the forums' help.

Please advise.

(Where is that Chet Atkins Playin, Bushing Turnin, Norf Carolina Redneck Jarhead when you need him?????.........Oh Johnny?!?!? Tuner?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?)

 

[ulflyer]

Wheres Tuner?

FD, I saw Tuner last saturday and he's still working on getting sorted out with his move...counting dogs and such to see if they are all there. Nevertheless, he couldn't resist checking the mag spring on my Colt Defender and declaring it "too soft" thus replacing it with a stronger one. Fortunate for me, he's only about 16 miles from my place now, and the range he shoots at is only a mile down the road from me.

 

[1911Tuner]

Problem?

Hey Dutch! I checked the obituary section but didn't see your name, so I KNEW you were still around. Been a long time, mah fren.

Hand-cycling slowly will often cause the condition that you described, even when there's nothing wrong with your pistol or magazine. The 1911 was designed to feed at full speed from the magazine. The trick isn't full speed so much as it is keeping it moving at a steady rate. When you try to guide the slide into battery against the recoil spring, it's tough to do that.

Ted...Your magazine is still here. We got caught up in the visit and both of us forgot... Ain't gettin' old a pisser though?

 

[wally]

Look for marks on the empties from "push feeds" and wear or brass marks on front of the extractor hook. Slow cycling almost always causes the mag to release the round in front of the hook. If you remove the recoil spring and hand feed you are more likely to get the steady rate Tuner is talking about.

--wally

 

[ulflyer]

Tuner

PM coming at you.

 

[Old Fuff]

Removing the recoil spring to check out feeding problems is a good idea. It's something I often do myself. But be sure to use dummy cartridges, or remove the mainspring housing and hammer if live ammunition is envolved. I personally stick to dummy rounds.

 

[FROCKDUTCH1]

Good. Its a PEBCAK problem. (problem exists between the chair and the keyboard).

I have hand cycled others and not had this problem, so with this weapon being made during the unpleasantness with Kimbers extractors period I figured I would give it to the pros to chime in.

I have not yet checked extractor tension, but will tonight. I can adjust that just to make sure also. The hook looks fine and is radiused properly, so I am just going to shoot it until the MIM breaks.

Have a good one Johnny. Hope you get situated soon. Semper Fi.

 

[1911Tuner]

Hand-Cycling

Almost forgot...If you're using Mec-Gar magazines, some of the ones that I've seen have a very early release point...too early, IMO... so it just might be partly a mag issue. A too-soft mag spring will accentuate the early release too, as will a follower without a dimple if you try it with just one round in the mag. (I know I know...I've said it 337,541 times , but that silly little dimple is important.)

Some pistols will hand-cycle rounds well, and others won't...Most don't unless
they've been tweaked. My yardstick for testing the feed reliability is to remove the recoil system...guide rod and all...insert a full mag and pull the slide fully rearward. Push on the rear of the slide with one finger semi-briskly.
Not slow...about half-speed will do. The round should strip smoothly, chamber, and let the slide go into full battery without hyper-extending your first distal joint. Most pistols will do that with too-little extractor tension. The trick is to get the tension right AND have it feed that easily.