Failure to feeds in SW1911???

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briney11

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I have fired maybe 50 rounds through it since buying it used from a gun shop. I've had like 7 or 8 failure to feeds. I thought I had it narrowed down to the act mags but now it's doing it with my Wilson combat mags. I was shooting Blazer ammo that looked to have a bit of corrosion on it. But the Kimber I got rid of :banghead: always ate that stuff just fine. I am not a happy camper.
 
It is for this very reason why I prefer to range test used pistol to verify reliable function and accuracy before I even make an offer.

If you couldn't test fire, you could have at least done feed/chamber test from the magazine by using snap caps/dummy rounds (no powder/no primer) or even live factory ammunition.

If the gun shop won't help, I would have a reputable gunsmith look at the pistol or contact S&W customer service/technical support.
 
You were shooting corroded Blazer ammo and wonder why it won't feed?

I'd try new factory brass cased ammo before anything else.

Did you clean it before firing? How is it jamming?

If you can't get it running right after a good cleaning and new good ammo, smith will make it right.
 
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Start out with your stock S&W mag if you've still got it and run that for a few mags. If there's no problem then switch to the aftermarket mags and try again. I know I've had some issues with Kimber mags in S&W Gvt models but it was largely dependent upon the load as well. I think the springs in the Kimber mags might be a little lighter than stock S&W mags.

I do agree that you need to try to replicate the issue with good ammo before you blame the gun. S&W 1911's really are sweet guns, I'm addicted to 'em.
 
If it's not the mag,, move on to the extractor and ejector. Utube has some decent videos on how to check for both.
 
I've had 2 SW1911s, I still have the 2nd one, and they are good reliable guns. You are already using known good WC mags, which is what originally came with these guns when they first came out. I would buy a couple boxes of new Fed American Eagle 230gr FMJ ammo, and if it FTFs on the AEs, you need to send it to S&W or to your local gunsmith and have it evaluated. The external extractor on this gun may be damaged or the spring may be bad, and the only replacements come from S&W & they won't sell you one, unless something has changed since the last time I tried to get a spare for one of mine.
 
JDR said:
they won't sell you one, unless something has changed since the last time I tried to get a spare for one of mine.
Click to expand...

Nothing has changed, it would still need to go back.
 
I've got over 8000 rounds through my S&W 1911 with zero fails ever. I have two friends with SW1911s, both are also jam free since purchase. Wford, my Cimarron 1911 is at 800+ rounds so far zero fails ever, blaming a model of pistol in general when countless manufacturers make countless versions is ...shortsighted. To each their own- I feel that very strongly: shoot what you shoot best. In 17 years of shooting I shoot and trust my 1911s best, I carry one every day on and off duty.

Anyhoo back to OP. Briney, fortunately regardless of the exact issue, you purchased S&W ' s customer service with that gun, and in my experience they've been great. Try some better ammo with all of your mags. If problem persists give them a call, they'll fix it fast and you will LOVE that gun. I have an extensive collection and my S&W 1911 is my #1 favorite.
 
I have owned 1911's before, I love the way they look. I have had a smith, kimber, 2 springfields, and a taurus. Besides the Taurus all were over 1k, and not one has ever made it through a class without failing, the kimber by far being the worst. Also, i tried using my springfield loaded and smith in matches, same result. I like 1911's, but at the same time hate them. It's tough when its a platform you want to love, but can't.
 
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