springer feed problem

[craig]

i have 2 mil specs (ones the wifes actually) that had first round feed problems today. my gun has about 1200 rounds thru it and the wifes about 150. we were using wwb 230 round nose. when we'd put a clip in either gun and release the slide lock the first round wouldn't chamber fully. if you tapped the back of the slide it would finish chambering. the guns worked fine otherwise. no jams or fte's. bad ammo? we tried switching clips between guns but they would still do it every now and then. didn't have any other ammo handy to try. the guns were cleaned and lubed before this range session. would polishing the feed ramp help? i still have lots to learn about auto loaders. thanks, craig

 

[tg_26101]

If you've never had a problem before in 1200 rounds, I'd say there is something about this box of ammo your pistol didn't like. I think this is supported by having two pistols that functioned OK till now, and both ailing at the same time. If you aren't familiar with polishing the feed ramp, don't attempt it yourself, get a gunsmith that knows how to do it correctly. If you're using 230FMJ, this shouldn't be your issue, though.

If you have 1200 rounds on the original factory recoil spring, you may want to think about changing it out with a Wolff 18.5 lb replacement spring.

 

[craig]

i was thinking about changing my recoil spring. it's starting to toss the empties pretty far now. the brownells book says 16 lbs. is the stock spring. we shoot 230 gr round nose almost exclusively, but i load 230 gr. golden sabres when it's in the house. they seem to shoot these(golden sabres) fine. any advantage/disadvantage to a heavier spring? thanks for the info. craig

 

[tg_26101]

the Wolff 18.5# is just the old USPSA (IPSC) shooter's standard. in my experience, particularly with pistols that haven't had the ejection port lowered and flared, the stock spring would leave dents in the mouths of a lot of the casings. back in the 80's, Novak's told me to use the 18.5#, I always have since, and have never had any problems. it's been a case of if it ain't broke, don't fix it. also, if you shoot a fair amount, you'll probably get a little more life out of the slightly heavier spring.