SA 1911 issue

[Bushwack44]

I own four 1911s and they all perform flawlessly...except I think my Springfield 1911 (in 9mm) has developed an issue.

A few weeks ago I took it to the range and noticed a 'shake' (maybe a rattle) when I shoot off a round. It definitely occurs when the slide is at its furthest position. When dormant, the gun doesn't rattle (when I give it a shake). But it felt like the slide gets loose at the peak of recoil. I thought maybe I used too much oil when I cleaned it the day before (footnote: The first Beretta Bobcat I owned I oiled too much and at the range, the slide separated from the frame).

Yesterday, I took the pistol out of the safe and gave the rails very little oil. Barely a drop on a Q-Tip for rails and anywhere else contact between frame/slide occurs. Went to the range today and got that 'shake' letting off rounds (whether Winchester white box or Freedom Munitions 124gr). The gun performs well. Hits the target as it should. It's just this little shake that's annoying (and shouldn't exist).

I shot 80 rounds using 3 magazines. So I know the cause isn't a magazine or ammo. 20 of those rounds were using a new spring from Brownell's - shake didn't go away. Grips are on tight so I know that's not what I'm feeling. When I bought the pistol I noticed when racking the slide, there's a very minor hiccup (lets call it a very small speed bump) midway thru racking. But having racked a new SA 1911 Loaded in 45ACP and a TRP, this speed bump at the midway point also exists (I assume its inherent with Springfields as my other 1911s move freely).

I was hoping someone had an idea whats going on. For the first 200+ rounds thru this gun, I didn't get this shaking. Other then this shake, the pistol is great. I'm thinking of sending it to Springfield but would rather understand whats happening and if its something minor that I can remedy.

[200Apples]

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I think my Springfield 1911 (in 9mm) has developed an issue.

9mm? Grab a tissue.

[soulbyte]

Ether it might be sprung too heavy or it could be that stupid mainspring housing safety all the Springfields are comeing with.

The speed bump is normal, its just your disconnector being engaged.

I would keep shooting it. The more you shoot it the smoother it'll get.

[BoJackUSMC]

I think it's normal to rattle....since its production model after all. I could be wrong thou since I don't own any 1911, but my buddies SA 1911 Loaded model rattles a lot.

[350skylark]

the "hiccup" on racking the slide might be the dissconector. As far as the shake, have you tried assembling the gun without the barrel and spring to see if you can pin point it? Does it do it when racking the slide with the hammer already back?

[200Apples]

I own four 1911s and they all perform flawlessly...except I think my Springfield 1911 (in 9mm) has developed an issue.

A few weeks ago I took it to the range and noticed a 'shake' (maybe a rattle) when I shoot off a round. It definitely occurs when the slide is at its furthest position. When dormant, the gun doesn't rattle (when I give it a shake). But it felt like the slide gets loose at the peak of recoil. I thought maybe I used too much oil when I cleaned it the day before (footnote: The first Beretta Bobcat I owned I oiled too much and at the range, the slide separated from the frame).

It's ok to run 1911s a little on the wet side. Just keep the feed ramp, chamber and barrel free of oil when shooting.

Yesterday, I took the pistol out of the safe and gave the rails very little oil. Barely a drop on a Q-Tip for rails and anywhere else contact between frame/slide occurs. Went to the range today and got that 'shake' letting off rounds (whether Winchester white box or Freedom Munitions 124gr). The gun performs well. Hits the target as it should. It's just this little shake that's annoying (and shouldn't exist).

I shot 80 rounds using 3 magazines. So I know the cause isn't a magazine or ammo. 20 of those rounds were using a new spring from Brownell's - shake didn't go away. Grips are on tight so I know that's not what I'm feeling. When I bought the pistol I noticed when racking the slide, there's a very minor hiccup (lets call it a very small speed bump) midway thru racking. But having racked a new SA 1911 Loaded in 45ACP and a TRP, this speed bump at the midway point also exists (I assume its inherent with Springfields as my other 1911s move freely).

That is the disconnector you're feeling. It's there in all 1911s.

I was hoping someone had an idea whats going on. For the first 200+ rounds thru this gun, I didn't get this shaking. Other then this shake, the pistol is great. I'm thinking of sending it to Springfield but would rather understand whats happening and if its something minor that I can remedy.

Really, since I've not experienced the problem you're feeling or hearing in either my SA Loaded or Mimber Ultra CDP II, I would need to physically handle the pistol to pinpoint the source of your malcontent with the gun.

Good luck, and I hope you know I was only playinwitcha in my prior post.

Someone better-versed in truly building 1911s (rather than just shooting them) should be along to offer some better advice, but since you have other good pistols (good man!) I'd simply plan on sending this one back to SA for service. They're very good about that.

:-)

[JTROKS]

I suggest getting with another shooter or gunsmith to check it out. Also have him explain to you what's going on as the gun cycles. If you lock the slide back and shake the gun the barrel will definitely make some noise as it is not into a locked position. If you were closer I'd meet up with you and check it out.

[1911whore]

Generally speaking a little rattle is ok, when you freshly oil it, the oil will take up some free space between the rails making it "feel" tighter, shooting it will remove some of the oil and it will feel like it has loosened up a little, again totally normal. That "speed bump" is the bottom edge of the raceway moving over the disconnector, normal. If you go slow you REALLY feel it on a factory gun, totally normal. Just shoot it and if it works, keep shooting it.

[Bushwack44]

OK.... I just disassembled the pistol to clean. To address some of your suggestions...

- With the slide locked, the only items that rattle are the magazine and palm safety.

- Not an issue that I can 'feel' the disconnector but it is interesting that I can't feel it when racking the slide on my Sig Stainless, Ruger or Colt. When I went was considering a Dan Wesson P7, I felt the disconnector when racking the slide (more so then with the Springfield). I am assuming its all a matter of engineering.

- Someone mentioned it is normal to hear a rattle. If my other 1911s rattled I'd agree. But as they don't,... Its not as much a rattle as a shake when the slide is at its farthest upon recoil; as if the slide is trying to get off the rails (but obviously does not).

- I can't duplicate the 'shake' with the barrel & spring removed. There needs to be inertia that I can't duplicate for the shake to occur.

I'm going to go to the range again sometime this week. For experimental purposes, I've replaced the GI rod with a full length guide rod (who knows...maybe that will tell me something). If that doesn't help, then I will add a recoil buffer. If still no change, I'll put back the OEM rod and also add the recoil buffer. Of course the pistol should behave just as when I bought it. But I assume if the shake goes away w/ a recoil buffer, maybe I need a different weight spring?? My back-up plan is send the pistol to Springfield for inspection.

I'll keep ya'll up to date once I get back from the range. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Truly appreciated (I learn more about firearms here on CG then several other web sites combined).

[Kowan]

I'd guess, when in battery the slide frame fit is tight enough not to feel the rattle. Check for excessive side to side play with the spring removed.

I'd also check by pressing down on the barrel hood. Check the barrel lugs for wear.

[dfletcher]

OK.... I just disassembled the pistol to clean. To address some of your suggestions...

- With the slide locked, the only items that rattle are the magazine and palm safety.

- Not an issue that I can 'feel' the disconnector but it is interesting that I can't feel it when racking the slide on my Sig Stainless, Ruger or Colt. When I went was considering a Dan Wesson P7, I felt the disconnector when racking the slide (more so then with the Springfield). I am assuming its all a matter of engineering.

- Someone mentioned it is normal to hear a rattle. If my other 1911s rattled I'd agree. But as they don't,... Its not as much a rattle as a shake when the slide is at its farthest upon recoil; as if the slide is trying to get off the rails (but obviously does not).

- I can't duplicate the 'shake' with the barrel & spring removed. There needs to be inertia that I can't duplicate for the shake to occur.

I'm going to go to the range again sometime this week. For experimental purposes, I've replaced the GI rod with a full length guide rod (who knows...maybe that will tell me something). If that doesn't help, then I will add a recoil buffer. If still no change, I'll put back the OEM rod and also add the recoil buffer. Of course the pistol should behave just as when I bought it. But I assume if the shake goes away w/ a recoil buffer, maybe I need a different weight spring?? My back-up plan is send the pistol to Springfield for inspection.

I'll keep ya'll up to date once I get back from the range. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Truly appreciated (I learn more about firearms here on CG then several other web sites combined).

For a broader comparison I'd suggest picking up a 1970s or WWII era Colt - now those things rattle.

I have a SA 1911 Target in 9mm, it went from very tight to loosening up pretty quickly. I wouldn't expect it to do otherwise. I suppose you may want to check the ejector, be certain it's tight in place and not loosened.

BTW, feeling the disconnector is more a matter of a stronger leaf spring and maybe a bit of polishing - more execution than engineering, if engineering means design. It can be cleaned up if it's an issue, but it's generally best to leave it alone.

[Rgarbarino]

I thought maybe I used too much oil when I cleaned it the day before (footnote: The first Beretta Bobcat I owned I oiled too much and at the range, the slide separated from the frame).

Do you seriously think too much oil caused the slide to separate from the frame? If you do, you've got bigger problems.

[5ZS]

You really can feel a rattle on full recoil? Impressive!

I really do not know, but I know some double stack magazines rattle, but that is outside with hand, and not while firing. Maybe the rattle are the ammo moving/shifting.

[KTM RICK]

Send it back to Springfield. There warranty is the best in the business.

[midvalleyshooter]

I suggest you have a Gunsmith with 1911 experience have a look at it. Or send it to Springfield.

Good luck