1911 Kimber feeding problem

[Johnny.23]

Hi everyone,

I few months back I bought a Kimber 1911 TLE RL 2, it had failures to feed in the beginning, which I thought were because it was still breaking in, the problem is back, the issue has returned basically the last round in the magazine wont chamber and put the slide into battery. It has happened to my 7,8 and 10 round magazines, I use Chip Mccormacks and Wilson Combats. Anyone encounter this problem, is an extractor issue? I've put about 1000 rounds though it so far, I would say it happens infrequently I get 1-2 feed issues for every 100-150 rounds, I use mostly Federal or Winchester ammo.

Help please!

Thanks.

[meanrock]

Check extractor, clean it, check extractor tension. Try alternate magazines- last round issue points to weak magazine spring or follower issue.

Edit- does the round tip up and jam?

[Divehobo]

Contact Kimber customer support, explain problem, they will likely have you send it in to them for service.

[Colt]

Extractor tension (is extractor clocking?)
Mag springs
Mags

Check in that order - most likely one of those

[Johnny.23]

Hi everyone, thanks for the info, I'm using Wilson combat and chip McCormack magazines that are still pretty new, the magazine springs and followers are still strong. The same magazines are feeding fine in my Springfield 1911. The feed issue happens randomly with any one of those magazines, 1-2 malfunctions every 100-150 rounds. So it might be a extractor issue?

Thanks!

[Lonestargrizzly]

I had that problem on a new kimber custom II, so I sold it
Dont be like me OP.

[Barbarosa]

Here's a good article on extractor adjustments:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10261/learn/1911_Auto_Extractor_Adjustment

[JTROKS]

Did you change the slide stop on this Kimber? What parts have been replaced?

Sometimes djusting tension on a 1911 requires additional tuning to extractor hook length and undeath the hook.

[Neil McCauley]

Are you using factory or reloads?

[Johnny.23]

Hi, I'm using factory ammo and the 1911 is still completely stock I haven't made any modifications. Thanks!

[FeuerFrei]

I agree with the suggestions of extractor.
Tension correction or a rough hook may need some polishing.

[m850168]

My Kimber TLE RL II extractor had too much tension from the factory, and had problems that match your description. Adjusting tension solved the issue. I took it to a smith (my first gun; I had no clue) but it's honestly something you can do on your own. The smith did some light filing to the hook as well, but it was very minimal.

Here are some tips: http://www.m1911.org/technic2.htm

[glockman19]

Hi everyone,

I few months back I bought a Kimber 1911 TLE RL 2, it had failures to feed in the beginning, which I thought were because it was still breaking in, the problem is back, the issue has returned basically the last round in the magazine wont chamber and put the slide into battery. It has happened to my 7,8 and 10 round magazines, I use Chip Mccormacks and Wilson Combats. Anyone encounter this problem, is an extractor issue? I've put about 1000 rounds though it so far, I would say it happens infrequently I get 1-2 feed issues for every 100-150 rounds, I use mostly Federal or Winchester ammo.

Help please!

Thanks.

I had issues long ago with a Pro Carry II, After 500 rounds I sent it back to Kimber where they adjusted or replaced the extractor, installed new springs, and polished my feed ramp.
When it came back I fired another 500 without a hiccup. It is now my nightstand gun along side my EDC.
Call Kimber, tell them your issues. They have excellent customer service. If you get to speak to Dennis, He's a hoot. Total New Yorker.

[MosinVirus]

I would need to know exactly where the rounds stop in the gun when they fail to feed in order to try and help figure it out.

Do you have a picture of the failure? Can you explain how the round ends up sitting?

[meanrock]

Sounds very much like extractor is the issue- I would still borrow a friend's magazines to try to reproduce the issue if possible.

Extractor being too heavy/tight on the round will cause failure to feed exactly as you describe.

Given how intermittent it is you could probably put a bit of pressure on it with an empty casing- less pressure than you would use to open a bottle cap- for only a moment. Then polish the hook with emery cloth or 600-800+ grit sand paper. Youtube videos of this process. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, a local gunsmith should be able to fix it very quickly.