1911s and FTFeeds

[Mossy Man]

Is this usually mag related? Been trying to troubleshoot my RIA Compact, which has had some issues that I detailed in an earlier thread. Well, thanks to the LGS, who provided me with free extra powers FP spring and FO stop, it no longer locks up from the FPS falling and catching on the hammer.

Anyway, I'm only about 200 rounds into the 500 rounds break in period, but every other mag I still get a FTFeed.

The slide locks back mostly (does not engage slide stop), ejects the spent case, and hangs on the next round. The round does not leave the magazine and does not enter the chsmber. It seems to be touching the feed ramp.

Now I understand compact 1911s can be fussy, and timing the slide and magazine spring is tricky, but does this sound like a mag issue? Not pushing rounds up fast enough? Bad follower design?

I've only used the ACT mag it came with, and the follower on it looks weird. The front dips down, whereas my fathers Wilson combat compact nags follower points up and towards the chamber.

Are the ACT mags the culprit?

Next range trip I'll borrow the WC to see if it helps.

Thanks.

[shhh]

I had similar issues with a Kimber compact. I messed with the guide rod and spring, tried different mags. Same: occasional ftfeed. Initially, I had just cleaned and lubed per my usual regimen: drop of clp on each rail; wipe it off.

Turns out I just needed to lube it more: 2 drops of slip 2000 on each rail. The first few rounds splashed that stuff all over the place, but it solved the problem.

[Mossy Man]

I've only been using remoil.

Should I be using grease on the slide rails?

[JTROKS]

If your 1911 won't feed ball rounds reliably try a different mag with known quality. If it's still having problems FTF then have it checked for proper extractor tension and hook clearance. Also the ramp may just need a touch up and polish. A heavy recoil spring combined with weak mag spring tension can send that next round nose diving into the feed ramp due to short stroking.

[Shakey]

You may want to try a RP MS or RS. The EBA could also cause FTFs, and you didn't mention of you were shooting HLs, FAs, or if you were using HPs, RNs or SWCs.

Seriously though, is it obscure acronym day?

[Mossy Man]

Just regular old 230gr ball, factory new web and fedchamp

[glenntuc]

it sounds like a mag problem I switched to Wilson combat mags that and clean and lube fixed my ftf's, 1911 like to run wet go to slp 2000 or a quality lube, keep the feed ramp clean, that should do it

[mjmagee67]

I find that all my 1911's run better on a light grease that oil. I use either light or standard Slide Glide. Mostly standard but my 2 custom double stack 1911's (2011) run fine with the light. I would try lube first then replace the recoil spring. If that doesn't get her running buy a new good mag. Lastly have the feed ramps polished and recontoured.

[Mute]

It could be magazines. If you have access to good mags (Wilson, CMC Power Mags, Tripp) try them. If that doesn't help, check the tension on your extractor. If it's too tight, it could cause the type of malfunction you're experiencing.

Follow this link to see how you can check the extractor tension on your gun:

How to check extractor tension.

[caliberetta]

Not sure about RIA, but on top of indicating it on their user manuals, I called Kimber to talk more about it, and they specifically indicate do not use grease, as they believe it will affect cycling.

[Citadelgrad87]

What kind of projectile? Some can be picky, but most like 230 gr ball.

Mag swap seems like a cheap and sensible test.

[mr2ndamendment]

Fully clean then lubricate the gun liberally. Use new Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazines with quality ball ammunition (Federal 230 grain FMJ is a good base load). Shoot it and see what happens.

If the cartridge doesn't want to chamber and is stuck in the magazine, you may have any number of these issues:
-Feed ramp cut at the wrong angle
-Feed ramp isn't polished
-Recoil spring is too weak or unserviceable
-A horrendous case of limp-wristing

[1911R SSS]

Put grease on your 1911s rails, or anything other than remoil

[Mossy Man]

I'll try some CLP next time.

I fully cleaned the gun before the first outing, and again after 50 rounds, and again after the 200 mark.

Ammo used has been WWB 230gr FMJ and Federal Champ 230gr FMJ.

The feed ramp looks nice and polished, as good as my Colt, and the throat looks pretty good.

I have only used the ACT mag so far, so hopefully if I try a Wilson Combat, it will do better.

I'll also go ahead and try a different lubricant.

Don't think I'm limpwristing.

[Abraham32]

I had a similar problem with my first rock island, it appeared to me that the mag was not seated high enough in the frame. When I called rock island they sounded like it was a common problem and sent me out a new magazine catch like this one http://www.midwayusa.com/product/216...ine-catch-1911

It dropped right in and solved the problem... may not be your issue but definitely something to check..

p.s. the egw is not a drop in part like the one rock island sent me... I bought one for my second rock just for peace of mind and it took a lot of fitting. I ended up not using it anyway because I never could get the colors to match...