1917 colt 1911 with issues

[Funbaby]

I went to the range yesterday with a friend and her son. They want to shoot grandad's guns and I was happy to go along and help them out.

One of the pistol bought along was a colt 1911 made in 1917 ( I looked up the serial number). It would shoot a round or two and then jam. This was with hand loads made especially for the pistol.

I said I'd take a look at the pistol and see if I could figure out the issue.

Any suggestions on where to start with such an old pistol?

Whilst fiddling with it lat night I noticed there was a fair bit of vertical play in the trigger. Is that normal.


Thanks.

[teg33]

Weak spring rod ?

[Spdjunkie]

fwiw:

Many 1911s built in that time frame were built loose- GI Rack Grade, completely normal. What we know today and expect today is from an evolution/expectation of "wants" but not necessary needs to the function of this platform. The loose-r fit was part of the reliability & what we do now is why we have so many fitment issues. IF fit properly a tight 1911 will function like clock work, properly is usually the missing item.

So, yes within reason some play is normal.

Seeing how frequent most change out springs & should, I would change out the ignition/operating springs to be safe [Recoil; Main-Hammer Spring; Firing Pin Spring]. Who knows how many rounds have been put through and the type of loads over the years. Easy replacement to see if that helps function, easier to narrow down things one item at a time.

Have a great one

[PolishMike]

Anytime someone says "special hand loads for the gun" it worries me.

Have you tries it with factory 230gr?

[highpower]

Try a new magazine.

[redcliff]

What type of "jam" was it?

[GM4spd]

Anytime someone says "special hand loads for the gun" it worries me.

Have you tries it with factory 230gr?

This,it was designed for 230 FMJ,this one is almost 100 years old and it
functions fine with 230 FMJ! Pete

[highpower]

I agree with GM4spd. I have one that is also 100 years old and even though it looks like hell, it goes bang every time with 230 grn hardball.

[Tonymin]

Recoil spring and magazine spring and Winchester white box 230 gr FMJ

[hermosabeach]

Most common malfunctions come down to magazines as a starting point.

OP- what type of ammo? The older guns had feed ramps cut for ball ammo only.
So lead, hollow points and any semi jacketed or semi war cutters would not feed well.

A weak magazine spring can allow the cartridge to sit at a funny angle and not feed well.

For an old gun, I would suggest replacing the recoil spring in case the original is worn out. ( you can keep the original for display/ history)

With a weak spring, the slide can hit the end of the cycle hard enough to damage the frame and or the slide.

Trying a new magazine will help you determine if you need a new magazine or a new magazine spring.

You can always borrow a few 1911 mags from your shooting buddies before the next range trip.

As always if you do not know a ton about the 1911, take it to a gunsmith or shop that will do a full cleaning including removing the extractor and firing pin.

Get everything cleaned and lubed.

[WINGEDSWORD]

Thorough cleaning, new recoil spring, main spring and factory 230 grain FMJ.

[Funbaby]

Thanks; checked the mag springs and one is clearly weaker than the other.

Ordered new springs.

Guess I'll have take it to the range to test it....sigh.

[Funbaby]

Works a treat with a new recoil spring. I don't want to give it back now..

[Father Ted]

Don't blame you.