Fixing a Type Four failure, on a Kimber

[Headshrinker]

Several years ago, I purchased a (Generation One) Kimber Gold Match in stainless steel. I have not shot more than fifty rounds through it since it was new, so I took it to the range last weekend, and every other round would not allow the slide to go fully into battery. The gun refused to operate (no click, nothing). When I got the slide to go back, with great difficulty, the bullet would cause a feeding malfunction - What gives? Just for the record, I was shooting American Eagle 230 grain, full metal jackets. Thank for any help you can provide me.

[akapennypincher]

Originally posted by Headshrinker
Several years ago, I purchased a (Generation One) Kimber Gold Match in stainless steel. I have not shot more than fifty rounds through it since it was new, so I took it to the range last weekend, and every other round would not allow the slide to go fully into battery. The gun refused to operate (no click, nothing).




I personally would start off seeking a solution to your problem with a good cleaning, and lubrication. How many years has that pistol sat drying out with little lubrication on it????? ;z

[Kruzr]

I would also check and adjust the extractor tension.

[Headshrinker]

My guns are cleaned every six months or so; even if they are not fired. I use products from Sentry Solutions. How do I go about checking the extractor tension?

[Kruzr]

You should clean them after every range session if you are going to put them back in storage. Make sure you have good lube as mentioned. You may also want to try different magazines to see if its a mag problem.
Assuming you also clean the extractor channel and it doesn't have any build-up of crud in it, to check and adjust the extractor, take a look here:
http://www.m1911.org/technic2.htm

[Headshrinker]

Thanks for the article by Bill Wilson, Kruzr, I think the problem is too much tension. Just a note, I do clean my guns after each trip to the range. I like to give all my guns a good cleaning every two or three months even if they have not been fired. You Glock guys and gals are great! I wish there was a forum for psychotherapists; I'm sure you would have better responses than the books. Godspeed!

[Kruzr]

FWIW, when an extractor "develops" too much tension, it usually means there is some "hard crud" in the channel around the fulcrum points. Pull it out, clean it and clean the channel real good. A .22 bore mops works well.