problem w series 80

[SGT67]

Hi people this is my first post here so I hope someone can give me advice. I just bought a used colt 1991 series 80 compact model . when I brought it to the range yesterday to shoot it the first shot would be fine but the next shot nothing would happen the hammer cocked and nothing so i thought problem feeding. then I noticed the slide was not returning fully forward into battery without a push of the thumb.. Im thinking the recoil spring needs to be replaced so I ordered a replacement spring thru Wolf Springs. Does this seem like the logical fix ? any input would be appreciated.

[Wolfgang]

Could be the spring.

Could be that you are allowing the muzzle to flip too much and this does not allow the slide to cycle properly.

Maybe it's a problem gun and that is why the previous owner got rid of it.

Whatever, it's unusual for this problem with a Colt.

[SGT67]

I thought it might be me too but then I let my friend shoot it and got the same results so when we had the gun empty we held it by the back of the slide and gave the fram some downward weight and it had about a 1/4 inch of play where it had a tendency to stay without a manual rack of the slide or a push forward using the thumb. Ill know for sure when I replace the spring.

[quantico]

I feel a trip to brownells coming :)

[quantico]

I would consider the recoil spring... it is a likely suspect part. It may be that the pistol needs better lube between the receiver and the slide as well... you might want to fully clean the slide and receiver with some solvent and a tooth brush to get those parts very clean. You will need to oil the rails and the top of the barrel and many other parts...

The other issue could be a very dirty chamber in the barrel so that the ammo is going in very tight... or the ammo you are using could also be dragging on the ramp causing the slide to stall before going into battery. If you are using factory ammo that is FMJ this will likely not be the case..

My colt series 80 has over 45000 rounds now... so it has no hangups at all ... it is WELL worn in... ;) I am guessing your colt will be happy very soon... let us know if you make progress or get stumped.. great gun by the way..http://photobucket.com/albums/y43/fbigovusa/1911xfour.jpg

[SGT67]

well I replaced the recoil spring and cleaned it , went to the range and all seemed ok then got to the last round in each mag and failure to feed the last round every time. So i figure its maybe the mag springs but instead of playing guessing games I brought it back to the store for the gunsmith to work it out since they have a 90 day guarantee on used guns. Im sure they will fix it or they will be replacing it .. Ill keep you posted.

[paul45]

The first thing I do when I pick up a used Colt, is replace the recoil spring, get new Wilson mag springs and followers, and Tetra grease the rails, finally Mobil-1 elseware. Good luck.

[larry starling]

Originally posted by paul45
The first thing I do when I pick up a used Colt, is replace the recoil spring, get new Wilson mag springs and followers, and Tetra grease the rails, finally Mobil-1 elseware. Good luck.
I vouch for the mobil-1, Still trying to get stains out of my work shirts from last time I went shooting with ya! ;z ;z

[paul45]

Originally posted by larry starling
I vouch for the mobil-1, Still trying to get stains out of my work shirts from last time I went shooting with ya! ;z ;z ..........yeah....shoot my Colts and complain about the overlubing, while keeping your Colts in the "Black Hole"....I mean ....your gun safe.... UNFIRED!

[SGT67]

I got it back from the gunsmith and he said there was a small spring missing out of the inner workings of the slide. I will get it to the range soon ~2

[ranburr1]

Originally posted by SGT67
I got it back from the gunsmith and he said there was a small spring missing out of the inner workings of the slide. I will get it to the range soon ~2


What????????

ranburr

[SGT67]

The plunger spring was missing from the Slide.

[paul45]

Wow...Good lesson to be very observant when inspecting a 1911