FTE with 1911

[molar]

I have a SA 1911 that has failed to extract at least one time every couple of mags. Assuming it is not the ammo(it happens with several diff brands, as well as with my reloads), what might cause this? Would a chamber that it cut too tight cause this? Also, I noticed that when disassembled, the barrel meets a slight amount of resistance when pushed through the bushing. Is this normal?

[bac1023]

I have a SA 1911 that has failed to extract at least one time every couple of mags. Assuming it is not the ammo(it happens with several diff brands, as well as with my reloads), what might cause this? Would a chamber that it cut too tight cause this? Also, I noticed that when disassembled, the barrel meets a slight amount of resistance when pushed through the bushing. Is this normal?

It is normal to have a somewhat tight fitting bushing. In fat, some of my best 1911s have extremely tight bushings.

[steve1911]

Have you checked extractor, too see if worn, you mite need a new one.

1911club#410

[Substance-P]

could also be the magazines, have ruled out that it is always happening with the same magazine(s)?

[bac1023]

True, mags can cause a number of feeding problems.

[molar]

Yep, happens with chip mccormick power mags and wilson combat mags.

[chuckman]

If this is happening with multiple mags, my bet is the extractor needs tuning. As far as bushing fit, tight is good.

[sniper350]

the barrel meets a slight amount of resistance when pushed through the bushing. Is this normal?

For a self-defense pistol ....the answer is maybe NOT

The bushing should be tight .....but does need some tolerance = about .001" total. This allows for the barrel to be able to expand [from heat] under fast firing conditions, and still maintain a consistent lock up without "binding" on the bushing.

Dress the barrel and bushing by using a fine grit metal polish [ like Flitz ] with the barrel indexed like it will be during lock-up - work the barrel back and forth until it operates smoothly - Cold. Then clean the bushing and barrel -completely removing any abrasive polish.

Fire your pistol 6 times as fast as you can pull the trigger .......... and carefully examine how hot that barrel can get. The barrel will expand some under this heat............keep that in mind when fitting a barrel bushing.

Failure to extract - can be caused by a loose fitting "firing PIN Stop" which allows for the "extractor" to CLOCK in its channel and slip off the casing.
Check and see if you can rotate the back of the extractor with your finger nail at the rear of the Slide. Next check the extractor tension ....with the Slide removed, the extractor should be able to hold a Live round while you rotate the Slide 360 degrees. Please remove the firing pin for safety, when doing this test. The live round can droop, but should not fall off the extractor hook........too tight is also not desirable.

JF.

[eljay45]

Check your extractor tension.

[michael t]

If a springfield replace the extractor with a good one from Wilson ,Ed Brown Springfields extractors are not best quality.
But you will also need to adjust the new one or will be no real improvement.
You could of course return to factory and let them fix. They do have warrenty.

[Gary1911A1]

You want good spring steel for an extractor. EGW has good ones. I'ld look at the extractor first as the most likely source of your FTE.