SR 1911 Disappointed

[steve817]

Last week I finally got one. I have been wanting it since they were introduced and have seen nothing but positive reviews on them. Friday I take it to the range with a couple of boxes of PMC Bronze FMJ. Using the 7 round magazine, I was 16 rounds in and then it happened. The best way I can describe it is that one round didn't go in to full battery and the next one was also being stripped from the magazine as well. Double feed?

I locked the slide back, dropped the magazine, tilted the barrel down so that the one in the chamber would slide into position. hit the slide release, fired the round (at the target), re-inserted the magazine and shot until the magazine was empty. Before I finished the box it happened on two more occasions. I was out there with my 12 year old daughter and her friend and we were all sharing a lane so I stopped after using up the first box of ammo. I didn't have time to test the 8 round magazine.

I'm hoping at this point that it is just a problem with the 7 round magazine but was wondering if any of the 1911 experts wanted to weigh in.

[MoJo]

Not an expert but I am a reasonably knowledgeable person. It sounds like a bad magazine or, that gun doesn't like that brand of ammo. Try the other mag if it still does it try a Tripp or Wilson mag if it still does it send it back to Ruger.

[AEA]

Most problems like this are related to the 8 round mags as the Govt. 1911 was designed for a 7 rounder.

Since you are having the problem with a 7 rounder, I would bet the Mag is defective. You did not say if it came NEW with the gun or if you used one that you have had for awhile.

If it is the latter, maybe you need a new spring for that mag or possibly the follower profile does not like the Ruger's feed angle.

If it was the Ruger factory new mag, then it's their problem, or as you say, it could also be the PMC ammo.
I always use Quality ammo when breaking in and then later on..... use the cheap stuff for range once I am satisfied with the gun.

Wilson mags are good but I sold all of mine and now only use Tripp Cobra 7 round mags in both my Govt. and Officer 1911's. They are expensive but they work well and they are also beautifully polished and made in Texas!

[DocV]

It is not uncommon for new 1911s to have initial feed problems. Magazines can certainly contribute to feed issues as can other factors. Frequently, mag problems can be overcome with newer and stronger magazine springs. I keep a batch of Wolff +10% (11 pound) 7 round springs for problematic magazines.

Next comes the ammo. Can you measure the OAL of some of your PMC rounds?

To be certain I understand the issue is it correct that this was your first outing with your 1911? If that is the case, did you lubricate the pistol before your range outing?

[jimlongley]

And I have had a similar experience with the first round out of the mag. The rest of the mag feeds just fine, just not the first round. A little adjustment of the magazine lips fixed it.

[Heartland Patriot]

Though I am not a knowledgeable 1911 guy, I do own a basic GI model Springfield 1911 that I like to take to the range on occasion. The cheapo mags that came with it weren't very reliable at all, including some failures-to-feed. I solved that by buying Chip McCormick Powermags. That thing runs good now, haven't had a problem since (except with some lousy MFS brand ammo from Hungary...but those were failure-to-fire on the first primer strike).

[DocV]

PM me a shipping address. I will mail you a spare Wolff spring.

[AEA]

Now, there's a COOL CHL'er for ya!

DocV, you can mail me that chepo Royal Blue .45!

[rentz]

I haven't had issues with my ruger mags but I mostly use Wilson combat.
I'd try different mags and if it still happens break down for a good cleaning, if it still happens call ruger

[Rangel]

Sounds defective. Mail it to me and I'll dispose of it properly for you.

[DocV]

Now, there's a COOL CHL'er for ya!

DocV, you can mail me that chepo Royal Blue .45!

yeah, the Volkmann has around 2500 rounds through the tube. Guess it is worn out

[steve817]

You did not say if it came NEW with the gun or if you used one that you have had for awhile.

:

They were new with the pistol.

It is not uncommon for new 1911s to have initial feed problems. Magazines can certainly contribute to feed issues as can other factors. Frequently, mag problems can be overcome with newer and stronger magazine springs. I keep a batch of Wolff +10% (11 pound) 7 round springs for problematic magazines.

Next comes the ammo. Can you measure the OAL of some of your PMC rounds?

To be certain I understand the issue is it correct that this was your first outing with your 1911? If that is the case, did you lubricate the pistol before your range outing?

Please pardon my ignorance, what is OAL? Overall length?

[steve817]

And I have had a similar experience with the first round out of the mag. The rest of the mag feeds just fine, just not the first round. A little adjustment of the magazine lips fixed it.

That is the strangest part to me, it is like the second or third round.

[AEA]

OK I still go with weak mag spring and/or timing due to low power ammo.

[cbunt1]

I'm inclined to agree with some of the other posts here -- weak spring or generally defective magazine. That it occurs on the 2nd or 3rd round isn't terribly surprising -- 1911's are famous for feed issues on the third round, and the third to the last round -- and these are almost always tied to spring timing issues.

They're the only pistols I recommend non-factory magazines for consistently. I use Wilson and Chip McCormick magazines myself, but as mentioned, the Tripps are top-notch, and there are a few other brands that are proving reliable these days.

Even on guns that do present true (non magazine related) issues, I personally don't recommend working on one or sending it back for touch-up until it's had 500 factory rounds through it. I typically use Winchester White Box ammo as a "test bed" when I'm running into issues, but I've been satisfied with PMC and Blazer Brass as well -- all three brands seem to make SAMMI spec.

You asked about references to OAL -- it's a reloader's term, referring to the OverAll Length of the round. It's but one factor when it comes to 1911 feeding issues -- there are also profile considerations. Again the PMC, Winchester, and Blazer Brass seem to have the proper bullet profile for feeding in unmodified 1911-pattern pistols (and in the context I'm referring to, there are very few, if any "unmodified" pistols on the market--most have throat angle and ramp improvements over the original Military Spec).

Sorry -- didn't mean to get too technical here. In short, try a Chip McCormick, TripLite, or Wilson magazine, run another 450 rounds through the gun, and I'd bet it smooths out. If not, then it's time to take a hard look at what's going on. 1911's usually require a break-in period, and frankly, the better built the pistol is, the more likely it is to need a break-in.

Hope this helps!