1911 issue

[Massett28]

Hey guys, I just bought the PT1911 this past week. I have owned several 1911s in the past and figured I'd give this a try but its had a problem since the first shot. When I got it, I took it apart, cleaned it, lubed it and put it back together with no issues. Went to the range today, shot it 5 times and it started jamming. When it jams, it is not ejecting the spent shell, the shell is going down the barrel and it ultimately ends up double feeding basically. I am by no means a 1911 expert, but I have also never seen this before. Anyone know why? Thanks.

[Czechbikr]

Welcome from Northern Illinois! If you are comfortable with detail stripping the slide, I would test the extractor, look for damage to it, and tune it. If you didn't know already, one can seriously damage their extractor by loading a single round through the ejection port and letting the slide slam the round into the chamber. It forces the extractor over the rim instead of it sliding up under the hook from the magazine.

[Taurus1965]

My first guess whould be the extractor. Would also check the chamber. Break down the gun and drop a live round in the chamber of the barrel. Should drop in easily and fall out just as easy.

[Czechbikr]

If the round doesn't freely drop in and slide out the chamber could be gunked up with lacquer from cheap steel cased ammo. Test your extractor as in the following video:

[Massett28]

Awesome, thanks so much guys. I pulled it apart, put a round in the extractor and it literally fell straight through. It's not hanging on AT ALL. I'm gonna get some tools together and pull it apart more and tune it. Thanks again!

[olfarhors]

ahh , just for the record the weapon fails to EXTRACT-- it can't eject the case if it does not extract the case and then hit the ejector on its way back (the slide).
but I would bet its a tuning issue with the extractor myself--although i did need to send a PT1911 back to taurus due to having a soft extractor and it would not remain tuned for more than dozen rounds before it began to fail extraction again.
don't wait to long to determine what the problem is I think taurus only pays shipping cost back for repair for like 90 days from purchase.

[Taurus1965]

Awesome, thanks so much guys. I pulled it apart, put a round in the extractor and it literally fell straight through. It's not hanging on AT ALL. I'm gonna get some tools together and pull it apart more and tune it. Thanks again!

If extractor is not holding brass in place tuning will not help. Sounds as though the extractor is protruding to far out of slide not supplying the correct tension on the rim of the brass. You could try to adjust the tension of the extractor but would be a temporary fix.

[Massett28]

Gotcha. Okay. I'll call them tomorrow and see about sending it down for warranty. Anyone know how long itd be gone for? If it's a $20 fix at a gunsmith I'd rather pay that than have it gone for 4 weeks

[Taurus1965]

Gotcha. Okay. I'll call them tomorrow and see about sending it down for warranty. Anyone know how long itd be gone for? If it's a $20 fix at a gunsmith I'd rather pay that than have it gone for 4 weeks

Extractors are pretty inexpensive. Average price is $20 to $30 . If you do decide to purchase one just make sure of your model (series 70 or 80) and size of 1911 (Commander or full size)

[Czechbikr]

Gotcha. Okay. I'll call them tomorrow and see about sending it down for warranty. Anyone know how long itd be gone for? If it's a $20 fix at a gunsmith I'd rather pay that than have it gone for 4 weeks

A man after my own heart. I feel the same way about the expense versus the wait. I wasn't sure if the gun was new or pre-owned, so the gunked up chamber really doesn't apply.

They have softened their approach on sending out parts lately so they may send you an extractor. It would probably help if you could tell them how it's damaged. Their promised turn time is usually 4-6 weeks and usually they take all of that time. Personally I would tune the extractor myself and I am not a proficient gunsmith by any means. If it's chipped or has a dull hook, then you will need a new one.