extractor tension causing stoppage?

Sac Law Man · 03-22-2009, 01:41 PM

I have a commander sized 1911, I have been getting failure to feed stoppages. Specifically the second round fired is nosediving in the magazine. I have eliminated the magazines as the cause. I was told to check extractor tension next. Initially I decreased the tension too much. The problem went away but I started getting failure to eject issues. I adjusted the tension to 28 ounces, but have not fired the gun yet since doing so. Does this sound like an extractor issue? What should I look at next?

Also, woold you suggest a 22 lb recoil spring or a 20 lb spring?

Thanks

Bill Caldwell · 03-23-2009, 04:01 AM

This could be many things causein' this problem.....All tough to diagnois at a distance.....I think Kuhnhausens book would cover more than I will , Could be extractor,28 ozs of tension means nothin', the tension needed for the pistol to work is everything and this often varies from pistol to pistol, this is learned by experience. Breech face could need polishin'.....I've come to favor Aftac extractors , most of the time takes care of extractor problems.... What is the line of reasonin' behind 20/22 lb. recoil springs, I'm runnin a 12lb. spring in My Commander

Sac Law Man · 03-23-2009, 05:43 AM

Bill,

Thanks for the reply. It seems like the more I read about FTF specifically nose diving rounds, the more possible causes I learn about. I am starting with the easiest fix first, hence the mags and now extractor. If the extractor tension does not fix the problem, the gun is getting sent back.

The issue with the recoil spring is based on what was recommended by the manufacturer. Its actualy a 4 inch barrel and full size frame. The gun comes standard with 20 lb spring and they suggested I try a 22 lb spring.

Bill Caldwell · 03-23-2009, 09:32 AM

When I replied to Your post I wasn't very deep into the community DARK ROAST (coffee) Mine is a 9mm so the recoil spring for Mine is a different weight Still I think 20lbs is too heavy, Hell I run a 20lb spring in a 40SUPER. I would go back to the tension where You had the pistol feedin' but with the FTE, then keep bendin' the extractor for more tension a few ozs. at a time, You might find the sweet spot. Most of these factory extractors are MIM and are throwaways, If the manufactor works on it more than likely He will use a mim replacement, soon You'll be back in the same boat....There is some gunsmith work to fittin' the Aftec, mostly to the firein' pin stop, firein' pin stops are cheap, They send good instructions

Bill Caldwell

03-22-2009, 01:41 PM	#1
Sac Law Man Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 15	extractor tension causing stoppage? I have a commander sized 1911, I have been getting failure to feed stoppages. Specifically the second round fired is nosediving in the magazine. I have eliminated the magazines as the cause. I was told to check extractor tension next. Initially I decreased the tension too much. The problem went away but I started getting failure to eject issues. I adjusted the tension to 28 ounces, but have not fired the gun yet since doing so. Does this sound like an extractor issue? What should I look at next? Also, woold you suggest a 22 lb recoil spring or a 20 lb spring? Thanks

03-23-2009, 04:01 AM	#2
Bill Caldwell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Louisiana Posts: 951	Re: extractor tension causing stoppage? This could be many things causein' this problem.....All tough to diagnois at a distance.....I think Kuhnhausens book would cover more than I will , Could be extractor,28 ozs of tension means nothin', the tension needed for the pistol to work is everything and this often varies from pistol to pistol, this is learned by experience. Breech face could need polishin'.....I've come to favor Aftac extractors , most of the time takes care of extractor problems.... What is the line of reasonin' behind 20/22 lb. recoil springs, I'm runnin a 12lb. spring in My Commander

03-23-2009, 05:43 AM	#3
Sac Law Man Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 15	Re: extractor tension causing stoppage? Bill, Thanks for the reply. It seems like the more I read about FTF specifically nose diving rounds, the more possible causes I learn about. I am starting with the easiest fix first, hence the mags and now extractor. If the extractor tension does not fix the problem, the gun is getting sent back. The issue with the recoil spring is based on what was recommended by the manufacturer. Its actualy a 4 inch barrel and full size frame. The gun comes standard with 20 lb spring and they suggested I try a 22 lb spring.

03-23-2009, 09:32 AM	#4
Bill Caldwell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Louisiana Posts: 951	Re: extractor tension causing stoppage? When I replied to Your post I wasn't very deep into the community DARK ROAST (coffee) Mine is a 9mm so the recoil spring for Mine is a different weight Still I think 20lbs is too heavy, Hell I run a 20lb spring in a 40SUPER. I would go back to the tension where You had the pistol feedin' but with the FTE, then keep bendin' the extractor for more tension a few ozs. at a time, You might find the sweet spot. Most of these factory extractors are MIM and are throwaways, If the manufactor works on it more than likely He will use a mim replacement, soon You'll be back in the same boat....There is some gunsmith work to fittin' the Aftec, mostly to the firein' pin stop, firein' pin stops are cheap, They send good instructions Bill Caldwell

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