Springer GI denting shells

[CSG]

I haven't shot this 1911 much but I noticed yesterday that it was tossing out shells more or less straight back and the side at the bullet end had a pretty good flat dent. Was also having an issue with the second to last round having some failure to go into battery issues. Loading 5 or 7 rounds of AE hardball 230 gr.

Any ideas?

[1911Tuner]

I haven't shot this 1911 much but I noticed yesterday that it was tossing out shells more or less straight back and the side at the bullet end had a pretty good flat dent. Was also having an issue with the second to last round having some failure to go into battery issues. Loading 5 or 7 rounds of AE hardball 230 gr.

Any ideas?


Ejector. Replace it.

[CSG]

Thanks and glad you caught this topic, Turner. I just now broke the pistol down and removed the extractor and cleaned it a bit. Reinserted it and went back out with the same dimpled GI style mag that came with the pistol. However, this time I grabbed a box of Winchester white box 230 gr. I ran 50 rounds without a hitch. The shell case is still getting a flat dent but not as consistantly. Which way should the brass fly out of a GI 1911? All my other 1911's seem to throw it to the right and slightly back.

If I get Springfield to send another extractor will it likely need adjusting or is it simply drop in? I've got so many 1911's now I may need to pick up a couple tools and shop manual. Any thoughts on specific tools (like that extractor tension vise I've seen) or manuals? I can't run to the computer for every problem! ;)

[1911Tuner]

If I get Springfield to send another ejector will it likel need adjusting or is it simply drop in?

Why get another one just like the one you've got? The problem is with the ejector. You may be able to tweak the extractor a little and help the problem. No drop-ins. It'll need to have the pin groove cut.

[CSG]

You're referring to the ejector? I meant to refer to the extractor. Now I'm a bit confused. If it's the ejector, the gun will need to go to Springfield. Think I'd better call them tomorrow and see what they say.

[Hawkmoon]

CSG, are you aware that denting of the ejected brass is characteristic of 1911s with the original profile ejection port? That's the reason why most manufacturers now lower and flare the ejection port. It isn't done for reliability, it's done to avoid denting the brass.

[CSG]

Hawk, no I wasn't but I am now, thanks! Won't make any difference on the Dillion. ;)

I'm going to have to take my Norinco and Remington outside and see if they both cause the characteristic dent too as they have traditonal ejection ports.

[1911Tuner]

If it's the ejector, the gun will need to go to Springfield. Think I'd better call them tomorrow and see what they say

....*sigh*....

[CSG]

What do you mean "sigh"? I'm sorry I don't have your knowledge but maybe you could explain a bit more? Making a sarcastic remark isn't going to help me or anyone else trying to learn about a functional issue. If that's not something you wish to spend time on, fine. But please, don't be patronizing.

[Tolly]

I certainly don't mean to put words in Tuner's mouth but I don't think he meant the *sigh* to be sarcastic or patronizing. It's just not usually his style. I would be willing to bet he will offer any advice he possibly can to help you out with your issues.

[pa_guns]

Hi

How much of the classic brass mouth denting can be taken care of by ejector tuning?

Bob

[1911Tuner]

Didn't mean to be sarcastic or patronizing. I already addressed it when I said that sending it back to Springfield or getting an ejector from them would result in another one just like the one you've got...and the one you've got is causing the problem. (I've seen the very same thing in about half the GI Springfields that I've been involved with, including one of my own. I tweaked the extractor and ejector on mine until my fingers bled, and only when I replaced both did the problem go away immediately and completely. It works the same for all of'em.

So...What more can I do except sigh?

I recommend the Wilson Bulletproof extractor...fitted and tuned...and the Ed Brown extended ejector, trimmed to length to make the end flush with the rear of the magwell, or maybe a 64th inch longer.

[1911Tuner]

Hi

How much of the classic brass mouth denting can be taken care of by ejector tuning?

Bob

With the ejector that's in the GI Springfields? Not much, if any. The answer lies with the extractor. Use a good one and tweak it correctly, and you can usually get rid of all of it.

[CSG]

Didn't mean to be sarcastic or patronizing. I already addressed it when I said that sending it back to Springfield or getting an ejector from them would result in another one just like the one you've got...and the one you've got is causing the problem. (I've seen the very same thing in about half the GI Springfields that I've been involved with, including one of my own. I tweaked the extractor and ejector on mine until my fingers bled, and only when I replaced both did the problem go away immediately and completely. It works the same for all of'em.

So...What more can I do except sigh?

I recommend the Wilson Bulletproof extractor...fitted and tuned...and the Ed Brown extended ejector, trimmed to length to make the end flush with the rear of the magwell, or maybe a 64th inch longer.

Thank you, that explains the situation much better. I appreciate it. As I said, I was referring to the extractor and confused the two.

Of course, if I have it replaced with a newer style, it won't be as original and that's part of the reason for owning a GI. We have no gunsmiths locally and I don't know that I want to try experimenting with fitting a new ejector to this pistol. So by sending it to Springfield, they would at least repair it. I suppose they could fit something else than the stock ejector.

[CSG]

BTW, I should also add that these issues did not repeat themselves today using different ammo nor had I had these problem previously. I wonder if there's any blame that can be atrributed to the ammo and a bit of gunk in the extractor I pulled and cleaned off.

I guess time will tell...

[1911Tuner]

They may install an extended ejector from the Loaded model, and tune it for 2 o'Clock ejection, but only if you specify it. The extractor and ejector make up a system, and they work together to function correctly. The extractor not only has to extract the fired case, and hold it against the breechface firmly enough...it also has to release the case at the right time.

Installing an ejector isn't all that complicated. It can be done with a 1/16th drill bit to mark the location, and a triangular, Swiss-pattern needle file.
The extractor requires a bit more know-how, but still not rocket science.

Since you haven't had any extraction issues, there's about a 90% chance that you can cure your bug with an extended ejector. Slip it in and mark the cutoff location. File a short 30-degree bevel on the top to kick the case out more straight up, and lightly break the top, right corner at 30 degrees to cause the case to roll slightly backward and it should exit at about 2 O'Clock.

[1911Tuner]

BTW, I should also add that these issues did not repeat themselves today using different ammo nor had I had these problem previously. I wonder if there's any blame that can be atrributed to the ammo and a bit of gunk in the extractor I pulled and cleaned off.

I guess time will tell...

The extractor function can affect ejection to a large degree because of too much or not enough tension. Gunk in the channel tends to cause failures to go to battery or late release timing. As long as the case rim diameter is within spec, it shouldn't be an issue. If all is right within the extraction/ejection system, pretty much any brand of good ammo should provide consistent ejection from the top round to the last.

Understand too that the magazine has an effect on ejection until the last round, when there's not an upcoming round to bump the case that's held on the breechface. This doesn't apply to guns equipped with extended ejectors, since they hit the case before the slide uncovers the next round. That's why I recommend shortening that type for use in 5-inch guns.