broken ejector

[mtnhigh]

I have a M1991A1 Colt Commander with something in the neighborhood of 10K rounds thru it. Some recent reliability issues. After the last time out, i noticed the the ejector was broken. The rear pin that mounts to the frame has been sheared. (pin remains in frame, and the ejector will swivel on the front pin) Local smith suggested "hot" rounds as a possibility? Replaced recoil spring regularly (wolff variable) and used buffers. Regardless, he said he could try to drill the pin out, but said if it doesn't work, the frame will be a paper weight. I'm curious if anyone has other suggestions? Would it be possible to weld the ejector in place? If he's unable to drill it out successfully, i'm I truly stuck with building a replacement frame? thoughts? suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

[Hunter]

You should not have to drill the ejector pin out. With the right punch you should be able to drive it out. That is why there are pins holding it in place, so you can change it if it breaks.
A correctly fitted ejector has no need for a weld.
Welcome to the forum.

[niemi24s]

The spec for the diameter of the ejector's aft leg is 0.0965 - 0.0015 inch, and they're usually an easy slip-fit in the receiver hole. Whatever caused it to break probably also deformed it a bit so it won't drop right out. The break is also no doubt uneven and trying to drill it out with standard twist drill (even with the receiver clamped in a drill press) will wallow out the hole.

Search the last 2 or 3 pages of threads and all their posts. Somebody (last name Harrison, IIRC) who sounded like a machinist gave a good description of how to properly do this type of work.

Your 'smith is correct: any attempt at drilling it out is doomed to fail!

P.S.: The thread is Ejector Help by Spitfire001

[twin oaks]

One possibility, depending on how stuck the sheared pin is, would be to weld/braze a rod to it to provide a handle. Working as a mechanic in another life, we occasionally had to have a (master) welder come and weld onto a broken bolt to remove it. Some of them were recessed in their holes, so it is possible. If you can't punch it out, it might be a useful alternative.
Just my .02

[Spitfire001]

I just went through the same thing, Push put the pin holding the leg in place,
If your lucky it will fall out if not youll have to use a drill press, Worked for me

[mtnhigh]

Thanks Guys! i'll give it a shot.
looks like there is a wealth of knowledge in this forum. great find!

[wichaka]

Most likely the aft leg will fall out when the ejector is off. If it won't come out, carefully drill it out........I would recommend a drill press for this, but have done it free hand a few times.

Drive the pin that holds the fron leg out, from left to right.

[robot1911]

If you're going to try it with a drill press, I suggest you first take a carbide burr, an end mill, a diamond burr, or a small stone and make a cavity in the center of that pin. Otherwise, your drill will surely walk and you'll either mess up the hole or break your drill...possibly both.

Bob

[wichaka]

I've never had that problem, but I guess there's always a first time.

[Dave Berryhill]

I'd definitely try John Harrison's "smackulation" method before trying to drill it out.