New Series 70 Stainless, plus a couple of questions

[option8]

First, I'd like to thank you fine folks for providing me valuable guidance in selecting my first 1911. This forum is certainly a great resource, with many knowledgeable posters. I do have a few things I'd like to bounce off you, though.

To avoid the wrath of the Gunny, here's the obligatory glamor shot... posing atop a VersaMax II:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/IMG_0382.jpg

I've had this pistol to the range twice. With about 200 rounds downrange, I can say I love the accuracy and feel of this weapon. Holstered, it's a revelation; the flatness makes it almost unnoticeable on my hip, much unlike both of my SIGs, which though lighter, feel huge by comparison.

A few problems are in evidence, though. I'm not sure if these will work themselves out, of if a trip to Hartford is warranted.

First, empty cases eject with enthusiasm, but very erratically. One left a nick on the left lens of my eyeglasses, and would have put a real hurt on my eyeball had I not been wearing protection.

Second, the slide seems to be locking back with one round remaining. This happened about three times, using the original 7-rounders and a Wilson 47D (all of which I cleaned thoroughly before use). Strange: the slide locks back, I'd place the gun on the bench, right side down... and the last round would roll right out the ejection port. Happened both using Blazer Brass and Federal HST. Apart from this I've not noticed any other feeding anomalies. The extractor does pass the Hunter test in the FAQs; the slide holds a round in the chamber solidly when the slide is shaken.

Assuming either or both issues above mean this 1911 needs a bit of love, would any of you ask for the front sight to be replaced? Notice the shiny metal gouge up front in what's otherwise a black sight:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/IMG_0377.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/IMG_0376.jpg

I could probably fix it with a magic marker, but the part probably should not have been installed to begin with. Not sure how I missed that at the gun shop; it's very nice otherwise.

Also on the picky side, is this the correct right grip for this pistol? Notice the open slot; would serve only to let dust inside:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/IMG_0384.jpg

Thanks in advance for any replies, and I hope you enjoyed the photos! I know I get a vicarious thrill from those posted by others, so there's a Saturday night treat.

[Joni Lynn]

The grip has the cut out for an ambi safety, mine has the same cut.
I'd probably request them to replace the front sight if it were mine.
Erratic ejection is probably either improper tension on the extractor or more likely it is clocking around a bit due to a loosely fit firing pin stop. (or both)

[John]

Cold Blue is your friend for the front sight. If the pistol shoots well, I won't bother sending it in for that.

As for your other problems:

The extractor seems to be clocking inside its tunnel, so a new firing pin stop is needed to fix that (I can see it's turned, at the last picture). Order it and then when installing it adjust your extractor according to the Wilson article in the "Technical Issues" forum.

[rhtwist]

The grip on mine were also cut ambidextrous. I am of the school of thought that the gun should be fixed, when you bought it, if not give Colt a chance to honor their one year service contract. If you would care to please vote in an older poll I started http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=54089, collecting data. Thanks and of course good luck.
rhtwist

[option8]

Thanks all for the replies. rhtwist, I voted.

John, you have a good eye. I hadn't noticed way the firing pin stop sits, but you're absolutely correct; the assembly does sit a bit clockwise in the frame. The extractor also isn't filed off quite flush with the vertical cut in the slide, for what that's worth.

You can see this a bit better here:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/IMG_0394.jpg

Would the extractor issue also cause the misfeed of a live round I described? (Live round tumbles out the ejection port onto the bench after the slide locks back on what should be the final round.) I should have paid more attention to that at the range, by examining the chamber after each slide lock, but I was focusing more on getting accustomed to the system.

I believe I'll send this one back and have the factory finish its work on this one. The mis-installed firing pin stop and gouged front sight could easily have been caught visually by quality control, and the erratic ejection should likewise have been caught during function testing, assuming they perform this step.

[hardballing]

Thanks for the pics.

I am one step closer to lay a way removal for "mine" (should be about 15 days now, unless the world ends or something similar :) ).

I know how you feel regarding the issues cited, but if it were me, I would just do the work myself and not be denied the pleasure of it's company for an extended period. I do understand your feeling of making things right though.

Again thanks for a "quick fix". Will have to hold me over for 3 more weeks and then, oh yes, IT WILL BE MINE. Bwwaaa Haaaa Haaaa Haaaaa (evil laugh voice required) :).

[John]

Would the extractor issue also cause the misfeed of a live round I described? (Live round tumbles out the ejection port onto the bench after the slide locks back on what should be the final round.) I should have paid more attention to that at the range, by examining the chamber after each slide lock, but I was focusing more on getting accustomed to the system.

I do not think so, that's more of a magazine issue.

[rhtwist]

Hello hardballing,
I had the same problem with one new magazine on my 1st Series 70 Reissue. Colt replaced it while in the shop. My 2nd Series 70 Reissue has the same problem with one magazine, I just put Wilson Xtra strength spring in it. Will see if that helps.
rhtwist

[daveohno]

Option8, I would shoot the pistol a few more times and see if you still have issues. If you do and want to send it back, I'd have them replace that front sight also. It might have been damaged after it left the factory. If you contact Colt about the ambi cut stocks, they'll probably send you a replacement, if you aren't going to install an ambi safety, you don't need that cut on your wood. Colt's aren't cheap pistols and they should be in great shape and function well for you. Colt is very good to deal with and any issue you have should be resolved.

[d90king]

Congrats on your new Series 70 pistol. I am sure if problems persist that Colt will make it right if you need to go that route. ;)

[elijdub]

Thanks all for the replies. rhtwist, I voted.
John, you have a good eye. I hadn't noticed way the firing pin stop sits, but you're absolutely correct; the assembly does sit a bit clockwise in the frame. The extractor also isn't filed off quite flush with the vertical cut in the slide, for what that's worth.

Congrats on your pistol, option8, and Welcome!
I just wanted to clarify something you mentioned in your above post.. It's not the firing pin stop that "clocks"; it's the extractor. A correctly installed FPS will prevent the clocking though. Clocking refers to the extractor "spinning" within the extractor tunnel.
Hope this helps, and that you're able to swiftly correct the issues.

[option8]

Thanks again everyone for the help, even with the minor things like the ambi cut grip panel.

I think I'll go with daveohno's advice and do some further testing (sure, twist my arm) before sending it back in. That way I can better pin down the feeding issue viz. which mag is causing the problem, and be sure it gets resolved.

If I bought this one used I'd probably have a go at doing the repair myself, but since it's new I'd much rather start off with it in known good working order, then proceed from there.

[Hill]

Congrats on your pistol, option8, and Welcome!
I just wanted to clarify something you mentioned in your above post.. It's not the firing pin stop that "clocks"; it's the extractor. A correctly installed FPS will prevent the clocking though. Clocking refers to the extractor "spinning" within the extractor tunnel.
Hope this helps, and that you're able to swiftly correct the issues.

Well, in this case I think that Dave and option8 are right in saying that the FPS clocked. It may well have caused the extractor clocking by doing so as the angles are very close. Look at the top left and the bottom right of the FPS, Eli, and you'll see that it was poorly fitted and leans clockwise.

I've never seen a Colt FPS leaning before this one. Loosely fitted, yes, but not angled to one side or the other.

[hornblower9]

I just ordered a Colt Series 70 model 01070A1CS.

I think it is the same pistol?

Please let me know how this turns out with Colt.

Mine is expected next week and I will be on the lookout for the problems you experienced.

[TattooPaul]

Beautiful 70 Series. You're off to a good start. I might be tempted to send my slide to Colt's for the front sight but cold blue is a viable option as well. As for the ejection/feeding issues I'd start with a Wilson or Tripps spring (and follower if you like). After that extractor tension is next and easily adjusted - there is a sticky, I believe, in the Gunsmithing section. If you can't find it I, or someone else can easily "talk" you thru it. Let us know how you make out.

I am a big fan of the 70 Series Repro and look forward to eventually adding one to my collection. Good luck and enjoy your range time!

[NEW_AGENT]

The slide locking back with a round left in mag is usually shooter induced. Either a wayward finger or thumb is hitting slide lock or limp-wristing. Of course, not every single time, but most of it. I would use cold blue on sight and replace firing pin stop and maybe extractor also. Alot of factory and aftermarket grips come with ambi cut these days. I usually replace factory grips anyway so no biggie. I just am not a fan of sending a gun back unless it's a really big deal. Things happen, things get lost, things get scratched at factory, and then it may have to go back again etc...

[Bearbait in NM]

I just purchased the same gun last Friday (6000ish serial number range). My extractor looks like the one pictured, but is deceiving. The extrator is not clocked or crooked in the hole, the chamfered edge is just not uniform across its length. It sits square in the slot, when you look at the inside works. My extractor will not rotate, but it was so loose with the fps out that it just fell out of the frame. This did not stop it from functioning, all the brass cleared the gun, and landed behind me. Mostly about the 4 o'clock position to the 7 o'clock position, about 4 feet away. Fine by me. I have added a EGW stop, and tightened the extrator a bit. And for those contemplating the EGW stop, you will have to slightly reduce the width, and attack the top radius on the stop for a fit.

And just for the inquiring minds about the often discussed cosmetic flaws, here goes. The slide flats do get a bit larger at the muzzle. The dust cover tunnel is perfect. The ejection port lower ledge, the area between the front and back clearance radius, when looking from the side is a little bit from being evenly smooth. A little different than my 1970's S70. Just a little play in the slide frame fit. That is it. I went over the gun with a jaundiced eye, from the on-line forums, looking for anything that someone could complain about.

Bottom line, it is a Colt, with small descrepancies caused by humans actually having some input into its construction. It goes bang, the brass leaves the gun, and the bullet goes where it is aimed. I showed it to a friend who loves Colt, and he was drooling. Not trying to examine every detail with a magnify glass, just admiring one more example of a fine Colt product. My first new one, by the way in a long time. Likley not my last. Not trying to discount some of the real problem guns that have shipped, but those of you who need everything to be perfect, to the letter, well please do not buy any more. It will make it easier for folks like me to find them. And to those of you on the fence, you only live once, why short change yourself one of the finer points in life, on the bet that something might be wrong.

Craig

[option8]

Life's gotten in the way of me attacking the issue of erratic ejection in a more timely manner, but I believe those of you pointing to the firing pin stop are on the money. I can easily move the stop around with my finger, and I can see how this movement could cause the extractor to turn in its channel, throwing brass this way or that. (The tests show the extractor is tight; maybe too tight, as I can't shake a round free no matter how hard I try.)

Here is the firing pin stop pushed upward and to the left/counterclockwise:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/n_0458.jpg

And here it is pushed downward and to the right/clockwise (note the position of the firing pin and the gap at the top of the stop):
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/5713648/n_0457.jpg

The stop should not be able to move around like this in its channel, correct? And if not, should I ask Colt to send me a new one, or would another supplier be a better bet; say, Wilson, or EGW? (I read about the EGW stop in the huge thread in this forum and Bearbait mentions it above, but for the moment I might be better served with a drop-in part.)

[thedude]

I have a Series 70 reissue too in SS. My FPS moves up and down as well; though the extractor doesn't clock and ejection seems to be consistent. Regarding the slide locking open prematurely, check the slide stop tab that contacts the magazine follower and see if it has any brass scrapes on it. It might not have been filed down enough at the factory and those last rounds may be scraping it enough to push it up and lock the slide back. Sometimes those last rounds move forward on the follower and this causes the problem. This happened on my gun once when it was new. I filed back the slide stop a little and put in stronger mag springs. No problems since. I think Tuner has a post on this problem somewhere. It has to do with the dimple on the magazine follower.

-Matt