Problems with Springfield GI

Big Tool · 01-03-2008, 06:15 PM

Hello all, sorry the first post is about a problem but i'm looking for some advice. I just recently purchased a nib springfield gi stainless. This is my first 1911and i love it, but since day one i have been having minor problems.

First day out i noticed that on the last shot of every clip it would eject the spent round and chamber the live one, but the slide would not go all the way back into position and would require being bumped into the forward position.

At first i thought it was just a break in issue or perhaps the ammo i was using. The next time out i noticed how it would only do this on the last round of the magazine. I switched from ppc to remington umc. Which as i expected changed nothing.

My theory is the recoil spring in the pistol seems very soft compared to the higher end springfields, and i'm hoping a heavier spring and a guide rod may solve this problem. I'm i at risk of damaging anything by putting in a heavier spring??

The other problem i have noticed is the gun is extremely hard on brass. I don't reload but if i did i'm sure none of the brass could be reused. Is this normal for a 1911.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

two-70 · 01-03-2008, 06:17 PM

change recoil spring to a stiffer one, it should change the way it cycles from the magazine

Big Tool · 01-03-2008, 06:56 PM

How many lbs should i go with and will it damage anything from being overly heavy in a stock pistol??

jerry · 01-03-2008, 07:32 PM

16# is stock. overly heavy just may not eject. I'm personally not a fan of guide rods, took the stock one out of my Kimber. Make sure you run 300-500 rounds of good hard ball. Clean good every 100. Don't be afraid to oil her up good. If it's running down your hand during break in, no problem. Sit in your chair at night and pull the slide back and forth and dry fire some as well. Again, make sure there is oil on the rails.

rfc357 · 01-03-2008, 08:01 PM

Guide rods are solutions to problems that do not exist.

I put 18.5 lb. springs in all my 1911s. They work with everything.

Try a different magazine before you change anything. Most 1911 problems are magazine-related.

Shoot GI-spec hardball. Don't expect it to work right with anything else. If it does, you are lucky.

sunray · 01-03-2008, 09:57 PM

"...recently purchased a nib Springfield..." Call Springfield. It should be under warrantee.
"...sure none of the brass..." If it's getting a few dents, that is normal. They get fixed in the sizer die.

Big Tool · 01-03-2008, 09:58 PM

Sorry for the noob question but what is hardball ammo. I'm currently shooting fmj remington umc from cabelas. It does the same thing with ppc fmj, and my dollar a round hollow point stuff also.

I picked up a couple kimber magazine's a couple days ago but forgot to bring them when i went to go shoot earlier today. That was my first attempt at fixing the problem, but when i got the kimber mags i manually cycled some rounds and it did the same exact thing. The gun never jams, or stovepipes, the slide just dosen't go all the way forward without being bumped forward.

When i first got the gun it did it randomly while shooting and also when i would load the first round after reloading the magazine. However, now it only does it it on the last round of the magazine. Maybe it's just a really rough break in period, but right now i can definitely say i would be a lot quicker to use my xd instead of the 1911 if a need were to arise. The XD hasn't had one single incident today and i fire them back to back, but nothing feels as good as the 1911 imo.

two-70 · 01-03-2008, 09:58 PM

try an 18 to 20 lb spring

sunray · 01-03-2008, 10:01 PM

"...what is hardball ammo..." High priced factory FMJ's. Same as military ball. However, your pistol will work just fine with nearly any ammo.

Big Tool · 01-03-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-70

try an 18 to 20 lb spring

Thanks for the help i'm gonna order one tonight, hopefully that will help.

M14man · 01-03-2008, 11:06 PM

Since the problem only occurs on the last round, I would say it's this: The slide lock is just being pushed up just a fraction while there still is that last round feeding. It is almost engaging causing the slide to loose speed and as a result you have to assist that slide. Try another mag, and look for wear signs on the slide notch and slide lock indicating this is happening. If it is, you could skillfully bend the mag floor plate tab a bit lower. If you were as comfortable as I am in shooting, you could with the left hand (thumb)hold that slide stop down on the last shot to see if that is the culpret.Let us know what you find.Another mag may not cause that to occur.It can also be several things if it is occuring at other times than the last round. Most related to it needs to be shot alot and worn in. Other causes..a too tight extractor, the barrel link a fraction too long,the locking lug relationship on barrel to slide needs to be smoothed, that is the edges broken.I've owned .45's since '74, have 5 now, build several. So what I have said above are some of the causes for what you describe from my experiences.

Big Tool · 01-04-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M14man

Since the problem only occurs on the last round, I would say it's this: The slide lock is just being pushed up just a fraction while there still is that last round feeding. It is almost engaging causing the slide to loose speed and as a result you have to assist that slide. Try another mag, and look for wear signs on the slide notch and slide lock indicating this is happening. If it is, you could skillfully bend the mag floor plate tab a bit lower. If you were as comfortable as I am in shooting, you could with the left hand (thumb)hold that slide stop down on the last shot to see if that is the culpret.Let us know what you find.Another mag may not cause that to occur.It can also be several things if it is occuring at other times than the last round. Most related to it needs to be shot alot and worn in. Other causes..a too tight extractor, the barrel link a fraction too long,the locking lug relationship on barrel to slide needs to be smoothed, that is the edges broken.I've owned .45's since '74, have 5 now, build several. So what I have said above are some of the causes for what you describe from my experiences.

I'll look into that, thanks for the tips.

M14man · 01-04-2008, 02:23 PM

When I said 'mag floor plate tab', I meant the follower tab that pushes up on the slide lock....

Big Tool · 01-08-2008, 12:23 AM

What about the beat up brass?? I should have taken pictures of it. The sides of the casings had scrape marks on them, and the ends of the casings where the bullet sits is all bent in.
Is this common for the GI type 1911's if so then no biggie, but if there is a problem i need to let SA make it right. I just havent' had the opportunity to call them yet.

M14man · 01-08-2008, 09:15 AM

The dent is caused by the case hitting the slide as it is ejected from the chamber. A good pistolsmith knows how to tune the extractor to slightly change the ejection angle. The extractor may be a little too tight also and there is a method of bending which changes the tension. Also some slides have a lowered ejection port which also minimizes the chances. The case is likely hitting the lower edge of the port.

Big Tool · 01-08-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M14man

The dent is caused by the case hitting the slide as it is ejected from the chamber. A good pistolsmith knows how to tune the extractor to slightly change the ejection angle. The extractor may be a little too tight also and there is a method of bending which changes the tension. Also some slides have a lowered ejection port which also minimizes the chances. The case is likely hitting the lower edge of the port.

Is it likely to hurt anything from hitting the ejection port? It thows the brass straight up and it ocassionally will hit your noggin. It's not that big a deal at all, as long as it's a not a sign of other problems to come.

I contacted springfield today and spoke to one of the techs and he said the last round problems may be due to a rough spot on the slide or a possible burr that needs to be grinded and repolished.
Guy was very helpful and went ahead and gave me a rma and asked that i send it in for a warranty repair. He also said SA will cover the shipping cost, and that turnaround will be about 2weeks. So far i'm very pleased with the customer service from SA. They seem like a company that stands behind their product.

lefty o · 01-08-2008, 08:22 PM

#1 change brands of ammo (yes i know you tried 2, try another 2 or more). 2, try a different magazine. if those fail, then definately send it back to springfield- have them tune and polish the extractor while it is there- it is why your brass is being beat up, ejecting all over the place and hitting you in the head. recoil spring weight has jack squat to do with your functional problems.

jerry · 01-08-2008, 08:44 PM

"I contacted springfield today and spoke to one of the techs and he said the last round problems may be due to a rough spot on the slide or a possible burr that needs to be grinded and repolished."

This is where the sitting in the easy chair working the well oiled slide comes in handy.

Big Tool · 01-10-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry

"I contacted springfield today and spoke to one of the techs and he said the last round problems may be due to a rough spot on the slide or a possible burr that needs to be grinded and repolished."

This is where the sitting in the easy chair working the well oiled slide comes in handy.

I did that for an 1/2 hour or so, maybe they can fix it.

M14man · 02-01-2008, 07:02 PM

Has your pistol been returned yet?
Please let us know if they tell you what the problem was.

01-03-2008, 06:17 PM	#2
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	change recoil spring to a stiffer one, it should change the way it cycles from the magazine __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-03-2008, 09:58 PM	#8
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	try an 18 to 20 lb spring __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-08-2008, 08:44 PM	#18
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,899 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	"I contacted springfield today and spoke to one of the techs and he said the last round problems may be due to a rough spot on the slide or a possible burr that needs to be grinded and repolished." This is where the sitting in the easy chair working the well oiled slide comes in handy. __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

01-03-2008, 06:15 PM	#1
Big Tool Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MS Posts: 602	Problems with Springfield GI Hello all, sorry the first post is about a problem but i'm looking for some advice. I just recently purchased a nib springfield gi stainless. This is my first 1911and i love it, but since day one i have been having minor problems. First day out i noticed that on the last shot of every clip it would eject the spent round and chamber the live one, but the slide would not go all the way back into position and would require being bumped into the forward position. At first i thought it was just a break in issue or perhaps the ammo i was using. The next time out i noticed how it would only do this on the last round of the magazine. I switched from ppc to remington umc. Which as i expected changed nothing. My theory is the recoil spring in the pistol seems very soft compared to the higher end springfields, and i'm hoping a heavier spring and a guide rod may solve this problem. I'm i at risk of damaging anything by putting in a heavier spring?? The other problem i have noticed is the gun is extremely hard on brass. I don't reload but if i did i'm sure none of the brass could be reused. Is this normal for a 1911. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

01-03-2008, 06:56 PM	#3
Big Tool Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MS Posts: 602	How many lbs should i go with and will it damage anything from being overly heavy in a stock pistol??

01-03-2008, 07:32 PM	#4
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,899 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	16# is stock. overly heavy just may not eject. I'm personally not a fan of guide rods, took the stock one out of my Kimber. Make sure you run 300-500 rounds of good hard ball. Clean good every 100. Don't be afraid to oil her up good. If it's running down your hand during break in, no problem. Sit in your chair at night and pull the slide back and forth and dry fire some as well. Again, make sure there is oil on the rails.

01-03-2008, 08:01 PM	#5
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741	Guide rods are solutions to problems that do not exist. I put 18.5 lb. springs in all my 1911s. They work with everything. Try a different magazine before you change anything. Most 1911 problems are magazine-related. Shoot GI-spec hardball. Don't expect it to work right with anything else. If it does, you are lucky.

01-03-2008, 09:57 PM	#6
sunray Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 98	"...recently purchased a nib Springfield..." Call Springfield. It should be under warrantee. "...sure none of the brass..." If it's getting a few dents, that is normal. They get fixed in the sizer die.

01-03-2008, 10:01 PM	#9
sunray Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 98	"...what is hardball ammo..." High priced factory FMJ's. Same as military ball. However, your pistol will work just fine with nearly any ammo.

01-03-2008, 11:06 PM	#11
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 437 Images: 10	Since the problem only occurs on the last round, I would say it's this: The slide lock is just being pushed up just a fraction while there still is that last round feeding. It is almost engaging causing the slide to loose speed and as a result you have to assist that slide. Try another mag, and look for wear signs on the slide notch and slide lock indicating this is happening. If it is, you could skillfully bend the mag floor plate tab a bit lower. If you were as comfortable as I am in shooting, you could with the left hand (thumb)hold that slide stop down on the last shot to see if that is the culpret.Let us know what you find.Another mag may not cause that to occur.It can also be several things if it is occuring at other times than the last round. Most related to it needs to be shot alot and worn in. Other causes..a too tight extractor, the barrel link a fraction too long,the locking lug relationship on barrel to slide needs to be smoothed, that is the edges broken.I've owned .45's since '74, have 5 now, build several. So what I have said above are some of the causes for what you describe from my experiences.

01-04-2008, 02:23 PM	#13
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 437 Images: 10	When I said 'mag floor plate tab', I meant the follower tab that pushes up on the slide lock....

01-08-2008, 12:23 AM	#14
Big Tool Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MS Posts: 602	What about the beat up brass?? I should have taken pictures of it. The sides of the casings had scrape marks on them, and the ends of the casings where the bullet sits is all bent in. Is this common for the GI type 1911's if so then no biggie, but if there is a problem i need to let SA make it right. I just havent' had the opportunity to call them yet.

01-08-2008, 09:15 AM	#15
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 437 Images: 10	The dent is caused by the case hitting the slide as it is ejected from the chamber. A good pistolsmith knows how to tune the extractor to slightly change the ejection angle. The extractor may be a little too tight also and there is a method of bending which changes the tension. Also some slides have a lowered ejection port which also minimizes the chances. The case is likely hitting the lower edge of the port.

01-08-2008, 08:22 PM	#17
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,812	#1 change brands of ammo (yes i know you tried 2, try another 2 or more). 2, try a different magazine. if those fail, then definately send it back to springfield- have them tune and polish the extractor while it is there- it is why your brass is being beat up, ejecting all over the place and hitting you in the head. recoil spring weight has jack squat to do with your functional problems.

02-01-2008, 07:02 PM	#20
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 437 Images: 10	Has your pistol been returned yet? Please let us know if they tell you what the problem was.