[unleashd]

In the little over a month of owning the Kimber Stainless Pro Carry, I've had this problem of FTF/FTE on the second last round in the mag. This happens every time after I've shot around 30 - 35 rounds. I usually like to load 5 rounds at a time, across the variety of mags and go through some exercises while on the range. After every range session, I thoroughly clean the gun. And problem repeats. Here are somethings that I've tried so far

• Bought new Wilson Combat Mags and tried - Same results
• I have used a variety of ammo - Winchester, Fiocchi, Lawman, Tula, Freedom, Federal etc., and it still has the same problem after the 5th or 6th mag change.
• Removed the extractor, cleaned it, and even tried to adjust the tension (just by hand and no tools - I might not have done anything to the tension this way). Problem goes away for a few mags and then repeats.
• Had the armorer at the Range take a look at it. He found no issues either.

Basically, it leads me to believe that the dust accumulation behind the extractor is the cause. The reasoning behind this is that if I run a wire brush behind that extractor when it jams, it will work find for another 30-35 rounds and then repeat the problem.

Here's what it looks like when it fails. PS: This is not my gun, Found the picture online and just reposting. Credit goes to the picture owner.

At this point, I'm starting to think if this was a bad decision to buy a Kimber. I bought it used, from the RSO at the range, and he's been concerned that his old gun is giving so many issues to me.

Any pointers would be helpful.

 

[Chuck43]

Basically, it leads me to believe that the dust accumulation behind the extractor is the cause. The reasoning behind this is that if I run a wire brush behind that extractor when it jams, it will work find for another 30-35 rounds and then repeat the problem.

I had a friend that was experiencing the same type of problem, in his case he had gotten oil on the extractor. A good cleaning solved his problem, I don't know if that's your problem but I thought it was worth throwing out there.

 

[unleashd]

I had a friend that was experiencing the same type of problem, in his case he had gotten oil on the extractor. A good cleaning solved his problem, I don't know if that's your problem but I thought it was worth throwing out there.

Chuck
Good pointer. But as I said, the cleaning solves the problem, but only briefly. After a few mags, it repeats. So far, I've used both Hoppe as well as Froglube to clean/lube the gun. Usually I leave some oil after the cleaning and when the gun's in the safe, and then before I shoot, I wipe the gun down with a clean microfiber cloth to remove all the excess.

Is this a standard problem with all 1911's? or is it 'cos the Kimber is manufactured with very low tolerances? I have two Springfield Armory guns and they will not complain about number of rounds, quality of ammo, length of usage, dust in the magwell/chamber etc.

 

[Islander]

The problem you're having is not normal with 1911's and can be resolved. Even though you bought the gun used, give Kimber a call. They will be able to make it right.

 

[Lineman]

Oh Yeah........!!!!

I'm with Steve!! Give the folks at Kimber a call. It doesn't cost anything to try!! They are very friendly professionals and they will take care of your pistols ailment.

Just for my 2 cents worth, this sounds like it may be recoil spring issue, specially since it is a used pistol. Ask your RSO friend, the previous owner, how many rounds he put through the pistol. I'm just sayin'.........!

 

[Elidar73]

Used buyer as well

I bought my kimber used as well. No way to how many rounds have been thru it. The Pro sizes have had some reported FTF issues related to springs, and the main spring is cake to replace, and cheap!

You can do the wolff spring for under 10$ or you can look into the Wilson Combat flat spring which has a much longer life. That kit does cost $50 but has some nicer machined 1 piece replacements for your gun and the replacement spring is actually only 10$ after that. The new spring has eliminated any FTF issues I was having.

 

[PorscheVille]

Unleashd,
I have a Stainless Pro Carry II and have had only one FTF in 1600 rounds fired. Mine happened somewhere around 750 rounds. The Kimber recoil spring is supposed to be changed at 800 rounds. Coincidence? Maybe. Personally, I believe it was a poltergeist who decided to occupy my weapon. That said, I put in a Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring Kit (#651) and had an exorcist say some mumbo jumbo and voilà, it has shot flawlessly ever since. So, what you are experiencing isn't normal. I agree that the recoil spring being worn out is MAYBE more likely than a poltergeist. Maybe. I highly recommend that Wilson kit although some here do fine just replacing the spring only.

 

[Lineman]

Evil Spirit du Jour

This does not sound like a poltergeist issue to me. As Unleashd described it, it totally sounds to me like a "Booger Man" is the Evil Spirit du Jour!! Either that or a Skunk Ape/Sasquatch!!

Unleashd, try replacing the recoil spring with a standard issue model. They don't cost much. If that clears the problem, you're good and you can invest in the Wilson Combat spring later if you want. Get your pistol working reliably first!!! Just sayin'................. I really believe that it had to be a Sasquatch!!!

 

[unleashd]

Well
I've placed orders for a WC Recoil spring, as well as a new extractor (Just in case). Let's hope these will fix the problem. Until then, it's going to be clean-shoot-clean routine.

Hope these new parts will help me shoo away the sasquatch and the boogerman

 

[bigdog10]

I was just wondering if you have contacted Kimber as yet?

 

[Chuck43]

Well
I've placed orders for a WC Recoil spring, as well as a new extractor (Just in case). Let's hope these will fix the problem. Until then, it's going to be clean-shoot-clean routine.

Hope these new parts will help me shoo away the sasquatch and the boogerman

I hope you get it, I was on the Wilson Combat site last night and noticed that the Flat Wire Spring Kit is out of stock.

 

[unleashd]

I hope you get it, I was on the Wilson Combat site last night and noticed that the Flat Wire Spring Kit is out of stock.

Saw that and ordered from Midway instead.

 

[Mike240]

No recoil spring should only go 800 rd. You can have too much extractor tension too. Not saying that is it. Frankly I will bet that increasing the distance from the breech face to inner claw will fix it. Along with a proper bevel. What is that distance now? I will bet .069". This is a 45 right?

 

[Insta-Gator]

Mike, you check that with a feeler gauge?

 

[PorscheVille]

I hope you get it, I was on the Wilson Combat site last night and noticed that the Flat Wire Spring Kit is out of stock.

Chuck, that's because you and I have been selling them like they're going out of style. In fact, I'm thinking it's time for a little kick-back money from Wilson!

 

[Mike240]

Mike, you check that with a feeler gauge?

Yes tapered feeler gauges. Breechface to inner claw of extractor.

 

[Mike240]

The photo he shows is failure to chamber. The round has left control of the mag feed lips and trying to get under the extractor to slide up the breechface. Feeding already occurred.

This is why folks keep adding heavy recoil springs or replacing them at very early schedules. They are using a spring to force the round (brass is soft) through the problem instead of locating and correcting the problem. Fix it once and save the money from recoil springs to buy ammo.

 

[Marshall]

No recoil spring should only go 800 rd. You can have too much extractor tension too. Not saying that is it. Frankly I will bet that increasing the distance from the breech face to inner claw will fix it. Along with a proper bevel. What is that distance now? I will bet .069". This is a 45 right?

I was thinking the same thing. I replaced my recoil spring on my PCII 9mm at 3K rounds and my PCII 45 at 2400...
They do last longer than 800 rounds.

 

[Ultraman]

The photo he shows is failure to chamber. The round has left control of the mag feed lips and trying to get under the extractor to slide up the breechface. Feeding already occurred.

This is why folks keep adding heavy recoil springs or replacing them at very early schedules. They are using a spring to force the round (brass is soft) through the problem instead of locating and correcting the problem. Fix it once and save the money from recoil springs to buy ammo.

Great post.

 

[Scout10]

Put your hands on a 10 power jewelers loupe.
When it fails, unload, clear and LOOK around the extractor
for debris. I have seen that a burr / bend / dent will cause
this based on a quantity.
Have you also oil wiped the interior walls of your mags?
Another item that when a mag gets to 2 rounds left it
gets wobblie going up. It moves smoother if slightly lubed.
I only clean and lube them bout twice a year.