How to Solve Ejection Problems with a 1911

by
posted on August 3, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fore.jpg

A damaged and/or weak extractor can affect vital tension.

My favorite 1911 chambered in .45 ACP has decided to bite the hand that feeds it. Recently, it started to eject brass right back at my face every so often. The last straw was when it threw a piece of brass at me that left a circular mark on my forehead. Do I need a new ejector to stop this from happening? I like the gun a lot, but this nonsense has got to stop. Any help would be highly appreciated.
G.E. Eagle, Dunbar, WV

With the information included I will need to make some assumptions as to age and condition of the gun, magazines and ammunition you are using when the brass is ejecting and hitting you in the forehead. It goes without saying that safety glasses are required when shooting recreationally, and a brimmed hat with the brim forward is recommended, especially with a pistol that misbehaves such as yours does.

It sounds like the empty cases coming straight back at you aren’t coming into contact with the ejector before leaving the ejection port.

If the gun has had a lot of rounds through it, the extractor may be worn and/or weak. This would create a condition where the cartridge case would be extracted, but not held firmly against the breech face until the ejector was encountered. Once the cartridge case clears the chamber, it would be free to move as the slide travels to the rear.

On occasion, the rim of the case drops into contact with the mouth of the top cartridge in the magazine, which ejects the spent cartridge at an angle similar to what you describe. This same condition can happen when the last shot is fired if the rim of the case contacts the feed lips of the magazine as the slide travels to lock back.

Testing the extractor tension is a relatively simple process in a 1911 or most semi-automatic pistols.

First, fieldstrip the pistol and lay all parts aside except for the slide. Turn the slide upside down—sights toward the floor—and insert the rim of a dummy cartridge under the hook of the extractor in a position of similar alignment to that of an extracted cartridge. Reposition the slide so the sights point upward and notice the position of the dummy cartridge under the hook of the extractor.

If the position changes or the cartridge falls to the floor, the extractor should be adjusted or replaced. The extractor should have sufficient tension on the rim of the cartridge to hold it in position until it is pushed out of place.

This means when the gun fires and the cartridge case is extracted from the chamber, the case is held by the extractor on the breech face until the slide overrides the ejector, which pushes the case that hinges on the extractor to the side and out of the ejection port.

If the extractor loses control of the cartridge case prior to its contact with the ejector, the ejection pattern becomes erratic and unpredictable.

It would be worth noting if the problem you are having was unique to a specific magazine or type of ammunition. This may help isolate the odd ejection characteristics your pistol is exhibiting, though my money is on the extractor.

Latest

Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box
Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

First Look: Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

Finished with in patriotic royale blue and crimson red colors.

Mechanical Advantage

There are two things which cause you to miss. Here's how to correct both of them.

First Look: Mission First Tactical 5L Achro Sling Bag

Keep your gear on you without standing out from the crowd.

First Look: Streamlight SL-SideSaddle Light

Add a little light to your hat or helmet.

NRA Foundation Grant Program Fueling the Future

In 2024 alone, The NRA Foundation awarded $8.6 million in state fund grants.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.