[probably]

Problem with Kimber Full Size 1911 - UPDATE!

I just picked up a used Kimber Custom II a few weeks ago. My first trip the range with it sucked as it was FTF all over the place. So after a little research, I find that Kimbers like Wilson Combat magazines, so I picked one up. Back to the range and it still FTF's, but only when there are 5 or more rounds in the mag.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Ducman]

I am assuming FTF is failure to feed and not fire,
need alittle more info
How is it jamming, is it not stripping the round off the mag. is it nose diving, or will it not chamber?. Are you using factory ammo?

 

[Janq]

Agreed and was thinking & wondering the exact same things. ^^
More information is required as at this point the issue could be anything from weak wristed hold to bad ammo batch to an issue with the extractor such as being worn/damaged or dirty.

- Janq

 

[probably]

Sorry guys...Failure to Feed

I believe the rounds are not chambering correctly, as the slide will move forward quite a bit, but then stops. I don't think the rounds are nose-diving.

I am using the Walmart boxes of Remington (I think 230 grain FMJ?).

I am pretty sure I'm not limp wristing it, I heard that was also a problem, so my second trip to the range I held on like a motherfucker.

Also to clarify my original post, it will only fail to feed if there are >5 rounds in the mag not <5.

Thanks!

 

[Ducman]

external extractor or internal?

Is the rim getting under the extractor? Will it chamber with slight pressure on the back of the slide? or do you have to rack the slide?

Is the chamber clean?

do you have any other mags that you run 100%. If the mag lips are out of spec, it could cause the round to bind in the mag when the spring if compressed alot

Is the gun lubed?

 

[probably]

External extractor. I am not sure if the rim is getting caught under the extractor. I haven't tried putting pressure on the slide, I just rack the slide and eject the stuck round.

I have one Kimber mag that does the same only worse and some other mags that I bought off ebay, same deal. So no, I don't have any mags that run 100%

After I shot it last time I cleaned it very well and lubed it properly.

 

[Gun-Nut]

How many rounds do you currently have through the gun?
My USP did the same thing while breaking in through the first 200 rounds, then it just went away and its never jammed since.

 

[Ducman]

External extractor. I am not sure if the rim is getting caught under the extractor. I haven't tried putting pressure on the slide, I just rack the slide and eject the stuck round.

I have one Kimber mag that does the same only worse and some other mags that I bought off ebay, same deal. So no, I don't have any mags that run 100%

After I shot it last time I cleaned it very well and lubed it properly.

try some different ammo, like winchester white box. I have seen remington cause issues due to being low power

the odd thing is the 5+ plus round problem. The mag could be riding high, causing the disconnect rail to drag against the top round

the rim of the case should slide smoothly under the extractor, make sure the hook and breechface area are clean

If the problem happens again. stop and take a look at exactly where the round is in relationship to the chamber.

This jam was caused by the round setting back in the case, sucking up the recoil energy, not allowing enough force to let the rim slide under the extractor. Problem was caused by an out of spec sizing die

Does the jam look like this

 

[probably]

Gun Nut: I have ~150 through the gun personally, but I bought it used so there is not telling, the gun looks pretty new save for a scratch on the slide.

Ducman: I would say that the jam looks pretty much like that. I will try some winchester white box this weekend and let you know how that turns out. This is going to show my gun noobness, but I'm not sure what the "hook and breechface" are...

Thanks guys

 

[Ducman]

Gun Nut: I have ~150 through the gun personally, but I bought it used so there is not telling, the gun looks pretty new save for a scratch on the slide.

Ducman: I would say that the jam looks pretty much like that. I will try some winchester white box this weekend and let you know how that turns out. This is going to show my gun noobness, but I'm not sure what the "hook and breechface" are...

Thanks guys

The blue arrow is the breachface area, the red is the extractor hook. make sure it is clean between the two. most failure to chamber is caused by to much extractor tension or reloaded ammo issues. since yours can not be adjusted, make sure it is free to move. also you may need a new recoil spring, yours maybe worn. change one thing at a time to see what the issue is.

 

[FreeBMW]

Kimbers have had lots of issues with their attempt @ an external extractor.....The guys over on AR15.com talk about it all the time. Email the custom shop at kimber & they will give you instructions to send it back in & you will prolly get a internal extractor slide back....thats what they did with my CDP II.


FYI they usually don't charge you anything except shipping

 

[probably]

I just emailed Kimber, thanks for the heads up BMW.

I was going to order a new recoil spring, as I just spoke with a friend of mine with a Pro Carry II who was having similar issues and when he installed a new recoil spring the problems went away.

I am still going to try some Winchester white box this weekend and see if it still jams. I'll also check to make sure it's clean where you advised Ducman.

 

[Bobula]

Check your slide return spring, (kimber recomends replacement afterevery 2500 rounds) I had the identical problem on my Kimber Ultra Raptor II at about 3000 rounds, replaced it and haven't had a problem since!

 

[probably]

Went back to the range today. I installed a new spring, and I was using winchester white box. Well, the first magazine went off without a problem. The second and all consecutive magazines would always jam when I would release the slide on a new full magazine. It looks just like your picture below Ducman. I guess I'll call Kimber on Monday and see what they can do for me regarding a new slide (w/internal extractor).

Any more suggestions?

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[Ducman]

Was it only when you were dropping the slide on the 1st round. or did it have the same problems as before... 5 rounds etc.


Are you dropping the slide with the slide release or by sling shot? Try snapping it back fast and letting it go

other issues could be a rough chamber and possible feed ramp angle issues

 

[probably]

It was only when dropping the slide on the first round. I wasn't able to try it too much, as I only brought enough ammo for about 5 full mags (poor planning).

I am using the slide release. Do you think pulling the slide back and letting it go will have a different effect? I will give it a shot this weekend.

Can anything be done about a rough chamber or feed ramp?

Thanks Ducman

 

[Ducman]

Dropping the slide with the slide release sucks up some energy. try snapping the slide back don't drag the slide
load a mag and try loading this way without shooting
A rough chamber can be polished as can the feedramp but should be done by someone who knows what they are doing

 

[probably]

I was finally able to call Kimber's Custom Shop. After telling the guy that I tried everything he was suggesting (clean, lube, ammo, mag, recoil spring) he told me to send it to them and they'll check it out for me. Coolness.

I remember reading something somewhere about mailing firearms...Can I use USPS? or do I have to use UPS or FEDEX for a complete gun?

 

[Ducman]

it has to be sent over night fedex or ups

I was finally able to call Kimber's Custom Shop. After telling the guy that I tried everything he was suggesting (clean, lube, ammo, mag, recoil spring) he told me to send it to them and they'll check it out for me. Coolness.

I remember reading something somewhere about mailing firearms...Can I use USPS? or do I have to use UPS or FEDEX for a complete gun?

 

[MrMcCrackin]

it has to be sent over night fedex or ups

plus signed delivery if i remember correctly!