My PT1911 blew up in my face today.

[mudhog92]

Posted on 1911forum also.

Long story here. 2 week old stainless PT1911 would not hold closer than 8" group at 7yards. Took it back to Gun Traders in Reading and wanted to trade it back in after 100 rounds and one week of ownership. They talked me out of it due to the $$$ loss. I do like those guys. Figured I work up some reloads. Shooting mostly 4.4gr W231 in mixed brass, CCI large pistol primers, 230gr lead RN. Loaded some at 4.8gr and 5.1 gr to see if it improved grouping. 10rnds 4.8gr, then 5.1 gr, no problems, got better group with the 5.1gr. Figured I practice with the 4.4gr, had 50rnds left. Two rounds off. Next trigger squeeze, boom-boom. Two rounds went off. Fired next one, boom. Face was bleeding, magazine flew out bottom, can't find all it's pieces. Hand guard cracked and chunk flew off top. Slide racks and cocks, but hammer will not fall. I bought the pistol with Davidson's Lifetime guarantee. Gun Traders is getting it thursday to send back to them.

It is possible I had a hot load. Doubtful, but possible. I fired the rest of those rounds out of my Remington R1 1911, no probs. I digitally weigh every powder charge. It is still possible i double charged one, but I really doubt it. OAL of cases is 1.265" with moderate factory crimp via Lee carbide dies. I recovered the brass, or what I could find. All looked OK.

Thank God for safety glasses, hearing prot. and gloves. Possible round went off prior to being in chamber? Would that explain the mag blowing out and cracking the guard? Anybody ever hear of this anywhere else and know cause?
I know the rap Taurus gets. I have a PT99 I love. Bought the PT1911 over a used Kimber, bad mistake. Bought it 'cuz of the reported accuracy with them out of the box. The Remington R1 1911 is a great accurate pistol BTW.
Any insight appreciated. I am picking your seasoned veteran brains.

I think I look more handsome with the face damage which is minor. Chicks dig scars....

No squib either. Double fire gave two holes in a fresh target. Weird how it happened after the double fire, then I fired the rest of those loads in my Remington 1911 without problem.

[Ruger1022]

No pictures?

[PisnNapalm]

By shooting reloads you effectively voided the warranty.

[nowonder]

Glad you are okay.

[King 5.45]

By shooting reloads you effectively voided the warranty.

I was thinking the same thing.

[brian]

so if i read that right, it was doubling? and you kept shooting?

[King 5.45]

so if i read that right, it was doubling? and you kept shooting?

Some people live for the thrill of being on the edge.

[Ruger1022]

He might have double charged his reload by accident.

[Munky]

By shooting reloads you effectively voided the warranty.

Agreed...glad you're still here tho and your face is intact enough to post about it. Keep us updated on what Taurus has to say but I think you're SOL to be honest.

[mudhog92]

My face damage is minor, 3 small cuts. Sorry gore hounds, no pictures of my mug. I found small pieces of brass lodged in the hammer, shell must have blown apart, just didn't find it when I collected my empties. I'll go back to the range and look again tomorrow. I broke her down, all looks ok by eye-i'm no gunsmith though. She cycles and dry fires. If this is all my fault from my loads, what would make it double fire? Trying to post pictures in bit, damage is minor tho. I didn't know reloads void warranty. Still would have done it, accuracy is horrible. Thanks all for helping and your two cents. Keep ya posted.