RIA 1911 ejection issues

**harold63** · March 10th, 2015, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by 300WM

The next round in the mag helps the extractor hold the casing so it can ride up a little and get ejected.

Originally Posted by zswartley

I will get some more photos tonight. Thanks for the info.

Pics may not be necessary, really. Just check to be sure the extractor is in straight. You can tell if it isn't by the indent on the frame not matching the notch on the back of the extractor (I don't know how much you know about 1911's but it is called 'clocking' if the extractor is turned, a little).

A better way to explain the top quote, based off what I just looked at when putting two rounds in one of my PT's, is the next round in the mag helps hold the casing in place as it comes back to eject. When I pull the slide back, slowly, to eject the round, it stays locked in the extractor as the next round is pushing up on it. It doesn't come loose or fall from the ejector. By trying to refeed, I ended up with a double feed and a mag drop to clear both rounds. It's basically further evidence your extractor is losing grip on the rim on the last round since nothing is underneath to help hold it there.

**Gun** · March 10th, 2015, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by 300WM

The next round in the mag helps the extractor hold the casing so it can ride up a little and get ejected.

Having a magazine in the pistol supports the empty case during extraction and ejection phase of the cycle of operation, which can mask issues such as poor extractor tension or geometry.

http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=131

**rhemmers** · March 10th, 2015, 04:58 PM

All the suggestions are good. I had various issues with a new RIA tactical .45 and tried everything. I finally ended up sending it to RIA, which has incredible customer service, at least in my case. They did a complete tune up on the pistol, extractor etc., polished up the feed ramp, new barrel bushing, the whole works. Came back in a week a brand new pistol. Never had a problem since.

I might have eventually been able to work out the issues myself, but I'm glad I sent it to them.

So just a thought.

**zswartley** · March 12th, 2015, 06:57 AM

Thanks to all for the advise.

Extractor definitely was the issue here.

**IronButt** · March 12th, 2015, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by zswartley

Thanks to all for the advise.

Extractor definitely was the issue here.

A good way to check proper extractor tension is to remove the slide from the frame & insert a loaded round between the extractor & breech face. The extractor should hold the round in place, upside down, sideways, right side up, or any way you turn it. This is from Bill Wilson. I think he may know a thing or two about 1911's.

**Popsracerx** · March 12th, 2015, 08:32 PM

Do the extractor test as described first. If it passes you might need a new slide lock. I have an RIA GI that would sometimes not lock back after the last shot when I first tried it out at the range. A new Wilson Compact slide lock solved that problem. I also have an RIA Tactical where at first the slide would randomly lock itself while shooting. Again, a new slide lock cured it.

RIA customer support is very good.