My 1911 is consistently failing to extract. HELP!

[BerksCountyDave]

My Springfield custom shop 1911 has been 100% reliable, up until yesterday. I took it to the range and it was failing to fully extract every 1-3 rounds, with three different brand magazines and two different ammo loads. It's NEVER given me problems before. This is really bad, because this is my primary carry gun.

What causes FTE jams? What could be the culprit?

1. It was pretty cold, about 30 degrees. I use Toilz firearms grease on the 1911, should I be using a liquid lube in cold temps?

2. I was using my reloads that have ALWAYS worked flawlessly before. I also had the issues with my factory defensive ammo.

3. I didn't develop a limp wristing habit overnight.

4. I'll try to describe the malfunction. The fired case is about halfway still in the chamber. The extractor claw is not stuck on the case, rather, the next round is trying to feed behind the stuck case, causing a jam.

This situation sucks because this is my carry gun. It has to be flawless, but I'm afraid to trust it now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

[jdlv4_0]

Step one, stop carrying the gun.

Step two, check the extractor for damage

Step three, check / retension the extractor

Stand by for instructions on retensioning the extractor....
*ETA*
Go HERE for details.

For any more help, there's a great reference section on M1911.org

M-1911 Technical Issues

[Jailkeeper]

Or just wait until Lycanthrope gets here!

[unclesam099]

It may be the grease due to the cold. Try warming it up and then going right to the firing line (if possible). I have heard of people having their semi-autos jam due to the viscosity of their lubricant changing with the temperature.

[BerksCountyDave]

Step one, stop carrying the gun.

Step two, check the extractor for damage

Step three, check / retension the extractor

Stand by for instructions on retensioning the extractor....
*ETA*
Go HERE for details.

For any more help, there's a great reference section on M1911.org

M-1911 Technical Issues

I'm not a gunsmith and I don't play one on TV. I'll take it to a pro haha.

[gnbrotz]

1. It was pretty cold, about 30 degrees. I use Toilz firearms grease on the 1911, should I be using a liquid lube in cold temps?

It's my understanding that you shouldn't be using any grease on a daily carry gun. Only a few spots require a 'drop' of oil, and everything else should have a very light coat, wiped away so there's no visible trace of it.

[BerksCountyDave]

Yeah the grease works great during the warmer months and doesn't attract dirt like oil. But maybe in cold weather I need to change. I have breakfree CLP laying around that I use on my AR. Good option for the 1911?

[TonyF]

I'm not a gunsmith and I don't play one on TV. I'll take it to a pro haha.

Send it back to SA.

Dave,

I have been shooting 1911's ever since I was legally able to own a handgun and probably own at least 8 or 9. I have a love / hate relationship with them. Nothing comes as close to perfection as a 1911 with respect to a PDF.

But like you, I'm not a 1911 gunsmith. I detest the fact that I can't even fit non critical parts though I am considering one of the 1911 gunsmithing courses that are now available.

As an alternative, I've been testing the S&W M&P series. Another option is the XD although as stated in another thread, it pains me that SA won't sell XD parts to consumers.

There are decent alternatives to the 1911.

[TonyF]

I have breakfree CLP laying around that I use on my AR. Good option for the 1911?

It's OK to prove / disprove the grease theory but something a wee bit thicker would be better. I like the lube that Wilson Combat sells. It won't "run" as much as CLP.

[BerksCountyDave]

Send it back to SA.

Dave,

I have been shooting 1911's ever since I was legally able to own a handgun and probably own at least 8 or 9. I have a love / hate relationship with them. Nothing comes as close to perfection as a 1911 with respect to a PDF.

But like you, I'm not a 1911 gunsmith. I detest the fact that I can't even fit non critical parts though I am considering one of the 1911 gunsmithing courses that are now available.

As an alternative, I've been testing the S&W M&P series. Another option is the XD although as stated in another thread, it pains me that SA won't sell XD parts to consumers.

There are decent alternatives to the 1911.

Not sure sending it to SA is the best option. The gun was built in the custom shop in the 90's, and I bought it used. I'm probably better off taking it to the local gunsmith I use.