Installing Extended Ejectors

[Ray P]

During my Gvt 1911a1's annual strip-it-down-to the-frame cleaning, I noticed that the ejector moves quite a bit; which explains why the brass has been all over the place. At first, I didn't think this was a big deal, but in reviewing my tech manual, it says "Replace it!"

I've found *many* sources for the ejector & pin, but I noticed quite a few listings for an extended, or match ejector.

Has anyone tried installing & shooting with the extended, or 'match' ejectors in their 1911A1? Do they need to be trimmed back to work properly? The book I'm using assumes a stock replacement, and doesn't address the issue. I have searched the site, but this doesn't seem to have been addressed in this forum.

[JAD1225]

Ray P, extended ejectors are necessary in the short barrel/slide pistols in order to kick the brass out of the way earlier in the cycle. They are not at all necessary in the five inch Gov't model. Just put in a new standard ejector, and add an 18lb recoil spring and a buffer to "soften" the slam up a little.

[Ray P]

Buffers & standard ejector on order! I'm also installing a 2-pc guide that at least looks black at the exposed end. Kuhnhausen's book is what I'm following in my installation effort.

I was surprised to see that the existing ejector's legs were substantially under-sized compared to the holes in the frame. That is where the movement is coming from. The small roll pin vs the expected solid pin was also a surprise that might be contributing to the movement, as the pin cut-out in the front leg appears to be larger than the roll pin.

I've had this 45 for about a year, and I've run about 1000 rounds through it at a local gunclubs' weekly Action Plate shoot last summer & fall. So this is the first total strip-down I've done on this one. I'm also replacing the mainspring, pin spring and recoil spring. Everything else looks good once the year's accumulated grime is taken out of the hidden spots.

[Ray P]

Originally posted by JAD1225@Mar 17 2004, 01:26 PM
(snip) Just put in a new standard ejector, and add an 18lb recoil spring and a buffer to "soften" the slam up a little.
JAD1225:

Replaced the ejector yesterday and plunger tube today. Springs replaced. The guide rod is in place, as is the Red 200 buffer. The Brownell's Plunger tube staking tool (the vise-grip version) wasn't as easy to use as I expected; there were some dimensional problems getting the hardened point over the rear leg of the plunger tube. Unfortunately, my self-declared 3-day weekend just ended, so I won't get it out to the range until this coming weekend.

Thanks again for the advice! I'll let you know how successful (or not) the work was on Saturday or Sunday.

[JAD1225]

Sounds like you got it all covered! Staking bushings are a real pain aren't they? A small drop of RED Locktite Stud and Bearing Mount will make sure that you never have to do it again.