[RJF]

Folks, my nephew has a Kimber full-size 1911 that is about 2-3 years old (out of warranty). He asked for my help/suggestions - knowing I'm no expert but also knowing I subscribe to a few gun forums (like this one). Aside from "take it to a gunsmith", is there anyone here who knows enough about the 1911 Kimber to take a stab at the problem?

Here's his e-mail request/question:

So, my Kimber 1911 is acting odd (not in shooting, but during unloaded operation): when I manually cock the hammer then cycle the slide, many times the hammer will follow into halfcock. If I cock the hammer using the slide, not so much. I hunted around on the interwebs, but couldn't find anyone else complaining of similar issues. From what I've been able to find, it sounds like a sear spring problem. I tried to find 1911 Tuner online, but no joy. Since you spent so much internet time trying to work through your Colt's problems, I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Thanks!

 

[Rockys Pop]

disconnect sticking just a bit (occasionally) due to overly tight tolerances?

 

[RJF]

Rocky, perhaps! I don't think it has that many rounds through it (could be wrong). My one experience firing it was sweet (and tight). I'm not much of an expert on these things. My Colt Model 70 has a few problems, to the point where I just set it aside and shoot with other pistols.

 

[Rockys Pop]

have you tried "the 1911 Forum" ?
much great info forumized by brand, and many real experts over there.
( just gotta ignore a few pompous windbags w/God complexes on that particular forum)

if an issue can't be pinpointed and solved there.......it probably can't be fixed

 

[RJF]

Rocky, I have more or less avoided that forum. I'm at about my limit in gun forums. Yup, I know I should, but my one 1911-based pistol doesn't really warrant that to me.

Thanks, though. If I'm really stumped (or my nephew is), then maybe...

It was my Mini-14 that brought me here, and I've so enjoyed it!

 

[curt mini14]

1911 and bhp are my fav.it could be a few things first ck hold the trigger in and run the hammer up and down you should not feel anything if by chance you do the overtravel screw is adj in to far and the sear is catching the notches not good.also polish both sides of the sear and the back of the trigger bow were the dissconect rides and the sear spring wear it touches.i suspect a small bur or dirt.let me know what happens i know these very well.

 

[wlhawk]

have you tried "the 1911 Forum" ?
much great info forumized by brand, and many real experts over there.
( just gotta ignore a few pompous windbags w/God complexes on that particular forum)

if an issue can't be pinpointed and solved there.......it probably can't be fixed

I've gained a good bit of information on M1911.org

 

[RJF]

Curt, I passes along you post to my nephew. His response:

Tried manipulating hammer with trigger held rearward: nothing. I checked for burrs and didn't find any (replacing sear spring and disconnector would have solved that anyway). I refuse to polish any of the guts of a weapon. Think I'll put the original spring and disconnect back in and run a couple hundred rounds through this weekend then readdress. If problem persists, then I'll take it to a proper smith: I've done my due diligence. Thanks!

He has very few rounds through it, as it is a special edition USMA class-specific pistol with very nice engraving (something for a display case). I guess we'll see how it performs after a few more hundred rounds through it and - if it isn't better and he takes it to his new best friend 'Smith - he lets me know so that I can share.

wlhawk, I may get there eventually (not for him, but for me). I only have one 1911: a Colt Model 70 Government Model I bought new in 1980. Seemed fine the very few times I fired it shortly after purchase, but it has developed a nasty habit of destroying expended brass and the semi-frequent jamming. Tried all sort of factory ammo with similar results (some less severe than others). The only mod I did was to put a small-radius firing pin stop in (which helped a little), had the local 'Smith replace the extractor/ejector (which didn't seem to help other than to lighten my wallet), and most recently put in a buffer (I had some spares after I bought a bunch for my Mini). It is a fine shooting iron, but not reliable for SD/HD by any means. That's okay, since I have several other options, but eventually I'd like to get it up to snuff; I just have a few other irons in the fire right now.

I probably ought to get it sorted out before my nephew gets it with the rest of my "vast estate"...

 

[Rockys Pop]

strange that Colts and Kimbers , Springfields etc. are so problematic, but the cheap non digital factory, non CNC made Phillipene 1911s eat everything they're offered and are generally accurate to 25+ yards........

 

[curt mini14]

this is true i have 2 rias and they are very good shooters both are 9mm and very accurate,

 

[Lone Gunman]

NOT a biggie! In fact it's rather common to many 1911 pattern pistols; and, if you shoot your 1911 for long enough, it'll probably happen to your pistol as well.

The sear spring needs to be adjusted - Specifically, the left finger should be bent slightly inwards, or towards the muzzle. The bend is NEVER made at the middle of the spring; but, always, from the very base of the spring. Note that this is a VERY SMALL adjustment - OK!

ADJUSTING A 1911 SEAR SPRING

 

[curt mini14]

thanks gunman nice vid explains the sear spring operation nice and simple.love those 1911s

 

[Legion489]

strange that Colts and Kimbers , Springfields etc. are so problematic, but the cheap non digital factory, non CNC made Phillipene 1911s eat everything they're offered and are generally accurate to 25+ yards........

Not really. Look at ANY US made firearm, you get a lot of junk. OK, I haven't with any Winchester, and only with the low end Remingtons and extractors in the 700. Ruger 77 stocks break regularly, especially with magnum cartridges. Henry AR7s are junk, everyone I've seen, and returning them to the factory is useless. Bill Wilson must not test fire his 1911 .45 pistols because the ones I've seen at the range refuse to chamber any factory round, or reloads for that matter, with any magazine. Les Baer is right dawn the road and he gets a boat of them back due to less than acceptable finish, inside and out. Kimbers are junk, just ask any decent pistolsmith what they think of them. Had S&W revolvers that had the barrels turn out while firing, straight from the box. The list can go on and on.

On the other hand, the Philippine 1911s I've seen have a check off sheet that everyone who works on it had to sign off on. If something screws up, they know exactly who to blame. The Taurus 1911 I bought has an excellent trigger pull (second only to the Philippine 1911) and has been 100% so far.

 

[RJF]

Legion, good points.

And a shame. The U.S. is better than that.

I have two Bersas: 380 Thunder and .22 Thunder. Both get the job done and I am very pleased with both (although the .22 really doesn't like anything other than CCI Minimags). My .380 (also my EDC) has been 100% reliable with anything I've put in there, very accurate (more so than I), inexpensive, and just right for me. My Colt Mod 70 has been problematic. My wife's SR-22 has been okay, but certainly not a universal ammo pistol. They're not show-case firearms, but we didn't get them for that.

I gotta say my Minis are superb.

Were I in the market for another .45ACP, I'd probably go with a Bersa.