1911 Malfunction/Technique Question

[bravofox]

I just got my first .45 1911, I've been having malfunctions with it for a bit, today I figured out what causes them. It's me. My firing hand thumb is riding against the slide and slowing it down enough that the next round won't fully chamber. it took about 100 rounds to test and verify that that's the issue. I wear size large gloves. Would a different safety, grips, or recoil spring help or is it a technique issue? thanks

 

[TheSandMan491]

The easiest fix might be a thumb safety with a thumb shield. Limcat makes one I’ve used. 

[JoeMKY]

Will this still be legal in single stack?

[625]

Is there a reason you are wearing gloves? 

[bravofox]

I want it to be legal in single stack, I'm not wearing gloves, just giving a hand size reference

 

 

 

 

 

 

[625]

Sounds like all you need to do is change your hand position so you don't ride the slide.  My thumbs point forward inline with the barrel lower than the slide. 

[bravofox]

underneath the safety?

[Joe4d]

always shot a 1911 with my strong thumb on top of the safety pointing at the target. 

 

 

[dapribek]

Yes, thumb shield safeties are legal in SS. 

[cheers623]

I’ve Got xxl size hands AND left handed. My thumb blocks spent Brass ejection occasionally along with dragging on slide. Double-Tap, Phoenix Trinity, Limcat, Swenson, and others make “shielded” thumb safeties. This makes a huge difference and is legal in all divisions that allow single-action pistols. 

[JoeMKY]

13 hours ago, dapribek said:

Yes, thumb shield safeties are legal in SS. 

Thanks

[konkapot]

Probably NOT the case but some folks with .40 or 9mm singlestacks will use very/overly light recoil springs which can also cause this. 

[Postal Bob]

First, is this a brand new gun? What brand? If so, it may not be you at all, but just needs to get broken in. Or get the feed ramp smoothed and polished.

The reason I say it may not be you, is because I did a similar test on a 9mm 1911 I was having problems with.  The 9mm uses a 9lb recoil spring, verses at least a 16lb or more stock recoil spring. I test shot the gun by increasing the pressure of my thumb against the slide, until it malfunctioned. I had to exert such extreme pressure before it would malfunction. Much more than you would ever do normally shooting the gun. Trying the similar thing on my 45 1911, it was impossible to slow the slide down enough with my thumb to get it to malfunction.

It's more likely the gun needs to be broken in more to smooth up the surfaces between the slide and frame. And to smooth up the feed ramp and mouth of the chamber.

Edited January 12, 2023 by Postal Bob

[bravofox]

thanks for the info guys, I ordered a Limcat shielded safety, I'll let you know if that solves my problem

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bravofox]

this safety seems to have solved my malfunction issue, thanks again

 

 

[cheby]

Delete 

Edited February 1, 2023 by cheby