1911 Mauling Brass

[Mosbyranger]

Ok, I'm sure that this has been asked before, if there is a thread dedicated to this question, please post a link to it and I will research.

I purchased a slightly used Springfield 1911 A-1 the other day. I'm not the biggest 1911 fanboy, but a full sized 1911 isn't the worst purchase I have ever made. The issue? Why does it maul brass? Instead of a nice reloadable shell I get a large flat spot and completely out of round casing.

Other than that it does just what a firearm should do. Every time I go click it goes bang. Accuracy is fine, limited to what the nut loose at the end can accomplish. In short it has no issues with function, just the mauled brass. Any links or help will be appreciated.
MR

 

[Greg528iT]

Picture please. That way whey Tuner explains what's going on I can better understand it.

My 1st thought is.. that your A-1 is a GI model with the original ejection port and depending on how the extractor and ejector are tuned, it's slamming the case sideways into the inside of the slide, before it pops up and out.

 

[Skylerbone]

It's a GI replica, meant to duplicate the look and function of a military pistol. Military don't care about spent brass. Reload it and carry on.

 

[rxspeed88]

+1 for greg
i was told to lower and flare the ejection port. I have two gi's and they both do it.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Does it have an original design ejection port, like this?

This is just large enough, and no more, to let the spent case fly out. Reloading cases was not considered a priority for military use. You need a lowered and "faired" (the scallop cut at the rear corner) port like this one ...



... to stop the denting.

 

[Walkalong]

An extended ejector may help get the brass out more quickly as well.

 

[Mosbyranger]

Well then, the ejection port it is. Mine port looks exactly like photo #1. Ya know, if I'm not careful I learn something every day... Thanks for the help.
MR

 

[Jed Carter]

You should try a new recoil spring, possibly an extra power spring like an 18.5lb. This worked for a commander length SIG I have, cycled perfectly, but had excessive recoil and butchered the ejected brass.

 

[Sport45]

I get a large flat spot and completely out of round casing.

Your sizing die will fix that right up.

The dent will fix itself on the next firing and be replaced by a new one.

 

[jblackfish]

Your sizing die will fix that right up.

The dent will fix itself on the next firing and be replaced by a new one.

It will. However, bending the brass that much every time it gets shot (and straightening it on the re-sizing stage) will shorten the life of the brass somewhat.

 

[rcmodel]

Not that I have noticed.

I have been shooting bent GI .45 brass since 1960 something.

I lose it before it fails.

And when it fails, it will always be a cracked case neck, which has nothing at all to do with the dents.

Size it and the flats & dents will disappear.
Then reload it and stop worrying about it.

rc

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I had a Kahr pistol that would dent the brass. I wasn't concerned with this, but I was concerned about the occasional case being flung at my head. So I told them of it, sent it in and they lowered the ejection port a little bit, solving both problems.