Probably 20+ years ago, I purchased a new Firestar M43 9mm in Starvel finish. Ran 200-300 rounds through it over the next year. Always performed flawlessly with any ammo. It ended up in a drawer, while life took over, for a few years then loaned to a family member for several more. Supposedly fired very little while out of my possession. Gun shows no signs of abuse or excessive wear. I got it back about two years ago, took it to the range and experienced FTE after the first magazine. It would cycle 2-3 rounds then hang up. Went home and disassembled, it was somewhat dirty and very dry. After a thorough clean and lube I experienced the same condition. It appears that the dragging pressure from the rising bullet overcomes the extractor claw and leaves the spent casing pinched between the rising bullet and the roof of the slide. The spent casing never makes it back to the ejector. After reading about a running change, by STAR factory, from a "rolled" pin to a "solid" pin for the extractor pivot pin I disassembled the extractor. Sure enough, the rolled pin came out in long "slivered" pieces. I had a local shop fab a new solid pin and reassemble the gun. They assured me that after a box of ammo (50 rds), my gun is fixed. It isn't. I had another "acquaintance" whom assured me he was "an expert" offer to fix my gun. After 3 months, he returned my gun along with an apology for not finding the culprit. I have other well-intentioned friends suggest replacing the recoil spring and magazine(?) spring. Neither makes sense to me. When the gun does cycle, it does so completely. I have found the extractor spring at two different websites and will order them this week. I also noticed that the extractor claw does not appear to be resting squarely in it's slot. I was just wondering if there is a known issue, and remedy, in the community. Although not a common issue, I have seen complaints of the same problem on other forums. Unfortunately, no one has ever posted a true fix for the condition. I really like this gun and can't imagine giving up on it. Thanks in advance for any help.
Firestar M43 9mm. Failure To Eject. Anybody?
- Status
What ammunition are you using? I have had issues with Remington/UMC ammo in both my M40 40S&W and M43 9mm with that ammo. It was underpowered and would not eject or it would stove pipe.
Years ago, I bought a M43 cheap because the previous owner had the same issues. I checked the extractor and pin to make sure they were in good shape, cleaned the pistol very good and also disassembled the magazines and give them a good scrubbing (checked springs/followers and feed lips). I then used some good factory 9mm ammo and my 9mm reloads without any issues.
I would suggest checking the feed lips on your magazines. Are your magazines factory or aftermarket. I know the ProMag magazines I tried for moth the M40 and M43 were utter junk.
Years ago, I bought a M43 cheap because the previous owner had the same issues. I checked the extractor and pin to make sure they were in good shape, cleaned the pistol very good and also disassembled the magazines and give them a good scrubbing (checked springs/followers and feed lips). I then used some good factory 9mm ammo and my 9mm reloads without any issues.
I would suggest checking the feed lips on your magazines. Are your magazines factory or aftermarket. I know the ProMag magazines I tried for moth the M40 and M43 were utter junk.
When new, the gun ate any brass ammo I put in it. Never tried steel case. Gun shop that made the solid extractor pin used their reloads. I have tried three different brands (Federal, Fiocci FMJ and JHP, Winchester), all brass. My buddy that disassembled, cleaned and lubed everything (even the mag) said he tried 4 different brands of ammo. He could duplicate the effect but could not determine the cause. Finally gave up. I also have thoroughly inspected mag for cleanliness and feed lip condition. It looks practically new. I’m down to trying a new extractor spring and new factory mag. Don’t know what else to do. I don’t have a “tried and true” go-to gunsmith. It just bewilders me because I read so many reviews, forum posts and watch videos all touting how drop-dead reliable this gun is and how it just eats everything. The gun is worthless as is, as I won’t carry it and won’t sell it without full disclosure.
herrwalther
Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 8,127
Remove the extractor assembly if you are able to. Maybe you will find broken or worn parts that is causing your issue. Also, I would call the gun shop that claims they made the repair and ask what ammo they used if it was recent. That might help you tracking down the issue if it is an out of spec ammo casing.
I just removed the extractor. Not happy with the axis fitment. Pushed it out with a paperclip. Previously noticed the axis had ridden up out of the slide and was able to push it back in with my pocket knife. Axis fitment seems a little sloppy through the extractor also.
- Status