Need 1911 Guru Help

[orbitup]

I've been having a very intermittent problem with my Kimber Pro-Carry (go figure). Sometimes the trigger sticks back after firing, it doesn't reset. I'll fire a round and when I go to fire again nothing happens because the trigger is already back.

I just took it apart and and took some pictures so maybe ya'll can help me. The only thing I can think to do is polish everywhere I have rub marks.

The worst is on the inside of the bow. It looks like it's where the mag rubs going in and out.

In the frame you can see with the trigger all of the way forward, that rub mark lines up with the one on the frame.

I quit carrying it now because I just can't trust it.

Anybody have a clue as to how to fix this?

 

[fuelfather]

It looks to me you may have found the culprit causing your issue.

 

[orbitup]

It looks to me you may have found the culprit causing your issue.

So I should sand down where the mag is rubbing?

 

[jtriron]

I would first try some Fritz metal Polish with a Dermal buffing wheel.

 

[orbitup]

I have some auto buffing compound and polish.

 

[Tejano Scott]

I'd hit up Angry AaronP220. He is a 1911 genius.

 

[AaronP220]

Don't just go polishing because you've got some compound. You'll dig your self into a nice hole.

I'm thinking your sear spring needs to be replaced. But, we might as well look at other things.

Does the trigger, with nothing else in the gun (like you've pictured) move freely with no lubrication or does it bind up? Is your disconnector gouging the back of the trigger bow (where the sear/disconnector sit)?

 

[orbitup]

How long do sear springs usually last? I've got about 1500 rounds on this one.

The trigger moves freely by itself in the frame, but when I install the mag release, slide and a full mag it binds up. Not much, but there is friction.

The only marks I see on the back of the trigger bow are from the sear spring.

 

[Army 1911]

You can get a die from Brownells for the trigger bow. It will straighten the bow and make it not bind on the mags. Also you can get a trigger track stone to smooth the track in the frame. The marks on your bow rear look like the paddle on the disconector. That is fine. While sear springs seldom wear out, replacing it is cheap enough and if you do, I suggest the Colt spring. It is what the top gunsmiths use. You might just need to add tension on the left leg of the sear spring and or make sure it is installed properly.

 

[AaronP220]

You might just need to add tension on the left leg of the sear spring and or make sure it is installed properly.

That's what I'm thinking. Sear springs are cheap insurance.

 

[orbitup]

Thanks ya'll. I just compared my spring to a pic of a new one from google. It is worn out I guess. I think instead of adding tension, I'll just buy a new one so I don't screw anything up.

 

[AaronP220]

You can do a lot of tuning with that spring. You could probably safely add tension but there's a good chance it will add trigger weight. I play with my springs a lot to get the trigger just how I want it. An aggressive re-set with around 3lbs of pull.

 

[orbitup]

So should I tweek the middle spring a little to put more pressure on the trigger bow?

 

[AaronP220]

You want to adjust them equally if you do anything. If you have a trigger pull gauge you can really set it up. If your finger is calibrated set it up to give you about 16oz on the Disconnector Spring and 32oz on the Sear Spring.

 

[orbitup]

Well you talked me out of tweaking it.

Does it matter what brand I get? A Wolff recoil spring did wonders for this pistol so I thought about getting their sear spring. The Colt spring has already been recommended, what's your preference?

What will this do to my trigger weight? I love how light it is now.

 

[AaronP220]

I use Wolff or Wilson.

You're going to have to tune it to get the same trigger pull as a new spring is likely going to add weight.

 

[orbitup]

I'll do the brand loyalty thing and stick with Wolff.

I'll give you that Wilson mag if you tune it for me.

 

[AaronP220]

Sounds fair. You ever make it to Houston?

 

[orbitup]

Twice a month near Hobby. Sometimes I drive up 45 at about 1 or 2.

 

[AaronP220]

We'll figure something out.