Colt Gold Cup Series 70 Malfunctions

Camaro2010

Camaro2010

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I am relatively new to the 1911 style pistols and I have been having malfunctions with my Cold Series 70 Gold Cup.

The most common malfunction is the upon firing the pistol it will not extract the spent case from the the chamber and sometimes it will only pull the case halfway out of the chamber. The other malfunction is the case gets jammed horizontally between the slide and the barrel and the slide has started to strip the next round from the magazine.

After the first day it did this I took the whole pistol apart and cleaned every nook and cranny (hoping it was just dirty) and I retested today with four different mags (new WC Elite Tactical, new CM Power Mag, original Colt, and a WW2 GI mag), three different mfg of ammo (Win White Box, Federal Champion and hand loaded led semi-wadcutters) and still found it was malfunctioning. I looked at the extractor and it doesn't appear to be broken or chipped (pics below) however this is where my suspensions lie. Some people at the range suggested it could be the main spring causing problems, but the pistol never short stroked and when it failed to extract the round it would begin to strip the next round from the mag, and after the last round the slide stayed back.

Like I said, I suspect it to be the extractor but I am looking for some reinforcement of my suspensions.



photo3Edited.jpg

Right Side

photo2.jpg

Left Side

photo4.jpg

Extractor from Top

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Extractor from Angle

Thanks,
Camaro2010
 
I've checked extractor on all my 1911s and compared to yr pics, looks like mine has a little bigger claw (lip)
in the past I had problems with the Wilson ET mags, but have very good results with CMC Power Mags
check also your ejector if it is not shorter or damaged ...my 02 c
 
Sounds like the extractor is releasing the case prematurely, could be bent or possibly a damaged claw. It is not a good idea to release the slide if there is a round in the chamber already, this can damage the extractor or even break it. I found that out the hard way.
Nice gun, hope you can resolve the problem.
 
I concur - likely the extractor. Lots of info out there on how to test for proper tension - might start there and see if it just needs to be tweaked. Also as other folks mentioned it might be worn or bent. Thankfully a new one isn't more than about $25 or $30 (not sure about genuine colt though). Also, never hurts to have a spare std. weight recoil spring in your bag too, so another thing to try - but I doubt that is it. Keep us posted.
 
I just had this issue with mine and between removing the extractor and cleaning out the hole and polishing the pad near the hook I made it 100 rounds without a malfuncion.
 
Thanks everyone for the input, I am planning on cleaning the pistol this afternoon and I will check the tension of the extractor and tune it if necessary.

And as for the Norinco comment, I hope they hold up as well as this 35-40 year old Colt has :D


Justin
 
Update

I just finished cleaning the pistol and found the extractor to be out of tension and a little worn (but not broken or chipped). I finished cleaning the pistol and attempted to tension the extractor and it has definitely improved. Tomorrow I am going to the range and will update again with my results.

Justin
 
I suggest buying a new extractor. Re-tensioning an old extractor is usually only a temporary fix at best.
 
I also agree it's an extractor problem. Clean the extractor channel first, an old .22 bore brush works great, then check fit and tension.

I would also install a new recoil spring, 16# is the factory weight.

I'm sure someone misspoke when they said "mainspring", they probably meant "recoil spring".
 
dan belisle said:
X2 on the recoil spring. If you're shooting 230 gr hardball or equivelant the 16 pound spring won't work properly. - dan
Click to expand...

Well I am shooting 230gr FMJ, why is the 16 lbs spring not going to work properly if it is the factory weight? What would you recommend?


Thanks,
Justin
 
First - all 1911 extractors, old or new, need to be properly tensioned, and it's not rocket science but should really be done by someone familiar with this type of firearm. Simply, though, if the empty rattles out the magwell (firing with the mag removed, of course), you need more tension, if it won't feed you have too much :) I have special gauges that I use as it's not practical - or legal - to test fire at the bench :)

I tap the inside of the extractor (basically as you would arch any leaf spring) to increase tension, and of course the outer flat once you've gone too far... A little reshaping and polishing of the hook area is beneficial to smooth feeding but is best left to experts :)

The 16# IS the correct recoil spring for hardball loads, we go up to 18# or so for heavier stuff, all the way to 22# for our 1500 fps Armco 45-08 loads. AND down to 10lb for soft target loads.

Hope that helps

Gunnar
 
Unfixable. Send to me and I'll use as a doorstop.......


Yeah, extractor, don't spend the dough on an Aftec, a properly tensioned and tuned stock item will be fine AND save you big bucks.
 
UPDATE: Problem Solved

I went to the range last Wednesday after giving the pistol another cleaning and a proper adjustment of the extractor and the pistol performed much better than before but still malfunctioned after every other mag or so. That brings me to today, I went to the range with the pistol and a new extractor installed and it functioned perfectly. Thanks to everyone that offered advice.

Justin
 
Aftecs are less prone to failure, replace the springs once a year and they will run a long, long time.
 
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