Light primer strike with 1911

[VinnyQC]

I have a 1911 in 45acp (S&W performance center), which I like very much, but I've suffered a few light strikes on a particular type of primers (S&B large pistol primers). It's not that much, 1-4 per 100, and it's only with that type of primer, and it always goes bang on the 2nd strike.

I'm not much of an expert on 1911, I shoot a lot more with cz shadows, and if I had that problem with a shadow, I'd switch the firing pin to an extended firing pin and maybe reduce the tension on the firing pin spring. But I don't seem to have that option with a 1911. I see most "extended firing pin for 1911" have a length of 2,296", which is within spec for a normal firing pin, and I can't seem to find anything like a reduced tension firing pin spring.

Any idea? Either suggestions on where to find these parts or suggestions on better solutions more suited to 1911?

 

[BCRider]

When I read that the second strike set it off I automatically think it is one of two things. First is that the primers were not quite seated in the cases. And second is that the mainspring might be a little too light. But since it is setting off the others on the first strike that says the mainspring is OK. So it may well just be that the ammo either has tougher primers than normal or that you got a batch which may not have the primers seated quite right.

Being that your S&W is a Performance Center gun it's quite possible that it has a reduced power mainspring for use in matches.

Bottom line though is that if it's only with that ammo then switch to something else for the future. And for this stuff just get into the habit of thumbing the hammer back and shoot it with the second strike.

 

[colinjw]

I have heard that S&B primers are a bit on the hard side.
If you are reloading your own then I would switch to a different primer ( I like Federal ).

 

[MartyK2500]

If you haven't modified your mainspring, i say the primers are defective.
My 1911 with light springs, would light up anything, even S&B.
Then one day it stopped lighting S&B, different primer lot.

To be sure, tried these primers in a factory glock and even the ultra reliable glock would not light them.
Since then i have chalked S&B off as junk primers.

 

[Fargone4sure]

Yup, just switch to federal primers, problem solved.

 

[T&G]

Check your firing pin spring at the same time. I had a similar phenomenon back in the 80s when I tried a titanium firing pin which they said needed a heavier spring. It was too heavy and light strikes resulted, then I went back to the original and never had the problem again.

dr jim

 

[marshall]

I had a lot of trouble with that ammo in 9mm in a Jericho with light strikes, usually if they where wacked again , would go off, one good thing about a double action gun
They where O.K. in a NP27

 

[madcow]

Most likely seating of the primers , dont like S&B primeers too

 

[Armored Metal]

Most likely seating of the primers , dont like S&B primeers too

Not a fan of S&B primers also. I've had light primer strikes with their large and small pistol primers (1911 and S&W revolver).However, every load I've made with CCI or Winchester pistol primers, have always gone bang.