Require advice 1911 last round cycling issues

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I have a new Nork 1911A1 Sport model in 45acp, recently purchased through CanadaAmmo. I purchased 4 extra mags for it, and when firing SWC 200gr rounds I'm having issues on the last round, it seems to clog half way through the cycling process and jam the slide before it can close. If it was on only one mag I'd pinpoint the issue however it happens 5 out of 6 times and no rythm or reason for it mag wise (I can't see any difference when examining the lips of the different mags). Oh I'd like to mention it doesn't matter if I load all 7 rounds in the mag or 4 the last round seems to have issues.

Also I was wondering if anyone has a trick on adjusting sights on dove tail sights? I tried using a brass block and a hammer, to "tap" it. However I don't think I've yet moved it. I'm fearful of damaging the blueing or marring the slide/sight itself.

(please no "it's a nork what can you expect") - Firing freehand this firearm groups a nasty clover hole at 15yrds 7round grp, and 3"-3.5" 7 round group at 25yrds right out of the box. Nork or not I find it doing it's job.) Just the group is landing left of POA at about 2" at 15yrds and 4-5" at 25yds so I need to adjust sights.

round count approx 150rounds

Thanks,

Jake
 
try it with ball ammo. the firearm might need to be polished to feed the swc. I wouldn't do anything but 500rds of 230grain ball before I considered something was wrong. Kimber recomends this process. (congrats on your norc) as far as sight adj. goes. break the gun in first, then if you have a press and a brass punch figure wich way to move and do it slowly. also make sure you are holding finger in middle of pad(to close to tip=pushing-to close to knuckle=pulling). hope this helps :D
 
At least the problem is consistent. On the last round the mag follower is pushing up the round rather than another round below it. Also the spring in the mag has less pressure with only one round left.

I would say either a mag problem ( unlikely with all of them though ) or maybe if the rounds are reloads the seating depth of the head needs changing slightly or as mentioned maybe the feed ramp needs polishing.

I agree to put some more rounds through it & break it in . Your problem may go away.
 
There's sight presses but for my own stubborn rear sight I just used a brass punch.

The sight on my own had a burr that caught and galled a spot in the slide. It took holding the slide in my big metal working vise to hold it well enough to drift out the sight using a brass punch and a BIG ball peen hammer. The slide being protected by holding it in the jaws with aluminium soft jaws as well as a layer of file folder paper. Once out I filed and stoned the burrs until it was the proper snug "tap to adjust" fit such that I could adjust the sight with the slide on the gun and just using a block of wood as a rest along with the brass punch and small ball peen hammer.

So use what force you need but do take the effort to support the slide properly. Without the proper support the impacts will just go into moving the slide around instead of the sight. The brass left a slight discoloration on the blue that later washed away after a couple of cleanings and oilings so don't worry about that part either.

As for the need to adjust the sights I'll just add that my own 1911 is more fussy on the whole finger positioning issue than any other handgun I own. I'd try some rested shooting to help minimize grip and finger factors. Then adjust the windage as needed to correct the rested groupings. Once that's done you can work on adjusting the shooter's sights if required.... :D
 
What sort of SWCs are you using? I have tried the Speer ones in my Norinco, and they do not feed well due to their short, stubby shape. I have had better results with MT Chambers 1 groove bullets, which resemble the H&G #68 mold.
 
I'm currently using Wolf SWC lead. I purchased 1000 rounds for $244. The round nose rounds I fired initially of American Eagle worked well - no jams at all but with only 50 rounds running me $40 bucks local it was to expensive to continue purchasing as well to low of a round count for a decent test.

I consulted a local buddy and he suggest I get out my micrometer and check the lengths on the rounds I have in SWC and see if I have a few of them too short. I haven't done so yet, but will be tonight and tomorrow.

thanks for the tips all. I appreciate it.

Jake
 
I am shooting 200gr LSWC through my Norc with no problems. They are Wolf bullets that I loaded myself. I used an OAL of 1.243 and when I measured the Wolf factory reloads they were 1.247. Both run fine in my 1911 with no ramp polishing.
 
Check the angle of the bullet in relation to the barrel. If it is the last round, it is probably a weak spring in the mag, or it is catching on something and altering the angle of feed for the last round.
 
I broke my front sight trying to drift it. The gunsmith phone me to say #@&^%$#*&^!! after he finally got it out. So don't try harder if it does not want to move.

It would be a few buck well spent to have a gun smith tap both sight out and clean the dovetail slots for you.

I have twoof those Norcs and they are both very accurate. Both feed SWC just fine. I suggest polishing the feed ramp a bit and letting the gun break in all the way (500 rounds) before deciding work is called for.

And OAL adjustment can solve some feeding issues. Try longer, if and when you re-load.
 
on mine, the front sight is STAKED in- both the remmy and the colt-and there's a special front sight staking tool in the handbook- i replaced the rear sight with a wilson that just slides in and locks with a allen screw- they taught in basic how to "compensate" by moving the front sight picture over to the right or left as needs be, dicatated by the ammo you're using- ie you narrow the gap between the ear of the rear sight and the post if the front sight- it works best with a slightly narrower front sight
 
Update,

First - I fired another 100 rounds through it, polished and thoroughly cleaned the pistol again. It has seemed to work, and is feeding better.

Today I competed in the McGillvary 3gun shoot and had only one ftf out of 200round day. To add it should have been about a 140 round day, as I haven't been able to adjust the sights as of yet. Today's matches were at varying distances with alot of reactive steel. I've learned that it's grouping a solid 4" left of POA at 50yrds.

In past weeks I've attempted with aid of a couple friends to hold and tap the rear sight with a large brass punch. I can tell you that we have really come onto it and haven't moved it one little bit. It's frustrating to say the least. Can anyone confirm that the rear sight isn't pinned from within the slide, that would really be crappy?

I don't think it is and there is nothing visable by looking at it. Just that mine is jammed in the dove tail really well.

Any tips to correct this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jake
 
Dovetail sights are usually tapered. Are you sure you're hammering in the right direction?

Should come out on the left looking at the muzzle from the BG side.
 
try it with ball ammo.

+1
The 1911 was designed originally to cycle/fire reliably with ball ammo. Try all the magazines. If the gun does not jam with ball, the problem is in the ramp and barrel throat areas. The barrel needs to be throated and polished, the ramp polished as well.

Your jamming with SWC heads occurs on the last shot because the last cartridge jams its SWC nose into the area were the barrel throat meets the frame ramp when the barrel links down. This jamming is also follower related. Try other brands of magazine like Shooting Stars or Wilsons, they have improved follower designs. However, a proper throat and polish job should eliminate your jamming as well.
 
Another place to look is at the part of the slide lock that senses an empty magazine. Start by carefully removing the round that failed to cycle properly and inspect the bullet portion for any indication of contact with the above mentioned part. If you see any nicks, the slide stop is likely catching on the bullet. I had a lot of headaches with my 1911 after a warranty repair and after a lot of trial and error, I was able to solved it with a small file and some careful work. The pistol was not a Norc (wished it was) but the 1911 are all build very similar.
 
I bet it is indeed your mags. Try someones mags to be sure and make sure they're different then the ones you are currently using. Of course your pistol will perform better after a bit or break in time and a fresh clean and lube but if the problem is still there then it's most likely the mags. Sometime break-in will correct minor issues. Let us know.
 
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