1911 Problem

[Hiram]

Any 1911 gurus out there? I've run into a problem I have not seen before.

Background - I have built a new 1911. these parts had never been assembled into a gun before but they are OLD - pre-model 70. It's an Essex SS frame, Colt slide, Caraville Match barrel with a hooked link, and an Exact fit Bushing.

The problem is that sometimes it jams after firing. It does not eject and the slide does not come all the way back. It looks like it's moving out of battery about 1/2" before the whole thing locks up. It locks hard enough that it takes a rod and hammer to get it to release. There is scarring on top of the barrel at the front of the chamber before the actual barrel starts and it looks like similar scarring on the slide.

Any thoughts?

[Hiram]

Looks like I may have found the problem. The "hooked" barrel link is possibly in backwards. We'll take it to the range and try it again.

[tech]

I've had to stone the barrel locking lugs to get a smooth lock, but never had one jam like you describe. Keep in mind too, that National Match barrel hoods are hand-fit to maintain horizontal lug engagement until the barrel links down.

But if the link is in backward, I'd correct that first :)

Good luck and let us know how things go.