My pistol has about 1400 rounds though it. It was having issues with stovepipes but I had the extractor tuned. I am now having problems with returning to battery. I have had 3 malfunctions within the last 200 rounds. I am using Wilson ETM and Power Mags, American Eagle 230gr FMJ ammo, and Froglube. I am really getting frustrated with this gun. I have read that Froglube may not work well with tight fitted 1911's because it is not thick enough. Should I try a different oil or grease? What else could it be?
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Sidearms & Scatterguns Les Baer Failure to Return To Battery
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
- Start date
Well, there are several things it could be but going by the limited info you have provided I would:
1. Rule out limp wristing (number one reason for FTE and failure to return into battery.)
2. Verify ammo is in spec. (American Eagle is remanufactured I believe, your Baer probably has a tight chamber.)
3. Replace recoil spring (usually good for 800 rounds or so.)
4. Use a chamber brush to clean chamber (regular brush/patch does not adequately clean a 1911 chamber.)
5. Inspect slide stop and barrel link (barrel may not be locking up properly.)
In my experience lube is not critical with a 1911 although I use "Slide Glide" and/or "Militec" grease.
Good Luck!
1. Rule out limp wristing (number one reason for FTE and failure to return into battery.)
2. Verify ammo is in spec. (American Eagle is remanufactured I believe, your Baer probably has a tight chamber.)
3. Replace recoil spring (usually good for 800 rounds or so.)
4. Use a chamber brush to clean chamber (regular brush/patch does not adequately clean a 1911 chamber.)
5. Inspect slide stop and barrel link (barrel may not be locking up properly.)
In my experience lube is not critical with a 1911 although I use "Slide Glide" and/or "Militec" grease.
Good Luck!
The fact that you had your extractor "tuned" recently may be a clue. Who tuned it and what did they do? Did they adjust tension only or was a file involved? Tuning a 1911 extractor takes skill and experience. Too much tension or a sharp or improper angle on the bottom of the extractor can cause feed problems and result in a failure to return to battery. Check out this thread:
Extractor tension range? - 1911Forum
And then do some reading in the gunsmithing forum there on some of the suggestions others have given you here.
Extractor tension range? - 1911Forum
And then do some reading in the gunsmithing forum there on some of the suggestions others have given you here.
The extractor was tuned and polished by Alchemy Custom Weaponry. American Eagle is the ammo Les Baer recommends for his pistols. I will order a chamber brush a new recoil spring and maybe some new lube. What pound recoil spring do I need to get for 230gr bullets?
Probably 16# (that's for a 5" full size, shorter requires stronger) but give Baer a call and see what they specify for your model pistol. Wilson makes a really nice little chamber brush.
Recoil springs usually go for 2K rounds or so on a full sized pistol, so I'd say start there with your troubleshooting. If a fresh spring doesn't get it, I'd take a hard look at extractor tension.
On a 5" model with a standard spring, that is a little short lived.
If it's a commander or has some type of encapsulated spring or bull barrel, I would change that ASAP.
I also personally run heavy recoil springs on my work 1911. 18# is my basement on a 5" model.
TTR
Lots of good advice posted here. With 1400 rounds, it should be well broken in.
I was wondering - just how far out of battery is it ending up? Is the cartridge mostly in the chamber but just short of closing? Or is the cartridge at an angle? - Todd
I was wondering - just how far out of battery is it ending up? Is the cartridge mostly in the chamber but just short of closing? Or is the cartridge at an angle? - Todd
It is usually just out of battery by maybe 1/4 but sometimes its about half way. Are the Wilson combat springs as good as the Wolff?
I use 18.5 pound springs in my Baer. It cycles American Eagle just fine. I have had failure to return to battery on it before, but it was because I wasn't putting enough crimp on my handloads. This being AE, I don't think that should be an issue. And BTW, AE 230gr 45ACP is not remanufactured. It should function well in a Baer. Have the issues been across all magazines? Does pressing gently on the rear of the slide result in returning to battery, or does it take a good amount of pressure or not work at all?
Looking at the offending round will tell you a lot. Likely you will see marks from the extractor, feed ramp, firing pin orifice or drag on the rim if the extractor has too much tension.
With the way things are, if your ammo is not old stock, I wouldn't rule it out.
With the way things are, if your ammo is not old stock, I wouldn't rule it out.
Easy to say when your life is not on the line. I'd guess too much extractor tension if it's not the ammo.
It actually could be that too. That is easily checked.
Remove the slide from the gun and try to push a cartridge up under the extractor with the barrel removed. You'll be able to tell if it's way too tight. If it's just a little bit too tight, it's going to be more complicated than that.
Thanks for the replies. I have a 16 pound recoil spring on the way. I also ordered a new firing pin spring and a chamber brush. If this doesn't fix the problem I may contact Les Baer. They may charge me for the work though because I have already sent it to another gunsmith. Hopefully the new springs with fix it.
I have a Baer and called several years ago to ask a question on recoil springs for a SRP. I was put on hold for a very short time and then Les got on the line. Answered my question and was down to earth and very cordial. Go ahead and make a call.
I run a pair of his pistols in USPSA Single Stack. If I have a problem, I don't hesitate to call him. He's a bit wound up sometimes (too much coffee?) but he wants his pistols to run 100% of the time ALL the time. He has been MORE than fair with fixing my stuff that I have just flat worn out. PM me if things don't work out and I'll be glad to help anyway I can.
I would also just send it back. It shouldn't cost you anything, since most companies will email you a prepaid shipping label
I put in a new Wilson Combat 16 pound recoil spring and a new Wolff firing pin spring. The pistol is still failing. I will call Les Baer as soon as I can and see if I can send it in.
You have too much extractor tension. Perfect tension is when your extractor has just enough tension to hold an empty case at 90 degrees and a loaded round droops when cycled.
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