Introduction
The iconic 1911. A name that resonates with history, reliability, and a certain rugged elegance. For over a century, this pistol has been a staple of the firearms community, admired for its powerful caliber, comfortable ergonomics, and crisp trigger pull. But even the most revered firearm designs can encounter challenges. One of the most common is the occasional malfunction, a hiccup that disrupts the smooth ballet of the action, leaving you with a potential problem when you need your firearm most. This article will delve into a common area for 1911 problems: the feed ramp. We’ll explore how to identify issues related to the Polish Feed Ramp 1911, the importance of this crucial component, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to polish it for improved performance and reliability.
Many experienced 1911 enthusiasts understand the frustration of a failure to feed. Whether it’s a stovepipe, a round jammed halfway into the chamber, or a complete failure to strip a round from the magazine, these stoppages can be both annoying and potentially dangerous, especially in a self-defense situation. While numerous factors contribute to these issues, the feed ramp plays a particularly critical role. Think of it as the gateway, the initial path that each round must traverse to enter the chamber and be fired. If this path is obstructed or uneven, problems are almost certain to arise.
Understanding the Feed Ramp and its Importance
Understanding the feed ramp’s function is paramount to appreciating its significance. Located at the bottom of the frame, just in front of the chamber, the feed ramp is a sloped surface designed to guide rounds upward from the magazine. As the slide cycles rearward, the slide picks up the rim of the top round in the magazine, pushing it up the feed ramp and into the chamber. The angle and surface condition of this ramp are crucial. They determine how smoothly the round will transition into the chamber. A poorly designed or poorly finished feed ramp can be a primary cause of malfunctions.
The feed ramp angle is critical to the success of the feeding process. A ramp that is too shallow might cause the bullet to impact the top of the chamber and create a jam. A ramp that is too steep might allow the bullet to hit the feed ramp too aggressively, causing it to dive nose-down in the magazine or cause bullet deformation. The ideal angle allows for a controlled transition, guiding the bullet into the chamber without causing undue friction or stress.
A significant contributor to feeding problems arises from surface imperfections. A rough feed ramp, riddled with machining marks, burrs, or other imperfections, will create friction. This friction will slow down the feeding process, leading to bullet deformation, causing jams. The feed ramp, usually crafted from steel, is susceptible to these imperfections. The manufacturing process, while generally precise, can leave tiny burrs or rough patches that hinder smooth operation. The wear and tear of frequent use can also contribute to these imperfections.
Recognizing the symptoms of feed ramp-related issues is essential. The most obvious sign is the “failure to feed” or FTF. This occurs when a round fails to chamber completely. You’ll often have to manually cycle the slide to clear the malfunction. Another common symptom is the “failure to go into battery,” or FGOIB. This means the slide doesn’t close completely after chambering a round. The bullet may be partially in the chamber but not fully seated, preventing the pistol from firing. You will also see a variety of issues related to bullet deformation and scuffing that can occur when feeding issues exist. Bullet damage is another indicator. A rough feed ramp can mar the bullet nose, leading to inconsistencies in accuracy and reliability.
Tools and Materials Needed for Polishing
So, how do you address these issues? Polishing the feed ramp is a practical and often effective solution. It smooths the surface, eliminating friction and facilitating a more reliable feeding cycle. But before you start, prioritize safety.
First and foremost, safety is paramount. **ALWAYS** treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Before beginning any work, ensure the 1911 is completely unloaded and that there are no rounds in the chamber or the magazine. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty. Work in a well-lit and uncluttered area. Wear eye protection throughout the entire process to prevent any debris from entering your eyes. A clean work surface will also help you with the job.
Next, gather your tools and materials. The core of the polishing process is, of course, a polishing compound. You can choose from a variety of products designed for metal polishing. Compounds such as Flitz or Mother’s Mag & Aluminum Polish are common choices. These contain fine abrasive particles that will remove imperfections and polish the surface to a smooth finish. Follow the application guidelines on the compound you select.
You will need an applicator. The most common and effective method involves using a Dremel tool with a felt polishing tip or cone attachment. Alternatively, you can create a simpler tool by using a wooden dowel and attaching a felt tip or cone to its end. This alternative provides a degree of precision and allows you to control the polishing process.
Also, gather some cleaning supplies. You’ll need a solvent or degreaser to clean the feed ramp before and after polishing. Isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated gun cleaner works well. Also, have plenty of clean patches or soft cloths on hand to wipe away excess compound and debris.
You might also want to have magazines on hand. They will allow you to test your work once you are done polishing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Polishing the Feed Ramp
With your safety gear in place and your tools assembled, the process can begin. Disassembling the 1911 is required. Begin by field-stripping your 1911 to a safe level. Remove the slide assembly from the frame. You should be left with the bare frame, ready for the feed ramp polishing. Thoroughly clean the feed ramp with your degreaser. This removes any oil, grease, or debris that might interfere with the polishing process.
Apply a small amount of your chosen polishing compound to the felt tip of your Dremel tool or your dowel. Don’t overdo it. A little compound goes a long way. Start at a low speed on your Dremel tool.
Gently apply the felt tip of the Dremel to the feed ramp. With the Dremel on low speed, begin polishing the feed ramp with smooth, even strokes. Avoid pressing too hard; let the polishing compound and felt do the work. The key is to maintain a controlled and consistent motion. Focus on removing any imperfections. Watch for areas that may be particularly rough. Avoid focusing on one spot for too long, as this could potentially alter the ramp’s angle. Continue with the same process using the dowel if that is your method.
Periodically stop and inspect your work. After a few passes with the Dremel or dowel, clean the feed ramp with a clean cloth or patch and inspect the surface. You should see a noticeable improvement in smoothness.
Repeat the polishing process until you achieve a highly polished, smooth surface. The goal is to remove any burrs or imperfections that could hinder bullet feeding. Once you are satisfied with the polished surface, thoroughly clean the feed ramp again, removing any remaining polishing compound.
Now it’s time to reassemble the firearm. Once the frame, slide, and other components are reassembled, it is time to function test. Load up a magazine or two and test fire a few rounds. Check the feeding process and make sure that there are no failures. Remember, these are initial tests, and you may need to try various bullet shapes and weights.
If problems persist, don’t be discouraged. You may need to repeat the polishing process or examine the feed ramp from different angles. A methodical approach will ultimately lead to the best results. Make sure the bullet will feed properly. Test with various rounds to ensure compatibility.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
Some pitfalls can occur during the polishing process, so it’s worth mentioning these for those undertaking this job. Over-polishing can be detrimental. Aggressively altering the angle of the feed ramp can cause more problems than it solves. The key is to be patient and methodical. Take your time and avoid changing the angle of the ramp.
While polishing can fix some issues, it’s essential to understand that the feed ramp isn’t always the sole culprit. A variety of other issues could be contributing to feeding problems. Old or weak magazine springs might not provide sufficient force to push rounds up into the chamber. Faulty magazines are a likely source of issues. A worn or damaged extractor could fail to properly grip the rim of the cartridge. A weak recoil spring could fail to return the slide to battery fully. A dirty or gritty ammunition may also prevent the pistol from working.
If, after polishing, you’re still experiencing persistent feeding problems, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith. A professional can diagnose more complex issues and provide appropriate solutions. This is especially important if you are uncomfortable working on firearms or lack the necessary tools and experience. A gunsmith will have the experience and skill needed to resolve mechanical issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, polishing your 1911 feed ramp is a valuable maintenance task that can significantly improve your pistol’s reliability. By removing friction and smoothing the surface, you’ll promote a consistent and reliable feeding cycle. While this guide provides a comprehensive approach, remember to prioritize safety, proceed with care, and take your time. You now have the information and tools to improve your 1911’s feeding. Try this procedure out. A smoothly operating 1911 is a joy to shoot, and a reliable one can protect you in critical situations. Now go and create the ultimate Polish Feed Ramp 1911 performance.
