Colt 1903 FTF with Full Mag

[Win]

I recently bought a Colt 1903 made in 1917. I got a deal on the gun because the barrel was bulged. Otherwise the gun appears to be in fantastic shape - used to be sure but with very little wear. I bought a new barrel for it at In L:ead We Trust then cleaned and oiled the gun . About half the time I got a failure to feed with the nose of the cartridge hitting the top of the chamber such that if I subtly pulled back on the slide the cartridge went right it. This original problem appeared to happen on a full or nearly empty magazine. I did not notice a discernable pattern.

So...I bought a wolf spring kit for the gun and changed out the recoil spring (the original was slightly but not badly bent) and changed the magazine spring. Now, I have the same situation but only when there are more than 4 rounds in the magazine. When I load the magazine fully it frequently, thou not invariably, has that same nose up FTF and I just subtly pull back on the slide and the cartridge falls right in. Once the magazine is down to 4 rounds, or if I only load it to 4 rounds, the gun functions without issue.

Has anyone had this experience? What might I try next? Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Love Machine]

Have you examined the mag? I’d it’s original it is old and could be deformed/not feeding properly.

 

[Win]

It appears to be the original magazine. The gun came with the old cardboard box and instructions too. I should have mentioned that. It's pretty neat.

 

[IPSC_DRL]

Or the mag feed lips are a little wide. Any chance of getting another mag?

 

[Win]

Yes. I'd happily buy a new magazine. I just wanted to hear from those with more experience than myself before I took my next step. Thank you.

 

[GML]

Love my 1903. Haven't had any issues (knock on wood)

 

[Welder1]

I’ve had similar experiences with failure to feed with older semi automatic pistols Ive found it to be caused by weak magazine springs more often than not.

 

[Win]

 

[Sweeney]

It sounds like a problem with the magazine feed lips. I'd look for specs on the lips and examine/correct them if needed.

 

[gerrycaruso]

I'd start with a different magazine if possible. I agree with what Sweeney said.

 

[bigbravehog]

View attachment 819920View attachment 819921

Nice gun and Peace dollar. Looks like you have a stack of Morgans.

 

[Win]

I ordered a new magazine. Hopefully that resolves the issues. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

 

[Matt_SERE]

I ordered a new magazine. Hopefully that resolves the issues. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Damn, i just left that area. I have some mags you could'a tried. Best of luck. Matt

 

[whatluck]

Nose up FTF on a new mag spring and recoil spring probably means deformed feed lips. I assume that the feed ramp is clean of any burrs, the slide moves freely, and the mag isn't wobbling around in the body.

 

[Mountain]

I ordered a new magazine. Hopefully that resolves the issues. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

I think it was the magazine, but let's see what the new one does.

What caliber is it? Some interesting reading-
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Colt Model M General Officers Pistol

 

[cathouse01]

Do you have any idea of what caused the barrel bulge? If it was caused by a second discharge after a squib, it's probable that the mag was also damaged. The fact that the recoil spring was also bent could also indicate a discharge with a clogged barrel.

 

[45collector]

I have 3 mags for my 1903. Two originals and one a/m and they all run perfectly. I would say that new mag on its way will probably fix your issue. Good luck!

 

[Win]

I think it was the magazine, but let's see what the new one does.

What caliber is it? Some interesting reading-
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Colt Model M General Officers Pistol

32 ACP. Fun to shoot IMHO

 

[Win]

Do you have any idea of what caused the barrel bulge? If it was caused by a second discharge after a squib, it's probable that the mag was also damaged. The fact that the recoil spring was also bent could also indicate a discharge with a clogged barrel.

The dealer and I hypothesized squib but can't be certain.

 

[Mountain]

32 ACP. Fun to shoot IMHO

My great uncle was a MSgt in the Army during WW2 and carried one in 32 ACP. My dad taught me to shoot pistols with that gun.

 

[Chantry]

I one original magazine and four aftermarkets for my 1903 and I don't remember the gun ever jamming or failing to feed. I agree with the others that either the feed lips need to be adjusted or the magazine spring needs to be replaced.

I find the 1903 a lot of fun to shoot, the recoil & muzzle flip is minimal and there are plenty of shooter grade guns out there.

 

[Win]

I obtained my new magazine and gave it a try. It helped a little but the problem remained - FTF with nose up. I took out the old, bulged, barrel and noticed that the mouth of the barrel is much more accommodating than the new one I purchased. I'm wondering if I should try to file and then polish the new barrel mouth in an effort to make it look more like the original barrel?

New Barrel



Old Barrel



Comparison

 

[paul73]

i would consult with a smith before dremeling this, as they look quite different.