Search found 2 matches

by Thane
Sat May 24, 2008 11:10 pm
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: fail to feed on my RIA
Replies: 37
Views: 5098

Re: fail to feed on my RIA

You know, looking at those pictures, I'm betting you're fine as far as the barrel/chamber goes.

You might try a new recoil spring and some different self-defense ammo. But if you had no problems with ball ammo, I'd say you're okay.

I use Hornady XTPs, so I've no idea if Hydroshoks feed in my own RIA. (I -think- they do, but I've only fired one box of them through it).

I'd stay away from +P loads in that gun, on general principle. I know my own RIA will shoot them, but I don't use them very often because I don't want the barrel and slide to get any looser (mine rattles somewhat).
by Thane
Sat May 24, 2008 11:15 am
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: fail to feed on my RIA
Replies: 37
Views: 5098

Re: fail to feed on my RIA

The thing is, there's supposed to be a bit of a gap between the frame's feed ramp and the chamber, when the slide is to the rear. If you make them match up, then with the slide closed, you'll actually have the two mis-matched, and provide a "hang-up" point for feeding. The angle also has to be more-or-less precise, or the round won't feed properly.

I have a RIA myself, and had feeding problems as well, several hundred rounds in. Turned out it was a combination problem. First, the recoil spring had lost tension, and was failing to provide enough force to close the slide. Second, a layer of powder residue had accumulated on the frame, but smooth and evenly, so that it wasn't immediately visible to cursory inspection. This residue was adding to the slide/frame friction, and slowing the slide down on the return cycle. I cleaned the residue off, and replaced the spring. The problem was solved.

Never, NEVER use a Dremel stone on a firearm, especially on moving parts, unless you know exactly what you're doing and how to do it. Once you remove metal, it's gone. This is especially critical around the barrel and feed ramp, which can respond very poorly to changes in geometry. Additionally, if you grind on the barrel's feed lip itself, you can create a dangerous situation, where too much of the cartridge's wall is unsupported. This can lead to a cartridge rupture, and the potential destruction of your gun, as well as injury to the shooter. Remember, while .45 ACP may be a "low pressure cartridge," it still operates at over 20,000 pounds per square inch.

If you -must- pull out the old Dremel, ONLY use a soft polishing wheel, NEVER a stone. The potential for slipping and taking too much metal off, or taking the wrong metal off, is too great.

My recommendation - take the pistol to a gunsmith, and get his opinion. I don't think I'd fire it until I got a second opinion on whether it was safe, or operable, at this point. A gunsmith's fee to look at it, and the possible replacement cost of the gun, are pennies next to the alternative. DON'T do ANY more grinding on your gun!

Yeah, I know it sounds kinda harsh, but people have been injured by things like this.

Return to “fail to feed on my RIA”