GSG 1911-22 FTx issues, suggestions?

10010110 · Feb 1, 2013

I have 2 GSG 1911-22 pistols and shoot Federal 38gr copper plated rounds. Both pistols have exhibited a high number of Fail to Feed / Fail to Eject. I've put ~300 rounds through each.

My research has led me to purchase the PES and new guide rod from CW Accessories (CW Accessories LLC | Products) to eliminate spring and guide rod issues. These new parts did not make a difference, but will likely save me some trouble down the road with breaking plastic guide rods.

I have also found people discussing their polishing of the slide rails, and any other parts that come in contact, due to imprecise machining of parts and a weak finish job. Some claim their problems went away immediately.

In my manual tests, I did note that the slide seemed a bit sticky, so I polished the places where parts make contact with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Manually it felt a lot more smoother, but alas did not make the FTF/FTE issues go away. I have not shot the 2 pistols enough to determine if I have decreased the frequency of problems.

I have not shot different ammo yet, but I would be shocked if the pistol is this sensitive and would likely sell them.

I also have not yet disassembled the slide to check the dirty level of the extractor. I can't find info on cleaning the GSG 1911-22 extractor, and am hesitant to assume it's the same as normal 1911.

Any suggestions from those that have owned this pistol?

deadeye · Feb 1, 2013

Shoot CCI minimags through it, some of them take time to break in and I have had some Federal ammo act up also.

10010110 · Feb 2, 2013

I have to admit I was wrong and will definitely learn from this experience. My Federal 38gr ammo was the problem for the 22LR pistol. I had some CCI 40gr and had 0 problems in 8 mags (80 rounds) on the pistol. 2 grains made the difference in energy pushing the slide back so it could do its job.

I now have a jar of CCI 40gr 22LR labeled for pistol use, and a jar of Federal 38gr 22LR labeled for rifle use.

Burt Gummer · May 25, 2013

I recently upgrade to the stiffer spring and rod because, although mine functioned fine with CCI mini mags and Stingers, the slide seems anemic going back into barrel. If I was not gripping the grip safety the slide would just 'stay' when pulled back, from friction.

Today I was into my fourth mag after the spring/rod modification and the barrel bushing broke. Seems like cheap pot metal. Apparently could not take the pressure of the higher rate recoil spring and the Stingers.

Ordered a replacement barrel bushing from ZR Tactical for $18.00. Hopefully this replacement will be made of something a little tougher metal-wise. I was lucky and found the other pieces - the spring and rod cap.

I love the GSG 1911-22 even though it has its flaws. Just needs some modding to be right.