My apologies if this topic has been posted and answered before. I looked through the old threads and found a number of similar posts but not exactly my issue, so I thought I would see if any of you guys have had this problem, and what your solution was.
I've had my 97B for several years now and absolutely love it. Fits my hand like a glove and very accurate. Since 45ACP ain't cheap I haven't done much shooting with it until this past year, other than some initial testing and break-in with about 200rnds when I first bought it - which went mostly hiccup-free. However - I have recently had increasing numbers of failures to feed. After some testing (including polishing the feed ramp) I think I have narrowed it down to a magazine issue.
I've exclusively used 230gr FMJ factory ammo (Am. Eagle, PMC, Fiocchi, S&B, Privi and Winchester) - no wadcutters or hollowpoints at any point. Both magazines are Mec-Gar's that came with the gun. (bought in 2007) When either mag is fully loaded the first two rounds sit at a very shallow angle, almost paralell to the base plate, and markedly shallower than when only loaded with 1 or 2 rounds. When chambering the first 1 to 7 rounds, it feels very chunky, with a distinct 'klu-klunk' sensation in the hand, which I assume is the round nosediving into the bottom of the feed ramp before sliding up into the chamber. Occasionally (most often with the first 1-2) the round sticks completely, and racking the slide will not move the round up the feed ramp. The magazine has to be removed and the round re-cycled to clear the jam. On those occasions there is a clear smiley-face shaped indent in the nose of the round from impact with the bottom of the feed ramp.
That being said - the last 1 or 2 rounds in the magazine always feed silky-smooth with no jams and no 'klu-klunk' feeling in the hand whatsoever. Also, the last 1 or 2 rounds sit at an obviously and significantly more 'nose-up' position.
When holding the magazine and stripping the first few rounds off with your thumb from a fully loaded magazine you can feel the first several rounds catch on something before moving forward. I presume (but cannot confirm) that the rim is catching on the rim of the round beneath it, because when you remove the mag after one of the 'klu-klunk' chamberings the next round is almost always moved forward about 3/8". This sensation progressively decreases with each round, and again, the last 1 or 2 feed silky smooth with no catching/dragging of the next round.
I've tried switching the springs and followers between the two magazines without success. I've also tried sanding the inside of the feed lips with some 600 grit sandpaper, again without success.
Because I've had the gun for several years, and because I'm in Canada, shipping it to CZ for service is not an option. I realize that the solution is probably to simply buy a couple of new magazines, but I'd like to confirm that this is indeed the problem before I spend any money. I'm also curious if you guys have any solutions for salvaging the mags that I already have.
Hope you guys can help. Thanks!
