CZ 45 Failure to Feed (solved)

[rdcinhou]

I bought a 1947 CZ-45 at a Gun Show in south Texas to add to my collection.
The seller didn't have any information about its condition other than what I could see.

I learned to field strip it, cleaned it and put it back together, but when I go to shoot it, the rounds don't leave the magazine at all to make it up the ramp to the battery.  This happens with the original mag and with two other used mags that I bought for it at the same show (but from other dealers).  The mags when loaded aren't overly tight and simply thumb pressure strips the top round off easily.

I've purchased the e-book on the CZ-45 and studied every photo diagram and word thinking that I must be missing something, but internally it looks just like the photos.

The only thing I can figure is that maybe my "ejector" is worn down. It is completely flat on the hammer side and on the chamber side.  Is it supposed to move when struck by the hammer?  I've tried moving it and it is really "fixed" in place.  Looking at photos in the e-book after removal, it looks like it is supposed to be projecting slightly on the chamber side?

I've ordered replacement extractor/spring, ejector and firing pin/spring from Marstar Canada, but they won't arrive for a week or two.

Anyone have any similar experience with their 45 (or 92)?

[Grendel]

If you cycle the pistol by hand, does the slide strip a round from the mag and chamber it? If it doesn't, I'd be looking at the mag springs and (maybe) the lips of the mags.

I cannot imagine what the FP and spring might have to do with the problem, nor the extractor, but changing them won't hurt anything. I would only change one item at a time, or you might make things worse instead of better and not know which component caused the issue.

[rdcinhou]

I've cycled by hand with all 3 mags.  There is nothing physically making contact with the 1st round to push it out of the mag.

It's almost as if the mag is too low in the well, but it's as high up as it can go.

I wasn't planning on changing all the parts at once, just starting with the ejector.

I may go back to the range tomorrow and try manually chambering the first round to see if things are a working properly (extractor, etc.) when it cycles.

[Grendel]

I've cycled by hand with all 3 mags.  There is nothing physically making contact with the 1st round to push it out of the mag.

It's almost as if the mag is too low in the well, but it's as high up as it can go.

I wasn't planning on changing all the parts at once, just starting with the ejector.

I may go back to the range tomorrow and try manually chambering the first round to see if things are a working properly (extractor, etc.) when it cycles.

Try stretching the mag springs and make sure the followers aren't binding in the tubes. It's also possible you have the wrong magazines entirely.

[czechollector]

Measure the back of the mag.  From the base to the opening should be 75mm.  If it isn't you have the wrong mags.  Mine feeds and ejects w/out any problem.

If you remove the slide and put the mag in it should just stick up about 1mm or so.

Good luck.  Neat little guns.

[rdcinhou]

The back of the mags measure 70 mm to the opening to bottom of the heel plate.

Well that was $65 wasted on two extra mags!

I guess I'll have to order some from a "trusted" source.

Meanwhile I wonder what gun(s) these other mags fit?  No maker marks on them whatsoever.

Thanks for the measurement!  I was afraid there that I had bought a CZ45 that had been "DA" (de-activated) in some way.

[czechollector]

You're welcome.  Sorry you wound up with the wrong ones.

I was thinking yours might have been for a DUO, but mine measure about 63mm.  So not sure what you have.

A quick search turned up this.
https://www.triplek.com/product/cz-1945-model-25acp-8-rd-magazine-or-grips/
Maybe you can find a better price.

[rdcinhou]

I had found the one offered by Triplek while looking for magazine dimensions.  Their site says 3" which is 76.4 mm.

I've found one on Gunbroker and have written the seller to ask him for dimensions.  He wants $2 more than Triplek.

BTW...I did take it to the range yesterday and manually put a round in the battery.  It shoots, cycles, ejects just fine.

I examined the ejected shell casings and didn't see any unusual marks or dents, so the gun itself appears to be functional.

[czechollector]

Glad to hear it works ok. 

That 3" Triplek is probably right.  Never can tell if they measured the front or the back.

Good luck.

[shaneb1]

it could be your mag. i have a few extras. honestly I see it alot with CZ .25acp I have a ton and everyone likes a different type. Try Hornady ammo. Their hollow points work the best in all my cz .25acp. You can also polish your feed ramp. Easy to do and makes a difference. Only other possibility is what you said springs in extractor or return.

[rdcinhou]

Shaneb...I've already determined that it's because my magazine is 5 mm too short and that the THREE (3) mags that I have aren't for the CZ45.  BTW...I'm the person who you've been emailing with on Gunbroker about your mag for sale.

I'm curious about your comment on polishing the feed ramp.  From what I can tell, on my CZ45 it looks like the same bare dark oxidized metal as the frame--not smooth at all.  If I polish it down will I find shiny metal or is there some treatment I need to do?

[rdcinhou]

Received TWO (2) mags from Triple-K that are the right length (3"/75mm).
Problem solved! 
Still would like to find out what gun the wrong mags (2.65"/70mm) go to so that I can sell them.

[czechollector]

I'm glad to see you got the right mags.  Have you fired it with them?

Polishing the feed ramp should reveal shiny metal.  No 'treatment' needed.

Enjoy your 45.

[rdcinhou]

Yes....took them to the range yesterday.  Both new mags worked like champs with standard range ammo and Hornady hollow-points, which is good since this will become a back-up carry piece.

[rdcinhou]

I finally figured out just what gun the shorter (70 mm) mags went to...an FIE Titan.

I checked online and it didn't seem like anyone on Gunbroker was looking for these mags, and the people who were selling some weren't getting any bids.

So I made a trip to a gun show in San Antonio and ended up trading the THREE (3) short mags to the Clips, Inc. exhibitor for credit toward an FN 57 mag (you can't ONLY have CZ's, right?).

A lesson learned...if you buy an old gun at a show try and see if the mag works (feeds) before going and buying any more magazines the same size.