I am troubleshooting a BTA 90 with FTF issues. The bullets get wedged below the slide between the right side (ejection port side) of the feed ramp and the receiver. A hard tap on the mag will send the slide home, but, it passes over the bullet rather than chambering it. Here is a link to a YouTube video
https://youtu.be/fhQpguolH-A showing the end result of the FTF issue. Currently, I have to drop the mag, rack the slide a couple of times, reinsert the mag and rack the slide again to get back into business.
The FTF issues, along with some FTE issues, happen with FMJs and hollow points from multiple brands (WWB, GA Arms, Hornady, Tula, etc).
I did a little work on the pistol (outlined below) which solved most FTE issues and significantly reduced the FTF issues, but, I have no need for a pistol I can't stake my life on...and I can't do that with this pistol (yet). I really like the pistol and would prefer to fix it rather than sell it for parts. It points well and is accurate when functioning.
I took the following steps at addressing the issue(s) in the following order:
- cleaned the Heck out of the pistol
- bought a "new" mag at a gun show (looks like a rebuild w/ an orange anti-tilt follower)
- installed an extra power extractor spring, polishing the feed ramp, extractor and re-cleaned everything (most FTE issues solved at this stage)
- Lightly polished chamber (mostly to remove anything the cleaners/brushes missed)
- straightened the ejector as it was slightly crooked
- stretched the mag spring for a little more pressure and ensured it was straight before reinstalling
- polished and cleaned the guide rod (grasping at straws by this point)
I hand cycled 112 new rounds last night and had 2 FTE (probably from short-stroking) and 2 FTF. As previously stated: the FTF wedges the bullet between the receiver and feed ramp in a manner which allows the slide to be sent home without chambering the round.
At this point, I decided it was time to seek assistance from more knowledgeable persons.
Any references to polishing involves a fine polishing paste and a cotton buffing wheel/pad rotating between 1000 and 2,500 RPM depending upon material being polished.