ATI FX Commander ejector pin

jisuho · Jul 11, 2013

Hello all. I have a minor issue and looking for a bit of advice. The ejector on my ATI 1911 has mushroomed causing the slide to 'stick' while chambering a round. I clean the 1911 after each visit to the range and on following range visits the ATI loads perfectly until I get about 50 rounds through it, then more sticking. At first I thought it was due to powder buildup but during my last cleaning I finally noticed the mushroomed ejector. I have since precision filed the mushroomed portion of the ejector to allow it to properly slide through the groove. However, I believe the mushrooming will re-appear upon further range visits.

I have done some online researching and it appears other folks are having the same problem. Apparently the MIM parts aren't up to par. The ubiquitous solution is to change out the ejector to one of higher quality. I reviewed some other forums and you tube videos demonstrating the ejector removal which is simply punching the pin out from left to right, remove and replace ejector.

Here is my problem, when looking at my ATI the rolled pin on the left side of the frame is 1/16 inch. But the right side (where the pin is to be punched through) has a distinctly smaller hole. My guess in about half the size of the rolled pin. So how do I remove this rolled pin? I can't punch it through that tiny hole on the right of the frame.

My apologies for a long explanation I just wanted to explain it the best I could. I know I should have bought a Colt, Springfield, or other high quality 1911 but for me finances are an issue (a colt 1911 is one of my dream guns). Perhaps one day.... Anyway, I like the ATI and it is a good weapon for my hands. I just want it more dependable.

Any help or advice on how to remove that rolled pin is appreciated. BTW I have decided to upgrade the recoil spring and get a new extractor for good measure.

j

Tigerstripe · Jul 12, 2013

i just pulled the slide off my Colt Officers model.

it looks just like you discribed, left side larger, so i took a punch and hit the small side. the pin started coming out.

there ya go. when you put it back in, drag the punch along both sides in the rail. you will feel that the pin is impressed on both sides so it doesnt contact the slide.

i think it will go out either side though. it only has to go far enough to pass the post of the ejector.

jisuho · Jul 12, 2013

Tigerstripe,

Thanks for the reply. I kind of thought that may be the solution but wanted to get some feedback. I estimate the hole on the right side to be 1/32 inch. Unfortunately my punch set doesn't go that small and Sears and the other places I have looked don't have one that small. Perhaps a really small nail would work?

My other solution (and probably not a bright one) was to enlarge that small hole to 1/16 inch. But I am no gunsmith and don't want to f it up. Any ideas on where to get a really small punch?

j

Tigerstripe · Jul 12, 2013

i was going to tell you i used a crochet thingy with the end broken off.

when ive had to have a small punch i just find something to make it from. a nail will work, if it will fit. just dont get flustered and get out the air hammer.

ive got a regular punch ground small that i put mine back in with. bent the crochet thing trying to go back.

when i built my 2 para frames on one of them the pin would just fall out. i bent it a little and its been there ever since.

jisuho · Jul 12, 2013

A crochet thing, huh? That gives me an idea. I don't have any crochet stuff but I do have sewing needles, they are quite thin - and strong. I may give one of them a try.

Thanks for sparking the idea.

j

jisuho · Jul 13, 2013

I am embarrassed this morning. I was sure the hole on the right of the ATI 1911 frame was smaller than the left so I made a 1/32 inch punch out of a sewing needle. It fit right in that small hole and I intended to punch out the rolled pin from the back side...but the needle punch went all the way through with no resistance. I thought Crap! That was useless. Then I took a really, really, really close look at the pin using a high magnifying jeweler's visor. Lo and behold, the 1/16 inch rolled pin does indeed span the width of the frame. It was just so finely mated and flush to the frame, I could not the see the outer edge of the rolled pin on the right side until I got up close. Jeez!

So I proceeded to punch from the left side and out it came. I pulled the ejector looked it over, smoothed out the mushroom a tad more and re-installed. I will still get a better ejector, extractor and spring. But now will be a bit more confident when I get to work on it.

j

Tigerstripe · Jul 13, 2013

i had to bend one of those pins just a little cause it slid so easy.

just go ahead and strip the 1911 down to parts. you will figure out how to put it back.

jisuho · Jul 28, 2013

Took your advice Tiger, I have broken the ATI down completely, twice, just to get real familiar with it. It was easier the second time around.

I also emailed Shooters Arms about the ejector and wanted to know about the strength of the factory recoil spring. After about a week they responded to say the pistol is under warranty and I should send it back for repairs. Nothing about the spring strength. I have decided not to send it back. The cost of shipping alone will be more than the part if I bought the ejector local or online. And I can fix it myself. Plus, I am not to keen on sending out my weapon these days.

For now it is shooting fine, I will get a better quality ejector when it is convenient for me to do so and fix it myself.

j