what? exactly are you calling a "skirt"

The mag itself does not interact with the feed ramp in any way. the only way to damage a feed ramp is with a cartridge slamming into it. But that would jam the action?

 

I remember some talk about the standard style split follower causing possible damage to the feed ramp area of alum. framed guns , but have not noticed any issues with my SA champ. Wait till one of the 1911 gurus (OD, JD, ect ) to get teh whole scoop, or try posting on a 1911 specific site.

 

I have replaced the steel followers in all the magazines (10, at last count) that I use in my LW Commander with Wilson Combat polymer followers, to prevent possible damage to the feed ramp.

It probably doesn't matter, since, after all, Colt uses steel followers in their factory mags.

But it makes me feel better.

 

With an Aluminum frame it's possible to get a horizontal line area dinged onto the frame feed ramp from a mag follower.
That marking will be slightly below the portion of the frame rame that contacts the bullet nose during the feed.

So...that is usually not the cause of any actual feed related problems.

The 1911 actually uses very little of the frame feed ramp during the feed cycle.
The frame feed ramp acts more like a wedge to cam the bullet nose up into the barrel ramp/chamber.

I think what happens is that a pistol will have feeding problems...the owner will carefully "look over" the pistol and "spot those marks" on the frame ramp & just assume that is what must be causing the feed problem.

In reality it usually an improperly tuned and tensioned extractor or a rough breech face that is hanging up the feed.

If you're concerned about it though you can always buy aftermarket replacement followers (as per Capn' Crunch) and eliminate the issue as a possibility.

I would only be concerned about it if you are trying to get a 1911 to feed wadcutters since they use more of the ramp.

Just FYI.

If you want to test that out for yourself...you can remove the slide - put the barrel back on using the slide stop and hold it tight to the frame...insert a loaded magazine and use the eraser portion of a pencil to move the top cartridge forward in the magazine until it contacts the ramp.

Also...if you DO have a 1911 with a seriously damaged, altered or "screwed with" frame feed ramp you have 2 options.
You can have a good 1911 "smith" install a ramped barrel OR you can have the original frame ramp area milled out and a replacement Steel frame ramp can be installed to replace it.

 

I would not carry a Devel (the type follower shown as a McCormick) spit follower in an aluminum framed 1911, they can play havoc with them.

 

What about the Metalform steel mag shown with the fixed steel leg? That is the mags I have. Are they a potential problem?

And, thanks guys for your very helpful responses.

 

OKAY, that answers the question of what a skirt is?

 

Having worked on many 1911 type pistols, I have yet to see one where the follower actually comes in contact with the feed ramp. Now the type you're concerned with is unsupported at the front which does allow it to move forward slightly during the feeding cycle as the slide pushes the round into the chamber. However this forward motion typically isn't enough to actually make contact with the ramp.
the obvious solution would be to examine your feed ramp for any damage. In the event you find some, a smith can polish out any scarring and the steel followers can easily be replaced with polomer ones available from Wilsons or Brownells. Maybe the thing to do just for peace of mind.

 

Thanks, I will look into that.