New Owner Questions

[partyguy816]

I just bought my first 1911 about 1 week ago. I have a couple of questions and I guess this would be the place for them. I bought a full size springfield SS pistol and I was wondering how it compaired to others that are out there? It might be the loaded version? It has a SS slide, 5 in barrel, novak sites, ambi safety, and I guess that's about all I know of. I have always wanted one, but Colt wanted a little too much money. Anyways I'm used to carrying the gun loaded with one in the chamber and hammer down. I have seen on here where people carry the 1911 in condition one. How safe is this with the safety on? I was carrying it with the hammer down / half cock, but after cleaning it (without a round in the chamber) I left it on half cock and pulled the trigger and the hammer fell. Is this normal? If I do have the loaded verison of this pistol what after market parts would be good to replace or have as spares? What is a good company to go with? Wilson?

Thanks for reading all of this. But this is my first 1911 and want to learn everything about it.

[wichaka]

From what you describe.......you do indeed have the Loaded model. I have one in blue. The loaded is the best value for the money in the features you get. So be content, you did well.......

I carry mine on duty, and its carried cocked & locked. i.e. the hammer is cocked, and the thumb safety is on. This is a very safe condition, and is meant to be carried that way.

It is normal for the hammer to fall when on the 1/4 cock position. So again, you're okay there. The earlier design did not allow that to happen, but that was changed in the 80's.

I would take it out and put a few hundred rounds thru it before I would change anything. If you're using it for plinking.........general target shooting, leave it as is.
If you're going to carry it as a defensive pistol.........i.e. concealed carry, then change out the hammer, sear, disconnect, extractor, and slide stop. they're made from either cast or MIM steel.......which is not as good as bar stock steel.

I use Browns Hardcore Barstock Hammer, or Wilsons Ultralight Hammer. Nowlin Pro Match sear, Briley or Nowlin Disconnect. Wilson Bulletproof Extractor and firing pin stop. And Wilsons Bulletproof slide stop. I've changed out several Springers recently, and this is a good combination of parts. They work well together.

If you want to learn more, check out this forums home page and pick up a few books. Jerry Kuhnhausens Colt .45 Automatic - A shop manual. A must for every 1911 fan. Helps you understand the inner workings of these great guns.

Happy shooting........

[partyguy816]

Alright thanks for your reply. I have shot around 250 rounds through this gun so far with no problems. I do indeed plan on carrying this concealed. I was carrying my g23, but I like the feel for this much better. This may sound like stupid questions but what would changing the hammer and other stuff as you suggested make any differences. If you would like to PM me then that would be fine. I'm about to check out the home page to catch up on some reading.

Thanks.

[wichaka]

Most of the parts coming out on Sa's are cast or MIM made.

Now that's not a bad thing, if they're made properly. But the problem is they are not made very well. Some parts of the gun that are battered during cycling do not hold up well being cast or MIM, they should be solid steel.

The sear & disconnect can hold up to long term wear better than the hammer, slide stop, and firing pin stops, which get constant beatings. But they can wear too, so why take the chance. Get them all replaced at one time while doing the trigger job, as they all need to be fitted together anyway.

I build 1911's for LEO's, and would hate for one of them parts to fail at the wrong time.........so take Murphy out of the mix. Yes, solid steel parts fail too, but not nearly the rate as the others do.

[partyguy816]

Ok, well I have had my other question answered now I have something else. I have taken this gun apart just enough for very simple cleaning. Meaning slide off, and barrel off. Where could I find a video or instructions on how to take the slide and maybe the reciever apart for further cleaning?

[flycaster]

Try www.gunvideos.com. They have a full range of VHS and DVD programs, including detail stripping of the 1911.

Chuck