bobtail question

[Texas_archer]

I debated on putting this thread here or in the gunsmithing forum but decided to put it here, hope its the right place.

I was wondering what you guys thought about bobtailed receivers? Im wanting to build a Caspian 1911 and was originally thinking about a officer frame/commander slide. But, Ive started looking at the Ed Brown Kobra Carry and really think I might like the bobtail receiver. What do you guys think? Can you bobtail a officer receiver or should I go with a Commander receiver and have it bobtailed?

Thanks.

[Iron bottom]

I debated on putting this thread here or in the gunsmithing forum but decided to put it here, hope its the right place.

I was wondering what you guys thought about bobtailed receivers? Im wanting to build a Caspian 1911 and was originally thinking about a officer frame/commander slide. But, Ive started looking at the Ed Brown Kobra Carry and really think I might like the bobtail receiver. What do you guys think? Can you bobtail a officer receiver or should I go with a Commander receiver and have it bobtailed?

Thanks.I don't think you can. I have never seen a bobtail mainspring housing for an officer model. The drilling for the bobtail mainspring housing pin has to be raised and the frame reshaped. The bobtail mainspring housing uses an officer model mainspring and I don't know of any mainspring any shorter. There may be a way, but I have never seen one.

[Harlie]

Try a "Bobtail" before altering, you can't go back. But having said that, I have three "Bobtails" and carry one each day. It feels natural to me, and sure helps concealment (No square corner). Buy the jig from Brownell's and take your time. Have done three, Ist one w/o jig and second two on SW Sc frames w/jig, much easier, less set up time.
Ed Brown Kobra Carry
DW PT-CBOB 45
SW Sc
Sold Ist gun, did mine and sons Sc's. Officer's aren't practical, "Bobtail" not designed for this application.

[runt]

i'm still waiting to hear from Caspian to see if they can cut the receiver for a bobtail msh at the factory ;)

[pinot_guy]

I don't think you can. I have never seen a bobtail mainspring housing for an officer model. The drilling for the bobtail mainspring housing pin has to be raised and the frame reshaped. The bobtail mainspring housing uses an officer model mainspring and I don't know of any mainspring any shorter. There may be a way, but I have never seen one.

Iron Bottom is right. The Officer frame cannot be bob-tailed but can be contoured quite a bit to achieve a similar effect.

[moredes]

I talked to a well-regarded 'smith about bobtailing an Officer frame and trust his evaluation completely. (He's one of the 'smiths over at Louderthanwords.com)

The short version is, and if I may paraphrase, the Officer frames "mechanics" don't allow for a bobtail; there just isn't enough "room". And put another way, he said that even if he could and could patent the process/methodology, it wouldn't be worth his time to R&D it and be able to guarantee 100% function.

I've got an Officer with a moderately rounded butt. I've found that it handles as well as any LWT 1911 I have, and hides about as well to my Kobra Carry (w/bobtail).

(on the other hand, I've got a "project" waiting for me.... I've read lots of threads on several forums that claim it can't be done, but all of them attack the modification from the same perspective--that one must allow a specific minimum length for the mainspring. I've got a dogged up officer frame I'm thinkin' of experimenting with; if I get around to making it work, I'll holler for a 'smith to see who's willing to trade the work for the patent rights. I don't have the milling equipment, but with a Dremel and files, I got a "bobtailed" Officer to function infallibly for 200 rounds (before I quit). But chopping the frame and putting money where the mouth is is a different matter.... it may be a long time before I post about any actual successes I might have. Why bother?? because the idea intrigues me, and I'm a fool :o )