arched or flat mainspring housing?

[coldwarcavvet]

which do you prefer and why?

[Hunter]

I like the flat mainspring housing myself. No real reason other then that is what I am used to. I have shot a few 1911 with the arched MSH and it just feels different to me, not bad just different.

[mrcpu]

Arched makes it big enough that it won't fit my hand as well. Flat is much better.

[deadmarsh]

There is a third version which I prefer over the others -- the Wilson V backstrap, a nicely checkered high quality part...it's hard to describe how it grips without actually handling the 1911, but for me it's a perfect blend between the flat and arched. If the Wilson V didn't exist, I'd choose the arched with a short/flat trigger...


Dead

[pa_guns]

Hi

I like the look of a flat MSH better on the pistol. Arched feels a little better to me, but both seem to shoot just fine.

Bob

[Tom]

I prefer the arched feel in my hands to the flat, but I'm not prejudiced against one or the other.

[Frank]

Flat feels better to me, but that's probably because it's what I'm used to. I once had a Springfield with an arched MSH, and it handled fine; but of all the 1911s I've had and now have, that was the only one with an arched MSH.

DVC

[HercPilot]

I shoot only arched. Fits my hand better and improves my scores. Looks much better as well. Don't see how anyone can shoot with a flat MSH letting the gun flop around in your grip.

HercPilot

[okcorral1881]

There is a third version which I prefer over the others -- the Wilson V backstrap, a nicely checkered high quality part...it's hard to describe

Can you post a picture?:)

Thanks

[OD*]

V Grip MSH

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/images/product/92V-V_Grip_MSH.jpg

[97th Signalman]

I think it is purely a matter of personal fit and preference. I prefer the Arched MSH. It fits my hand like a the curved grip on my CZ-75 which I really like. The original reason for the putting arched MSH on the A1 version was to correct the tendency of soldiers to shoot low with the older flat MSH design. It does that for me and it may do so for others. I also like the fact that it is what was installed on 1911A1's.

[RickB]

Arched, for me. I think it's mostly familiarity; if I'd grown up shooting my dad's M1911 instead of his M1911A1, I'd probably prefer flat. I think more people would prefer arched, given the opportunity to try it.

[Rich in VA]

I normally use an arched on a 5" 1911, flat on a Para. Whatever fits you well and points well for you.

R

[lancer1558]

I am looking for new MSH for my Springfield MilSpec. My question is: Wouldn't the Wilson V Grip MSH have similar feel and characteristics of the arched MSH?
From what I have read is that the arched and shorter trigger were to cure the 1911 from shooting low.
Thanks,
Gary

[deadmarsh]

I am looking for new MSH for my Springfield MilSpec. My question is: Wouldn't the Wilson V Grip MSH have similar feel and characteristics of the arched MSH?
From what I have read is that the arched and shorter trigger were to cure the 1911 from shooting low.

Yeah, it's certainly closer to the arched than the flat would be, however, it IS different...

The taper actually, IMO, puts your hand/palm deeper into the grip without needing to be think it through; the gradual wedge shape gives it a positive and same position each time. I guess you'd have to feel it to tell the difference, but for me it's just that perfect medium between the flat and arched being more gradual that the 'hump' of the arched version...

Add the short trigger, and the hand forms the perfect 'hook-claw' finger position that keeps your finger from being pressed into the frame and in theory improves the trigger pull and consistency that leads to a more accurate platform in either slow or rapid-fire tactics. Since switching over to the V grip, I have noticed the improved consistency and accuracy of my performance at the course when I'm instructing either practical or tactical with LEO's or first-timers...

That's my prespective on the Wilson V backstrap -- as they say 'Your milage may vary'... :D
Good Luck:


Dead

[lancer1558]

Deadmarsh, which grip safety (Brandd Name) are you using with the Wilson V MSH on your 1911?
Thanks,
Gary

[deadmarsh]

Quite a few actually...the Springfields use .250 radius grip safety along the lines of Smith & Alexander. I also use it with an Ed Brown and Colt...it really shouldn't matter what grip safety you have above the mainspring housing as it's a standard demensioned part, unless you have something spec'd very different...


Dead


Dead

[okcorral1881]

V Grip MSH


Thanks OD*

[quote=OD*] You're welcome amigo!;)

[lancer1558]

Deadmarsh,
The reason I asked what grip safety you are using is that I am thinking about switching out the grip safety and the MSH on the MilSpec. The MilSpec has a .220 radius. Grip Safeties I am thinking about are the Smith and Alexander drop-in, Wilson drop-in and the King's Commander. The S&A and the Wilson will not raise my hand position. The S&A will have the least amount of blending.
I have a Loaded with OEM high grip safety and flat MSH that I am happy with. I am trying to keep somewhat to the original MilSpec lines and reason for my interest in the Wilson V MSH.
Thanks,
Gary

[deadmarsh]

Yessir, I think the Smith & Alex would be your best bet. I almost certain they are the OEM for Springfield on most of the 1911's...


Dead

[clughog]

Depends on the pistol, for me. I like the looks of the arched ones best for the most part, but I have both. I put an arched one on my Defender because it seems to fit my hand better.

[Tom]

We should have made this a poll. :(

[Mick_In_Texas]

I think it is purely a matter of personal fit and preference. I prefer the Arched MSH. It fits my hand like a the curved grip on my CZ-75 which I really like. The original reason for the putting arched MSH on the A1 version was to correct the tendency of soldiers to shoot low with the older flat MSH design. It does that for me and it may do so for others. I also like the fact that it is what was installed on 1911A1's.

...that I prefer the flat, and have in fact converted to the flats on my Springers; my RIA, and Colts, have flats OEM. Signalman's comment above, though... that is something to think on.

I'm thinking of going back to either the ILS OEM arched or an aftermarket arched on my Springer GI45, though. Just to have one. This may take a couple of months, but, now I'm thinking of Signalman's comments. I shot my Mil-Spec a lot before I changed it; it's a subtle feel difference for me, seems I like the flat better, overall. I do well with it. I did well with the arched.

As someone said, though, it DEPENDS on the individual shooter. Your gun's gotta feel good for any usage. I've got big hands, so, my crook between my thumb and forefinger slide right up on the grip safety, regardless. Folks with smaller hands, if nothing else, the arched "forces" your hand UP on the grip, to maintain a good pressure on the grip safety. And then there's Signalman's comment on some folks shooting low on point and aim (combat situation) with flat. There were reasons for the -A1 modifications to the 1911 between WWI and WWII, from experiences.

Mick