My Spartan is here!

[BigTex]

I will take some pics and post them later, along with a range report, but wanted to post my initial assessment and observations of the pistol out of the box.

Slide to frame fit is incredible. There is absolutley NO side-to-side movement, and moves back and forth like its on glass, very smooth. Extractor fits flush at the back of the side. Barrel to bushing fit is top-notch, which I suspect will lend to great accuracy once I get her to the range. The finish is the best that can be expected out of the box, but has already repsonded well to the couple of light coatings of oil since taken out of the box. The trigger pull is better than I was anticipating, and it too has already improved with the dry-firing I have done.

The only negative thing I have to say at this point is regarding the beavertail grip safety. There is a lot of play from side-to-side, although it is equal on each side. I plan to move to an Ed Brown memory groove, and to have it done by a smith that has the ability to fit it properly. I may go with an aluminum trigger, but will decide on that after extensive range work. If the current tirgger presents no issues to me, why change it? Same thing with the sights; I don't have a ton of exposure to adjustable sights, but will withhold making any changes until after I give them a chance.

Hope you enjoyed my novel. lol

[BigTex]

Also, was thinking of moving to a one-piece MSH/magwell. Any thoughts/experiences in this area from any of you would be much appreciated.

[bglimpse]

Also, was thinking of moving to a one-piece MSH/magwell. Any thoughts/experiences in this area from any of you would be much appreciated.

If it's like the other Spartan's I've seen, the frame isn't the correct length and the magwell will have a gap between the magwell and the frame. Not sure why they are shipping these pistols with out of spec frames, I would strongly consider one if not for this issue.

[big o]

The grip length was fixed on the spartans. its actually the polymer mainspring houseing that makes it look short. i swaped in a wilson mag well and mainspring housing with a perfect fit.

[gm319]

I have a fairly new Spartan and have tried 2 msh/magwells (S&A, Fusion) on it and both have the gap.....

[big o]

try the wilson slide on magwell with a metal mainspring houseing

[BigTex]

big o, I have noticed that the factory MSH does protrude just slightly at the bottom of the frame. Did your Spartan do this as well, and will the Wilson magwell correct this once installed?

[John]

:fp:

:wl:

[BigTex]

I was having camera problems, but have that fixed now. Enjoy...although it doesn't look any different that any other stock Spartan. I'm proud of it, though. :)

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q218/bigtex171/DSC02911.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q218/bigtex171/DSC02912.jpg

[Singlestack Wonder]

The frame on the Spartan is a bit shorter than the 1911 "standard". Armscor 1911's are the same as the Spartan is really an Armscor with STI internal components. The slide, frame, and barrels are made and fitted in the Phillipines.

[Longslide]

The Fusion Magwell is very Nice
Also the Smith and Alexander - standard or slim line Magwell is very nice as well

Wilson makes a two piece mag well - that is very nice- the sides are simular to the slim line from S&A - so you can use thin grip pannels if you want to.

If you add a MSH-magwell - consider getting new grip pannels. BEWARE-there may be a small gap between the botton of the pistol grip mag well and the add-on MSH magwell. Not too much but it will/may be there. The new grip pannel will most likely close most of the gap.