missing firing pin lock plunger

[eljefe]

I just acquired a 1991 compact that is a very nice shooter. It is missing the lock plunger. I located the part and spring at Brownell's, and plan to replace it.

In the meantime, is it safe to carry? I assume that it would simply function like my pre series 80 Springfield.

Another question, if I may. The finish on this pistol is kind of rough. I am thinking about having it either hard chromed or duracoated. Which would give me the better finish in terms of durability? My local smith can duracoat it for less than I have seen on various websites offering hard chroming.

This is the first Colt I have owned since I foolishly sold my first Colt back in the early 80s, and I plan to keep it for as long as I live. I don't mind paying more for a more durable finish; particularly on a carry piece.

The gun shoots great, for a small pistol. I can even see the sights! :)

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike

[hutch1510]

it's probably missing more than the "plunger" look to see if it has all the series 80 levers and such, or if there is a "plate" installed which essentiaally turns a series 80 back to series 70... anyway i remove all the series 80 linkage to any 1911 that i have, i do replace the firing pin return spring to a wolf extra power "length" this helps with a fall test, it's your call if you want series 70 or 80 though, i just personally prefer series 70.

[Hawkmoon]

It is as safe to carry as an non-Series 80 1911. The Catch-22 is that if you had to use it in self-defense, an attorney who wanted to "get" you might try to make a big deal out of the fact you had disabled a safety device. Your attorney should be able to counter that with an expert or three to testify that the firing pin safety only affects safety if you drop the pistol and is irrelevent in self-defense use, but it's a consideration.

As to the finish, Duracoat is paint. It's a premium, polymeric paint, to be sure, but ultimately it's paint. It cannot compare to hard chrome for durability.

BTW -- If you pistol is a Compact, it isn't a 1991, it's an M1991A1. The finish is Parkerized, and it may be a lot more durable than you expect.

[eljefe]

Thanks, gents for the quick reply.

I suspected that the finish is parkerized, but it has several scratches. I will probably leave it alone, since it is a concealed carry gun.

The lever is still present, so I think that the owner just forgot or consciously decided to omit the plunger.

Thanks, again.

[Bud White]

If the levers are there i wouldnt use it if you do fire it theres a pretty good chance you will damage the lever

[Hawkmoon]

If the levers are there but no plunger, I would NOT carry it. There's a small possibility the tip of the lever could hang up in the plunger hole. In fact, I would not even shoot it until the plunger has been replaced.

Before ordering parts, it might be prudent to detail strip the slide to verify that the extractor and firing pin are the correct Series 80 parts. Otherwise the new plunger won't even go into the slide.