Repeat after me. 1911... 1911 ... 1911
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Return to “Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?”
- Wed Oct 30, 2019 10:20 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 33260
Re: Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?
- Sat Oct 26, 2019 5:20 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 33260
Re: Reasons to get a 1911 and which one?
Kimber series IIs uses a Swartz, grip-safety activated, firing pin block rather than the "series 80" trigger actuated firing pin block. The Swartz system can not have the same impact on trigger pull, etc. The issue with the Kimber is they use a "series 80" style firing pin stop that leaves a void between the firing pin stop and slide. The frame's pin lever can catch in that void and can cause either undue wear on the slide's lever pin or other issues such as the slide hanging up on the pin. The "fix" for this issue is easy. Install a "series 70" firing pin stop (which you will do anyway using a EGW or Harrison small radius stop, as those stops are common modifications that can improve slide cycling and perceived recoil). Other manufactures use Swartz systems, namely S&W. Sig and Colt and other manufacturers (Remington IIRC) use the trigger-actuated firing pin block.
As TAM mentions, some manufacturers use light firing pins and strong firing pin springs. Some accuse this combination to be responsible for light primer strikes.
One advantage of the firing pin block is added protection from accidental discharges due to dropping the pistol on its muzzle or by having a sear fail. Sear failure is not unknown. The nose of the sear can chip, the sear can crack or the sear pin can break. One would hope that owner inspections during cleaning could detect and avoid this issue but that is not guaranteed. Theoretically, the sear's half cock notch will catch the trigger on its way down to the firing pin but engineering and planning seldom stand in the way of a good disaster. Other systems are available to prevent sear failure discharges without a firing pin block. For example, gunsmith Ned Christensen, owner of m-guns.com, produced such a system called the FailArrest hammer and safety set.
A disadvantage of the firing pin block is added steps to maintaenance protocol along with more points of failures and small parts that go whereever small parts hide after dropping off the bench.
All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can muliply like rabbits. I just counted four Colts 1911s in my safe along with an embarrassing number of other 1911s. Two of my Colts are custom shop guns. Two Colts are still NIB although they are almost 8 years old. None of my Colts have a firing pin stop. So whateever you do, exercise caution when the 1911 buying fever strikes. If you find a really good deal on a Colt, Ed Brown, Volkmann, Wilson Combat, Springfield, or Guncrafter Industries No Name , it would probably be best if you just get in touch with me so I can remove it from circulation for you.
As TAM mentions, some manufacturers use light firing pins and strong firing pin springs. Some accuse this combination to be responsible for light primer strikes.
One advantage of the firing pin block is added protection from accidental discharges due to dropping the pistol on its muzzle or by having a sear fail. Sear failure is not unknown. The nose of the sear can chip, the sear can crack or the sear pin can break. One would hope that owner inspections during cleaning could detect and avoid this issue but that is not guaranteed. Theoretically, the sear's half cock notch will catch the trigger on its way down to the firing pin but engineering and planning seldom stand in the way of a good disaster. Other systems are available to prevent sear failure discharges without a firing pin block. For example, gunsmith Ned Christensen, owner of m-guns.com, produced such a system called the FailArrest hammer and safety set.
A disadvantage of the firing pin block is added steps to maintaenance protocol along with more points of failures and small parts that go whereever small parts hide after dropping off the bench.
All that said, I want to caution you about buying a 1911. The confounded things can muliply like rabbits. I just counted four Colts 1911s in my safe along with an embarrassing number of other 1911s. Two of my Colts are custom shop guns. Two Colts are still NIB although they are almost 8 years old. None of my Colts have a firing pin stop. So whateever you do, exercise caution when the 1911 buying fever strikes. If you find a really good deal on a Colt, Ed Brown, Volkmann, Wilson Combat, Springfield, or Guncrafter Industries No Name , it would probably be best if you just get in touch with me so I can remove it from circulation for you.