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Posted: 4/26/2016 10:34:52 PM EDT

I purchased a used 1911 off gunbroker, did a quick look at the FFL and everything looked alright. The magwell was loose but I have heard that is a common problem on this pistol so I figured I could tighten it.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think I am supposed to fit an allen wrench in the bottom of the MSH and loosen or tighten the magwell that way. None of my allens feel like they fit so I'm concerned.

It also has a stripped grip screw . . . Perhaps I did not do my due diligence before picking it up. Any tips or thoughts are appreciated. The pistol is a DW specialist

ETA I am new to the 1911, I owned one previously but this is my second one.

Posted: 4/26/2016 11:54:12 PM EDT

[#1]

Yes Dan Wesson did have a problem with the two piece magwell. I have one and have not had the problem. The original owner probably stripped that screw as well. Dan Wesson has a five year warranty and you could send it in if you want to. I replaced my two piece with a S&A thin one piece mainspring/magwell. The cost I believe was around $70.00. I like the feel of the VZ thin 1911 grip and wanted the bottom to align with the grip. S&A have standard size as well and would be another option for you. If I remember reading some that sent their weapon in they had it replaced with a one piece unit. Might have been on the DW forum page.

Posted: 4/27/2016 3:58:21 AM EDT

[#2]

Are you using a metric allen wrench, most 1911s don't use metric hex screws.

A metric wrench will kinda sorta fit until you start to tighten, then it will start to strip.

Posted: 4/27/2016 5:57:39 AM EDT

[#3]

Mag funnel came loose on my DW Specialist.

Used blue lock-tite and proper size allen wrench and tightened it finger tight = fixed.
I had to lock-tite the rear sight, front sight pin, mag funnel screw, grip screw bushings to the frame and grip screws to the bushings.

Posted: 4/27/2016 8:00:03 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Are you using a metric allen wrench, most 1911s don't use metric hex screws.

A metric wrench will kinda sorta fit until you start to tighten, then it will start to strip.

View Quote

Kinda sounds like what is happening.

Posted: 4/27/2016 9:53:33 AM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

Are you using a metric allen wrench, most 1911s don't use metric hex screws.

A metric wrench will kinda sorta fit until you start to tighten, then it will start to strip.

View Quote

I did consider it was American made and used standard wrenches accordingly. I am 99% sure the screw that holds on the magwell is stripped completely. Planning on contacting DW today to see if it's covered under warranty, if not how much am I looking at spending.

Posted: 4/27/2016 9:55:43 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yes Dan Wesson did have a problem with the two piece magwell. I have one and have not had the problem. The original owner probably stripped that screw as well. Dan Wesson has a five year warranty and you could send it in if you want to. I replaced my two piece with a S&A thin one piece mainspring/magwell. The cost I believe was around $70.00. I like the feel of the VZ thin 1911 grip and wanted the bottom to align with the grip. S&A have standard size as well and would be another option for you. If I remember reading some that sent their weapon in they had it replaced with a one piece unit. Might have been on the DW forum page.

View Quote

Did you install new new one yourself? I am 99% sure it's stripped

Any pics handy ?

Posted: 4/28/2016 12:49:55 AM EDT

[#7]

Yes. I have used the S&A one piece mainspring and magwell and every time they have been a perfect fit. Look on youtube for changing mainspring housing they give you a step by step instructions. Watch a few different ones if you have never attempted this before. I learned that way. I got mine from Brownells. I would still check with DW before spending any money.

Posted: 4/28/2016 4:18:31 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Did you install new new one yourself? I am 99% sure it's stripped

Any pics handy ?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Yes Dan Wesson did have a problem with the two piece magwell. I have one and have not had the problem. The original owner probably stripped that screw as well. Dan Wesson has a five year warranty and you could send it in if you want to. I replaced my two piece with a S&A thin one piece mainspring/magwell. The cost I believe was around $70.00. I like the feel of the VZ thin 1911 grip and wanted the bottom to align with the grip. S&A have standard size as well and would be another option for you. If I remember reading some that sent their weapon in they had it replaced with a one piece unit. Might have been on the DW forum page.

Did you install new new one yourself? I am 99% sure it's stripped

Any pics handy ?

Most magwells are either blued or stainless, but you can finish them if you want.

Most will fit without any fitting/tooling.

The toughest part is making sure you don't lose the mainspring plug and/or spring when you disassemble it.

Posted: 4/28/2016 7:07:17 PM EDT

[#9]

I was able to get the stripped grip scrrew out using a few tips from the other thread. I ordered a group of new slotted ones form Amazon. Now I have to try to get the stripped screw out that holds the magwell.

Keith from Dan Wesson customer service gave me a few suggestions on how to go about that. Hoping I can do it myself so I do not have to send it out.

Posted: 5/1/2016 7:45:03 PM EDT

[#10]

99% of the time it's super easy.

Posted: 5/1/2016 8:34:12 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

99% of the time it's super easy.

View Quote

I tried for a while and was not able to. Ideally I would like to upgrade it to a one piece

Posted: 5/1/2016 10:58:19 PM EDT

[#12]

Are you getting a new one piece magwell? If so don't worry about the stripped screw. Rubber band the grip safety, remove the mainspring pin and both will come off. You will need to get the parts from your old mainspring to put in the new one. Again watch youtube about changing mainspring and it will tell you how to do it step by step.

Posted: 5/1/2016 11:24:08 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

Are you getting a new one piece magwell? If so don't worry about the stripped screw. Rubber band the grip safety, remove the mainspring pin and both will come off. You will need to get the parts from your old mainspring to put in the new one. Again watch youtube about changing mainspring and it will tell you how to do it step by step.

View Quote

is that a plug and play part?

Thanks for the help, I am not new to pistols but very new to the 1911. Is the MSP the one right underneath the grips near the back?

Posted: 5/3/2016 1:26:37 AM EDT

[#14]

The mainspring housing is the back strap of the pistol. Just below the grip safety. There is a pin at the bottom of the weapon underneath the grips that you remove. Pull down away from the grip safety and it will come off. Again be sure to watch youtube if you plan on doing it yourself.

Posted: 5/3/2016 9:39:02 AM EDT

[#15]

https://www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc/Index/Schematics~Gov1911

Look here for parts identification.

After/if you get the mainspring housing and magwell off the pistol you might try taking it to a machine shop and see if they can get the screw holding the magwell out.

Posted: 5/3/2016 11:02:12 PM EDT

[#16]

thanks guys. Planning on buying a new MSH/Magwell and installing it. Buying one from S&A

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