Posted: 7/28/2004 11:08:09 AM EDT
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This is one of those obvious kinda things, but I can't remember EVERYTHING, so forgive me if this is stupid: Ok, I know that most higher-end 1911's have the traditional series-70 type firing pin setup (i.e. no trigger-actuated block), BUT>>>>> Some kimbers are series-70 (but which ones?) Springfield has a lightweight FP, and the ILS, and that's it, right? All para-ordnances have the series 80 system, right? Buying new pistols would be so much simpler if they just left the original design alone....... |
I thought a few of the current kimber's (maybe the higher-end ones?) came w/o the FP safety. What about springfield? I'm sorta kinda looking at one of those too. |
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The Kimber Series II firing pin block is actuated by the grip safety, a system Colt tried in the '30's but never put into production. Series I (unmarked) are straightforward 1911's. I believe Springfield utilizes a key lock in the mainspring housing with no additional firing pin safety. Wilson's "California package" uses a titanium firing pin and stiffer spring. I don't know a damn thing about Para's. |
So all newer Kimber's have the schwartz system, and all new SA's have the ILS, Titanium FP, and that's it, right? |
Springfields dont have a firing pin safety. Current Kimbers WITH the Swartz-type safety are marked "II" on the slide. There are only a few models, specifically the 25th Aniversary models and the upcoming "warrior" model that dont have them. Colt Series 80/XSE/1991A1 Series pistols obviously have the Colt FPS. The current production Series 70s, The Gunsite Pistol and GI repros DONT have them. Para-Ords pistols have always come with the Colt style FPS. I cant think of any other 1911 manufacturers currently making guns with firing pin safeties. |
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The Kimbers without will say nothing on the side as opposed to saying "Series II". None of mine say Series I on them so don't look for Series I to be there. My newest one:   My 'old reliable' daily CCW:   Now if you want a Series I or Series 70 you can make one out of a Series II by swapping a few parts out! BigDozer66 |
Yeah, but with all the MIM parts, you're already swapping out enough parts without adding others to the list..... |
Nothing per se for most people. They do complicate the gun and its disassembly and are basically a solution to a problem lawyers created. There have been FPS malfuctions in the Colt Series 80 pistols. Keep the parts clean and lubed. |
This is what I wanted to know, and then some. Thank you! |
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Problem solved. From the BROWNELL'S Catalog, page 79: 1911 AUTO FRAME SLOT BLANK Mfr: T.J.'S CUSTOM Fills Series 80 Frame Cutout Fits in the firing pin block frame cuts, permitting Series 70 slides and components to be fitted to Series 80 frames. No alteration, drop-in fit. SPECS: Steel, in the-white. Stock Number / Desc Price 876-011-780/Frame Slot Filler $4.25 |
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Ok, so here's what I'm left with: I can buy a new springifeld, but will have to chance the MSH and its guts, and maybe the FP. I can get a used series I kimber, and be good to go, or a new kimberand either get rid of the schwartz safety or live with it. I can get a sw1911 and be in the same boat as a the new kimbers. With any of the above, I have to deal with MIM parts. Last option: another colt. P.S. yes, I said 'another'. I hate to buy from them for reasons discussed in countless other threads, but replacing MIM parts gets expensive. |
Get the used Kimber if the price is right! Some of the new Kimbers and the SW1911 have an 'external extractor' so I would personally stay away from them. If their sales drop off because of the BS parts added to them then they will change back. I haven't had to replace any MIM parts on any of mine. Now forged parts are better but I haven't had any failures and don't expect to. BigDozer66 |
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Another guy questioning your aversion to MIM. I know quite a few Kimber shooters (myself included) that shoot a LOT of rounds. After thousands and thousand of rounds all the parts are fine. Most of the "MIM horror stories" have been overblown. Do some people get faulty MIM parts? Absolutely. What percentage is that? A tiny one. Most likely the percentage of blown Glocks is far higher... |
I don't own glocks either.  Parts that aren't stressed I can handle; i.e. the thumb safety. Hammers, hammer struts, FP stops, etc, I'd just prefer they weren't MIM. Call it personal preference. |
I like external extractors, except for the fact that nobody will standardize them. If all new 1911's had THE SAME external extractor, I think it would be the way to go. |