Posted: 2/20/2012 12:15:43 PM EDT
|
Hey all,Ii just picked up my first 1911 about a month ago and I gotta say I'm disappointed I waited this long. The work of beauty is a stainless Springer loaded in .45. Now I need some info:
1) What is the best method and areas to lube? 2) I want a GI guide rod, who make the best(or is there a best)? 3) Is there an aftermarket bevertail grip safety that will drop the pistol down alitte futher(it feels a little strange toward the top of the grip safety, near the web of my hand)? 4) And lastly, Magazines: are there any brands I should stay away from? And what size basebad works best with a magwell(I'm looking at the Smith Alexander slimline, and VZ Slim Gatorbacks) Thanks in advance, Borbski And because I know the rules, here's some eye candy 
I took the glock along so it could see what big holes look like 
|
|
Ed Brown (www.edbrown.com) sells g.i. guide rods and plugs as well as a lot of other neat stuff.
Stainless pistols need lots of lube. I use Breakfree CLP altough there are lots of good products. Nothing wrong with Springfield branded magazines. The 7-rd blued versions can be had for $12 each. They're drilled for base pads which are available from several sources for a $1 or two apiece. No need to spend $30+ for premium magazines. My Springfields don't do well with Wilson magazines, although most folks don't have any issues. Just don't go off and spend a bundle on premium magazines until ou determine that your pistol does well with them. Buy ONE, tey it, and then load up. |
|
As far as the grip safety, I heard the Smith & Alexander also referred to as the S&A, is what Spingfield uses in their Loaded. Again I'm not certain as I only read it in one place. SA grip safeties require the .220 radius cut which is what S&A comes in. Most other grips safeties are .250 so they won't work. S&A also has a high grip model but thats what may already be on yours.
To get the highest grip possible I usually relieve some metal from under the tang and beavertail. It takes some careful, sober work with a fine tooth file and sand paper but you can do it. Plus while doing it I constantly check my sight picture to see if it pointing naturally and relieving a little on the sides to get it to custom fit my hand. I can actually fit the guns pointability to my hand / arm. That way I'm not always having to adjust the sight picture as I do on some stock guns. The SA GI btw, was the most natural pointing and only out of the box gun I ever owned who's sights lined up perfectly when quick drawing. |
|
As others ahve said lube the rails lightly with grease. You can use a high end gun grease, or some wheel bearing grease from the auto parts store. The important thing is to use it.
There is no 'best' USGI guide rod and spring cap. You can buy the cheapest one and it will work the same as th emost expensive one. It's not a stressed part, and it never wears out. Magazines are a hot topic. I like Wilson, but McCormic and Tripp make good ones as well. Here's some more magazine info. Stay away from the Novac\ACT magazines for carry. They are good range mags, but after hard use there have been some feed lip cracking issues. |