Posted: 1/3/2008 9:26:26 AM EDT
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First of all, I don't have a decent camera to post pictures, but the pistola is seen here: http://www.10-8performance.com/id30.html I ordered this pistol from Hilton Yam at 10-8 Performance at the beginning of September. The pistol is somewhat of a cross between a TRP and a Pro, with features specified by Hilton. This was a run of approximately 16 pistols that the Springfield Custom Shop estimated to be ready in January. Surprisingly, Mr. Yam notified the lucky customers that the run was completed early and pistols were delivered in early December. Communication was outstanding during the whole process. As background information, I was somewhat torn about getting in on this group buy. I am not enthralled by railed 1911s, especially at that price point. This would be a range/competition gun for me, not a service pistol as I assume it is for others. However, I was very interested in the package as a whole and the thought process that went into the design. Therefore, I decided to allocate funds and proceed full steam ahead. The pistol shipped with 3 McCormick Power Mags and some 10-8 lube and 10-8 armorer tool (very nifty). Initial inspection indicated a very well built pistol (keeping in mind that I am no expert on the details - I just shoot them). The bushing is snug but can be turned by hand if necessary. Slide to frame fit was very snug at first. The ejector fit is apparently pinned and fitted well. No glaring tool marks were noted. The magwell installation was very well done. I did notice a couple of things that raised questions: 1. No bowtie cut on the frame bed for the barrel feet. 2. No bevel on the back side of the recoil plug where it mates with the barrel. As I understand, Springfield builds up their pistols this way, and Mr. Yam indicated that he has not seen any issues with this way of construction in tens of thousands of rounds thru Springfield pistols. I will defer to him on this. I've had two range trips comprising a total of 450 rounds, of mixed 230 grain ball and Hornady 200 grain XTP. The sights were dead on out of the box, requiring the shooter to put the front sight on the target. It may be a tad low for me at 25 yards, but I'm still getting used to it. I love the 10-8 Performance rear sight with the tritium front. It makes for a very good sight picture. I'm estimating the trigger break at about 4.5-5.0 pounds and is clean, but is getting lighter with more use. The thumb safety engagement is positive. The Armory Kote finish appears uniform and well done. Initially, the slide stop would not lock back on some older Wilson 47D magazines that I have. Function with the Power Mags and Tripp Research rebuild mags I have were flawless. The slide stop fit is noticeably snug and needs a little wear-in. After about 50 rounds, it started locking back the Wilson mags. It's hard for me to talk about the accuracy, as I did all of my shooting off-hand and I wouldn't be able to shoot the gun to it's accuracy potential in any case. I may have a better handle on the accuracy potential at a later date. My gut feeling is that my Les Baer Concept IV will out shoot it, but nothing else in the safe will. However, it made holes where I aimed in silhouettes from 7-15 yards. With this in mind, my final comments are as follows: 1. The G10 grips are way too aggressive for my tastes and girlie hands. I ended up sanding them down and they are much better now. 2. The 20 lpi checkering on the front strap is not a concern, as I thought it may be. I actually like it. 3. I like the 10-8 flat trigger and beveled magazine release. 4. I wish the lanyard loop on the mainspring housing was recessed - that's my only real complaint. 5. The pistol has smoothed out beautifully after 450 rounds. 6. I have no buyers remorse at all. |
