[VaughnT]

Just a few months ago, I bought one of their loaded, full-size weapons and have had nothing but problems with it.

First, it had several FTF, but I was using that super cheap (there's a reason) American Ammo. With good ball, it has done well.

Second, the rear novak keeps falling off. I think this had to do with a super-saturation of oil. The gun literally swam in a pool of lube when I opened the box and I'm still trying to get rid of it all. That problem might have been solved now that the site finally fell off and I was able to remove the puddle of oil that was forming a hydrostatic wedge.

Third, the full-length recoil spring guide rod, a two-piecer, keeps unthreading. After a dozen or so shots, you have to tighten it back up and it doesn't matter how much torque you put on the thing.

Fourth, well, support from SA seems to be absolutely pitiful. I've dropped them a few emails and they seem (maybe I'm reading too much into a few words) entertained by my troubles. This is hardly the response I had anticipated. Rather, they should have demanded that I ship the gun back to them so they could correct the problems.

Well, it might take awhile but I think I can get this thing up to good enough condition that I won't fear using it on duty. As it stands now, I wouldn't even use it as a house defender....and that's pretty sad.

I would caution everyone to think long and hard before buying from this company. Or at the very least, buy their mil-spec and have your own gunsmith, who you can trust, supe it up. You'll save money in the long run and serious frustration in the short.

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When reason fails...

 

[VaughnT]

I don't doubt you're right, Clip, but what gets me is that these problems happen to begin with. When I asked, the only aid they offered was, "a drop of blue loctite on the threads....."

That's not my idea of customer service.

This gun is rated as being very accurate, but that has to be as a whole, not every specific weapon. With all the oil on it, there was no way to keep the site on during a test fire, let alone predict accuracy.

I'll definitely try the teflon tape on the guiderod. That is almost as good an idea as the skateboard tape for the frontstrap.

Of course, this could also be construed as a cosmic suggestion to purchase another type of 1911!! Hopefully, that one will be less than right for me and I'll be forced to buy yet another one......

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When reason fails...

 

[VaughnT]

Well, I didn't want to say anything, but what I've described so far isn't the worst of it.

As discussed on another page, the thumb safety is apparently cut wrong. When the trigger is pulled hard with the safety engaged, then disengaged, the hammer drops to the half-cock position.

Steve Clark came online and diagnosed the problem as I described it so I'm confident there is a mechanical problem on top of the more minor things.

Steve could be wrong, but I don't guess I'll chance it. Fixing the little stuff isn't a problem for me, though I don't appreciate having to do this on what is reputed to be a top-shelf weapon.

That I got a gun that's bad in a bad way is unacceptable. And I think I'll bother SA customer service about it.

Again, thanks to all for the thoughts. I hope your experiences are better than mine.

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When reason fails...

 

[VaughnT]

Steve, I wasn't implying that you had erred in your diagnosis. You're experience is greater than mine and I think I'll go with what you know;-)

I did talk with Lisa and she was very helpful. I'm readying the weapon for shipment just as soon as I have a spare moment. And am relying on a stinking revolver while on duty.

Again, thanks for all the good ideas. I might replace the FLGR and I might not. Other ideas are still coming to me as I learn more about these fine weapons.

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When reason fails...