A full detail strip, clean, and lube is in order before you even think about evaluating reliability. They put that packing gunk in every nook and cranny on those things.......
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bamashooter- I used the Wilson Combat Round-Butt MSH. It took a little modification of the pointy ends of the grip frame to match the contour and some filing on the bottom of the Rock grip safety to get things to function properly. I used the main spring that came with the Rock MSH and the stock plunger and bottom cup as the Ed Brown parts I had were too long. I can't speak to the difference in spring diameters because I didn't try any of the Wolff main springs I had on hand as they were obviously for a full-sized MSH and were too long. No complaints though, it slams the EGW hammer I put on the thing just fine for now.
This is the Wilson MSH:
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This is the Wilson MSH:
I looked at a used Citadel last night. The LGS had one for $500.00.I have the Citadel Officer model (same company) and never had an issue with the gun feeding any type of ammo. I carry it all the time.
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Jon.
The failure of 1911’s in compact size guns was considerable at the range some years ago when I worked there. I think it has improved somewhat in recent years. I just remember thinking at all times when I had to get involved with unhappy owners of said guns—was I would not trust my life to the gun. The only gun in that size I saw run fairly reliably was the Colt Defender. I think things have improved since then but I don’t know that for sure.
Then there is this:
“The basic functional difference between a full size (as John Browning designed it) 1911 pistol and a compact version with a 4.25” or shorter barrel is slide mass and speed. Basically anytime you reduce mass and propel it with the same energy you will get faster cycle speed. Why does this matter? The pistol needs a certain amount of time to eject a fired case, allow the magazine to lift, position the next round for proper feeding and chamber the round. When slide mass is reduced and therefore slide cycle speed increased there may not be time for this to all happen properly.”
www.thetruthaboutguns.com
I only own full size 1911 guns but I have shot many Commander size 1911’s I really liked. Not so much with the compact (Officer) 1911’s. Just my personal experience. They are cool looking and somewhat easier to conceal by some reports but I am old school in this thought process and learned a long time ago how to dress and conceal a full size 1911 gun. If I were younger and more well-disposed to the small 1911—maybe.
Then there is this:
“The basic functional difference between a full size (as John Browning designed it) 1911 pistol and a compact version with a 4.25” or shorter barrel is slide mass and speed. Basically anytime you reduce mass and propel it with the same energy you will get faster cycle speed. Why does this matter? The pistol needs a certain amount of time to eject a fired case, allow the magazine to lift, position the next round for proper feeding and chamber the round. When slide mass is reduced and therefore slide cycle speed increased there may not be time for this to all happen properly.”
Bill Wilson: Compact 1911's Can Be Reliable - The Truth About Guns
◀Previous Post Next Post▶ “I often hear comments like ‘I only trust a full size 1911 because they are more reliable,'” Bill Wilson writes at wilsoncombat.com. “Well folks I’m here to tell you this statement isn’t necessarily true. While it is true some ultra compact 1911s with barrel...
www.thetruthaboutguns.com
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