[akatrd]

Does anyone have a 1911 that rattles when you shake it? I have a 1991 colt that rattles when you shake it with the mag out. It is a 100% reliable gun and has been for several thousands of rounds. It is stock except for a Ed Brown thumb safety. I carry this gun regularly and was wondering why does everyone seem to want to tighten the slide to frame fit on a piston meant for personal pertection? My 1991 rattled from day one and will put all of its rounds in a small group at point of aim well beyond what I think I'll ever have to use it. I also have a Les Bear TRS It is very reliable and accurate. Slide to Frame fit is scary tight but It came that way from the factory. I don't feel any safer with my TRS on my hip compared to my rattling 1991. Is a rattling gun OK? thanks for any replies.

 

[A Johnston]

Slide to frame fit is not necessarily an indication of accuracy, or reliability, or lack there of. A tight side to frame fit will contribute slightly to the accuracy of the gun but its greatest virtue is that it lets all of the parts work together consistently. As far as accuracy goes, a good barrel lock up is far more important than slide to frame fit. A rattling gun is fine and yes, a gun that is fit too tightly MAY not run under certain conditions but you have to ask yourself. Are you ever going to be in any of those conditions? I, like yourself, have had nothing but reliable operation from both my TR Specials and like you said the slide to frame fit is "scary tight".

 

[James]

If it shoots good and is reliable, then the rattle doesn't matter. If you can shoot better than the gun will allow you to shoot due to its looseness, then by all means get it tightened.

As with many of the topics we discuss here, you can really worry yourself needlessly concerning rattling guns. If it isn't broken, then don't "fix" it.

 

[Metal Smith]

Hi Akatrd, like stated above, and as you probably already know, no use fixing it because it works fine. Your pistol can't work any better right? Below is a link I wrote a few mounth ago that may give some more enlightment on the subject. http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/000014.html


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Metal Smith

The only thing I know for sure is what I can measure!
NRA Life Member

 

[doylestownjoe]

I say, if it's important to you that your gun doesn't rattle then get it fixed. If your gun shoots to your liking and the rattle doesn't bother you, leave it be.