1911 extended mag catch

[ToddG]

Recommendations in terms of brand, etc.?

[_JD_]

Harrison Design or Wilson, maybe the Ed Brown (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24729/Product/1911-AUTO-EXTENDED-TACTICAL-MAGAZINE-CATCH), the big thing is that you need to make sure the new catch doesn't push too far into the mag well and trap the magazine. The Brown part linked supposedly addresses this possibility.

[Jason F]

Harrison Design or Wilson, maybe the Ed Brown (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24729/Product/1911-AUTO-EXTENDED-TACTICAL-MAGAZINE-CATCH), the big thing is that you need to make sure the new catch doesn't push too far into the mag well and trap the magazine. The Brown part linked supposedly addresses this possibility.

The 10-8 Mag Catch (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html) has the same design functions as the Ed Brown, with regards to extended relief so it doesn't trap the mag. Found HERE (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html). Either should be a fine option.

http://www.10-8performance.com/product_images/attribute_rule_images/66_std.jpg (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html)

[Kevin B.]

Todd,

You may recall my right thumb is slightly shorter than when it was issued and range of motion is a bit compromised as well. I was having to seriously rotate the gun in my firing hand to gain enough leverage to activate the magazine release and the lack of tactile feedback made it difficult to do consistently.

By far, what made the biggest difference for me was the installation of Wolff reduced power magazine catch springs. I use the #1, which is slightly less than the factory spec. Initially I was concerned about accidentally ejecting a magazine, but it has been a non-issue since I made the change 5 years ago.

I have a number of different extended magazine releases (Brown, Wilson, 10-8 & Nighthawk) on my 1911s and I cannot really differentiate between them performance-wise. All seem to work well, though if I had to pick one to recommend it would be the 10-8 Performance unit as I find the angled face provides slightly better leverage.

[ToddG]

You may recall...

Dude, you're in trouble. My laughing woke up my laugh.

The 10-8 definitely sounds promising but I've got a bit of trepidation regarding the many comments I've seen online that they need fitting. Perhaps I should get one each Brown & 10-8 and do a side by side comparison.

Switching to a lighter spring definitely sounds like a worthwhile experiment and I'll add one to my cart at Brownells.

[BLR]

The Brown was de factor standard for comp guns for a long time.

[smithjd]

They all probably require fitting. Fitting may be cosmetic: i.e. on the 10-8, it extends past the frame on the right side so it can be blended completely flat with the frame, or it can be functional: i.e. using a 600 grit lapping compound and working the mag release about 200 times to get it to work smoothly.

I concur about a light mag release spring. Was taught that you could just shorten the one you have as well, taking a little off at a time until if felt right.

A smoother, lighter mag release is a good thing. I have the 10-8 on one and a Wilson Bulletproof on another. If I was left handed and did index finger mag releases, it would be the 10-8 every time. Otherwise, I don't mind the regular style.

There is also a slight modification to the mag release lock, in that you bevel the 4 corners of the locking tab.

[ToddG]

I ordered a Brown (it's literally half the price of the 10-8) and will give that a go. I also ordered a mag catch spring tuning kit. We'll see if that makes a difference. Thanks guys!

[Spr1]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=19735/Product/1911-ARMORER-S-TOOL-KIT

Welcome to the world of 1911's. :)

[Slavex]

This time next year you're going to be cutting your own back straps and checkering. You've got the bug now.

[Firestickfilms]

I put the 10-8 in my Les Baer, definately needed fitting but the Baer is a tight custom so I expected this. A trick I found if you have a drill press is to lightly chuck the release button up in it and get it spinning at the slowest speed, then use very fine 1000+ grit auto detailing sandpaper to slowly take off metal, trying it till the release just almost moves smoothly. Then give it a few revs of really fine 2500-5000 grit paper so lt has a real polished smooth finish (if you have a polihing wheel great, I didn't). Lastly I used a dremel sanding bit to cut the button side back just enough not to keep the mags from dropping. Took about 1.5 hours to fit being very careful.
BTW I also installed thier Gen II slide release and really like it.

[ToddG]

A trick I found if you have a drill press ...

I feel faint...

[JAD]

My .38s LWC had a not very functional mag release when I got it back from Wilson; I guess it was the armor-tuff combined with a pretty lame stock colt part. I dropped in a Wilson bullet proof. It was a little gritty. When it stops being gritty, my reload times will be better.

[Firestickfilms]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31nCgQcvo7L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/3M-03006-Wetordry-Automotive-Sandpaper/dp/B005JPGTNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1342582009&sr=8-6&keywords=Auto+detailing+sand+paper

Even without the drill press a few min with this and things smooth out considerably.
The 2500 grit is pretty close to a polish.

[ToddG]

Bit off:
http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/mtneer_man_cleanshop72-450.jpg

Can chew:
http://lithiccastinglab.com/images/flintknappinghisthabilissmall.jpg

[jstyer]

Bit off

Am I the only one who got insanely jealous looking at that?

[Firestickfilms]

Am I the only one who got insanely jealous looking at that?

I drooled a little.

[kmartphoto]

The 10-8 Mag Catch (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html) has the same design functions as the Ed Brown, with regards to extended relief so it doesn't trap the mag. Found HERE (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html). Either should be a fine option.

http://www.10-8performance.com/product_images/attribute_rule_images/66_std.jpg (http://www.10-8performance.com/products/Magazine-Catch.html)


THIS

make sure that whatever you get has the extended relief and isn't just a regular mag release with a long button.

[kmartphoto]

Am I the only one who got insanely jealous looking at that?


I drooled a little.

I just emailed the picture to my wife with the subject title "Christmas?"

that is a seXXXy workshop

[peterb]

In my "If I won the lottery...." thoughts, calling the Snap-On tool guy has always been near the top of the list....

[NickA]

Can chew:
http://lithiccastinglab.com/images/flintknappinghisthabilissmall.jpg

Todd make fire!

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2