P-F's Thoughts on Springfield LW Frames? Or, where to from here?

[WDH]

Thanks for your replies, SLG. I'll be ordering some Wilson mags as well now.

I disagree about the "fixes" to the 1911, as well as the expectation (implied, not stated) that a LW gun will go as long as your brother's did. Unlikely, IME.

I guess there's only one way to find out. Poor me, having yet another excuse for more range time. I just can't catch a break .

The Hill Brothers, Hillpeoplegear.com both carry lightweight SA 1911's. They have not shot 42,400 rds through them (I'm pretty sure they haven't), but they are pretty dialed in on what the LW frames need and can take. They have a forum on their site which discusses at least some of it, I think. Might be worth reading.

Fantastic, thank you.

[MD7305]

WDH, thanks for posting your questions. I recently acquired an Operator LW (5") gun and had the same concerns as to the alloy frame and long term durability/reliability. I'm looking to get a steel frame gun in the future but the LW is going to have to get me through for a while. Bill R., SLG, Wilson Combat Rep, you guys have any suggestions on a 5" gun over the Champion aside from mags? Do the shok-buffs help or is that a no-no? Also, I've read where some mag followers (Chip McCormick?) leave a gouge in the frame under the feed ramp, is that a big concern?

[GJM]

Are the above recommendations alloy frame specific?

[MD7305]

Are the above recommendations alloy frame specific?

The LW Operator and Operator Champion have aluminum alloy frames. That was my question in what specific considerations an owner of a lightweight or aluminum alloy framed 1911 might make to insure durable, reliable performance. As opposed to say a traditional steel framed 1911.

[GJM]

The LW Operator and Operator Champion have aluminum alloy frames. That was my question in what specific considerations an owner of a lightweight or aluminum alloy framed 1911 might make to insure durable, reliable performance. As opposed to say a traditional steel framed 1911.

Specifically the 7 round mag recommendation is what I was wondering about -- just alloy or steel, too?

I have had a metric ton of high quality 1911 pistols, from many of the best makers. It is the odd steel gun that has problems, but I am batting about 50/50 with a sample of about 20 alloy guns, from stock all the way thru real Heinie full on pistols.

[MD7305]

GJM, gotcha. I'm not sure. Antique pistols are new to me so I've got no clue. Just trying to pick up crumbles of useful knowledge.

[Jim Watson]

Two piece FLGRs are inventions of the Devil.
The 4" guns like Champions NEED flat wire recoil springs. EGW makes one for the SA, no need to tinker with the Wilson brand.
http://www.egwguns.com/index.php?p=product&id=82

My Combat Commander and shortened GM do OK with Power Mags. But also Wilson and Metalform. I prefer Tripp 9mms but have not bought any new .45 magazines since they came out.

[SLG]

Specifically the 7 round mag recommendation is what I was wondering about -- just alloy or steel, too?

I have had a metric ton of high quality 1911 pistols, from many of the best makers. It is the odd steel gun that has problems, but I am batting about 50/50 with a sample of about 20 alloy guns, from stock all the way thru real Heinie full on pistols.

Other people may do as they wish, but my 1911's all run REALLY well, and I will only use 7 rd Wilson mags for serious use. Everyone wants as much performance as possible, but people who HAVE TO HAVE that one more rd in the gun, should just go to a hi cap gun. 1911's are not for them, IMNSHO.

There's more to it than just the mag, of course, but I will emphasize again, I meet very few people on the range, whose 1911's run as well as mine. I'm talking about national assets, as well as national champion shooters. They will mostly all tell you (there are some notable exceptions) their guns run well, but I don't find that to be true when I'm shooting with them.

[GJM]

Really interesting because Jody Joseph, the JoJo's guy, ten or more years ago flat out told me to run seven round magazines in my steel five inch 1911 pistols for utmost reliability, and to skip alloy 1911 pistols.

[SLG]

Really interesting because Jody Joseph, the JoJo's guy, ten or more years ago flat out told me to run seven round magazines in my steel five inch 1911 pistols for utmost reliability, and to skip alloy 1911 pistols.

Smart man:-)