The Art and Science of Keeping Your 1911 Running

[SW CQB 45]

Well Hell,

I think my days of plastic follower for duty use is over. Referring to WC mags. I am using WC ETM 8s.

All was running good.... 150 rounds shot and on my third box of 50, I experienced one stuck mag.

I was able to snap a photo of the issue. The follower is side by side with the slide stop inner lobe.

I pushed down on the follower and heard a click and the mag released with ease.

I am able to use moderate thumb pressure and the follower pushed inward at the mark where the slide stop was against.

Another part of me wonders, I have 2-3 years of use (I am guessing)... have I worn out the followers?

I am going to run another test with old CMC PM 8s and newer Check-Mate 8s.

[CSW]

Is there any way to definitely tell what size the front dovetail is on a Dan Wesson?
From everything I've read and searched, "up to" 2015 was a Springfield front dove and a Novak rear.
Ordered some new sights, a 10-8 rear and a new front as well.
Ordered the Springfield cut for the front.
It's definitely too large for the front dovetail.
I'll be sending those back.

It "appears to be a Novak cut front as well.

[Trooper224]

Is there any way to definitely tell what size the front dovetail is on a Dan Wesson?
From everything I've read and searched, "up to" 2015 was a Springfield front dove and a Novak rear.
Ordered some new sights, a 10-8 rear and a new front as well.
Ordered the Springfield cut for the front.
It's definitely too large for the front dovetail.
I'll be sending those back.

It "appears to be a Novak cut front as well.

I wanted a gold bead front sight on a Dan Wesson. Ordered #1 from a vendor and the sights base was so small it fell through the dovetail, returned. Ordered #2 from a different vendor and it was so far beyond proper that I wasted a $75 sight trying to fit it. Next go around, I finally just sent the factory sight off for a gold bead. Over the years DW has used three different front sight dovetails. Regardless of what any tells you concerning manufacturing time lines, it's been my experience it's a crap shoot.

[Trooper224]

Well Hell,

I think my days of plastic follower for duty use is over. Referring to WC mags. I am using WC ETM 8s.

All was running good.... 150 rounds shot and on my third box of 50, I experienced one stuck mag.

I was able to snap a photo of the issue. The follower is side by side with the slide stop inner lobe.

I pushed down on the follower and heard a click and the mag released with ease.

I am able to use moderate thumb pressure and the follower pushed inward at the mark where the slide stop was against.

Another part of me wonders, I have 2-3 years of use (I am guessing)... have I worn out the followers?

I am going to run another test with old CMC PM 8s and newer Check-Mate 8s.

Years ago, I swore off mags with polymer followers, for serious use, for just this kind of thing.

[BillSWPA]

Has anyone who owns a Dan Wesson asked them about their dovetail cuts or which replacement sights to order?

[Trooper224]

Has anyone who owns a Dan Wesson asked them about their dovetail cuts or which replacement sights to order?

Yes, as I said.......

[Gary1911A1]

Has anyone who owns a Dan Wesson asked them about their dovetail cuts or which replacement sights to order?

I would just send my slide off to: https://www.novaksights.com

[Trooper224]

The DW rear sight is pretty straight up Novak. It's the front sight that gets creative.

[03RN]

Well Hell,

I think my days of plastic follower for duty use is over. Referring to WC mags. I am using WC ETM 8s.

All was running good.... 150 rounds shot and on my third box of 50, I experienced one stuck mag.

I was able to snap a photo of the issue. The follower is side by side with the slide stop inner lobe.

I pushed down on the follower and heard a click and the mag released with ease.

I am able to use moderate thumb pressure and the follower pushed inward at the mark where the slide stop was against.

Another part of me wonders, I have 2-3 years of use (I am guessing)... have I worn out the followers?

I am going to run another test with old CMC PM 8s and newer Check-Mate 8s.

I'll take polymer followers and just replace them when they wear out

[03RN]

I would just send my slide off to: https://www.novaksights.com

It's already cut though