First 1911

[spinmove_]

I may be repeating what others have already posted but as this is your first 1911 I would offer the following suggestions:

Magazines... don’t do the magazine Macarena, start by getting Wilson 47 (7rd) magazines. There is more to feeding a 1911 than just the magazine, for example some guns may not work perfectly with an 8 or 10rd magazine because of the gun not the magazine. The Wilson 47 offers the least amount of variables and is still my preferred magazine.

If you want an 8rd magazine get the Wilson Combat ETM-HD (500C-HD)... this is a superior magazine to the 47D.

Recoil springs... these are cheap insurance, change around every 2500 rounds. The original spring rate is 16# but I use and like 18.5# springs because they last longer. I can tell no difference between the two when it comes to shooting the gun.

Firing pin spring... change it with the recoil spring.

Mainspring... standard weight is 23#, unless it breaks it should last you almost the life of the gun.

Spare parts can be a good idea but I seldom (never???) see extractors come out of a package and go into a gun with correct geometry. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen or won’t work... I like a use Wilson Combat Bulletproof extractors.

The gun needs to be lubricated. I’m not dogmatic about what type or brand of oil and anything is better than nothing at all... except for Frog Lube of course.

Your rear sight looks really tall... I would recommend shooting the gun at 25 yards to insure it is not shooting high.

I did snag one Wilson 47 (not the 47D) when I picked the gun up as per your recommendation in a video you did a while ago. Why the ETM-HD over the standard ETM?

16 lb or 18.5lb seems to be about what everyone seems to recommend. I’ll scoop some 18.5 lb Wolff recoil and firing pin spring sets.

So far I haven’t had any extractor related issues, but I haven’t that many rounds through it yet though. I plan on running it through the 10-8 Performance test here soon to see what happens. I’ll see if I can’t get an extra extractor soon.

I did throw a mag full at a B-8 at 25 yds. It did seem to hit an inch or two high, but I chalked that up to unfamiliarity with the gun. As I get more rounds through it I’ll get a better idea.

I appreciate the info, thank you

[jeep45238]

Most people have two-three sizes, but need about 15 or 20.

Hence the torx

[spinmove_]

Thank you, everyone, that’s contributed so far. I greatly the appreciate the no-nonsense info I’m getting. Honestly this platform really doesn’t seem all that ridiculously complicated or difficult to deal with. No, it’s not as simple as a Glock, but it’s not rocket surgery to take care of either, and for the ergos and shoot ability of the platform it seems worth the little extra effort.

I’m definitely looking forward to getting more trigger time on this gun and platform in general.

[03RN]

Its really not.

Do you change your own oil/brakes? Do you sharpen your own chainsaw? Youll be fine.

[spinmove_]

Its really not.

Do you change your own oil/brakes? Do you sharpen your own chainsaw? Youll be fine.

I haven’t changed my own oil and brakes in a while, but I know how. I need to get the proper tools and what have you to start doing that at home now that we’re officially home owners. Don’t own a chainsaw yet, but that doesn’t strike me as super difficult either.

[spinmove_]

So, does anyone have any suggestions on leather holsters for IWB and OWB?

[JonInWA]

For leather, Kramer, El Paso Saddlery, Galco Royal Guard are 3 that I've had years of successful use with. Best, Jon

[NPV]

So, does anyone have any suggestions on leather holsters for IWB and OWB?

Depends on what you’re looking for but Milt Sparks and TT Gunleather make the best and most-accessible IWB holsters. 5 Shot is also phenomenal but that’s if you can get one.

There are many others out there but I keep it simple and stick with these know companies and have not been disappointed.

[03RN]

Ryan Grizzle, rough side out horsehide.


For production a milt sparks sumer special from brownells. I bet they have a black friday sale right now

[RevolverRob]

So, does anyone have any suggestions on leather holsters for IWB and OWB?

You'll probably have to order something custom. Guns with rails still aren't widely supported at least off-the-shelf.

Best holsters I've ever used come from Red Nichols Holsters in Australia. After Red, Milt Sparks would be my #2, Kramer my #3. Red typically has a turn around time measured in a few weeks to a month, where as I believe Kramer is 8-12 weeks out right now and Sparks is 12-16 weeks.

Either way, they are all great holsters, particularly when you opt for horsehide.