Barrel length/style and reliability in 9mm 1911s

[mmc45414]

So, I feel I can heartily recommend the Brownell's mags for training, if not carry.

I had 6-10 of them and several of them didn't like to drop free from either of the Rugers (and Wilson ETMs do). They all functioned great. Probably just a bit of a dimension variation with the Rugers, but just running it up the flagpole.

[DDTSGM]

I had 6-10 of them and several of them didn't like to drop free from either of the Rugers (and Wilson ETMs do). They all functioned great. Probably just a bit of a dimension variation with the Rugers, but just running it up the flagpole.

That's good to know.

I'm glad they work in mine - it's better to have $300.00 in range mags than $500.00.

I use Chip McCormick Power Mags almost exclusively in my .45's, primarily 10 rounders, although I have enough 8 round ones for carry. I'm hopeful that the 9mm Range Pro's are reliable in my 9mm.

This isn't the last 9mm I'm going to build. I've got several kids and grandkids I'd like to gift them to. It may take a while, though. At retail I have just under $1,800,00 in parts in this one. I need to get an FFL or figure out a way to get good guy pricing.

[gtmtnbiker98]

I have three 9mm 1911's and all of them are Dan Wesson's. My government length Specialist, commander length Valor and TCP are all solid. In my experience, the most important aspect of 1911 functionality is magazines. I use Wilson ETM's for my 9mm 1911's and no issues with either of the three I own.

[Rock185]

TDoor, I've had several 5" 9mm 1911s since the '70s, i.e., Colts, then Kimbers, Springfields, an STI, Dan Wessons, etc. Overall, the guns with the integrally ramped barrels, that most manufacturers use for their 9mm 1911s now days, were the most reliable. I've had both regular bushing barrel and bull barrel/bushingless 9mms. No difference that I could detect in accuracy and reliability. I do like the slightly muzzle heavy feel of of the bull barreled guns. Yes, the full weight 9mm 1911 slides tend to cycle a bit slower than with guns chambered for the more powerful cartridges. But the upside is that the most energetic 9mm ammunition recoils less than standard .45 ACP 230 grain ball ammo. Over many years, I came to favor the Metalform front ramp design 9-round magazines for the guns chambered in 9mm.

As to reliability, my Kimbers, an STI, Dan Wessons and two custom Springfield 9mms were as reliable as my guns chambered for the "proper" .45 ACP cartridge.

[mmc45414]

That's good to know.

And it could have been just a batch, though I think I did send one three pack back and one of the replacements also was sticky. This was a few years ago, maybe things have evolved. I ended up buying some (maybe here) used ETMs to go with the ones I had accumulated and quit pursuing the Brownells mags and sold them to a friend. OTOH the Colt/Uzi pattern 9mm AR mags I bought from them have been awesome.

This isn't the last 9mm I'm going to build. I've got several kids and grandkids I'd like to gift them to.

Whose slide and frame did you buy? Am curious myself because I think that might be my wintertime retirement project in a few years, since I bought an RL1100 and probably at this point do not need to assemble any more ARs...

[awp_101]

What about the STI LS9? Anyone have any feedback on them?

[Rocket20_Ginsu]

Myself and two other PF members had problematic SA Combat Operators in 9mm. Myself and one other member sent them back to SA for warranty work and eventually got rid of them be use they still weren’t “right.” @JHC sent his off to a gunsmith and spent nearly the cost of the pistol making it “right.”

Re: DW, If I recall correctly the factory specifically recommends a 500 round break in.

Good data points - I had not heard that about other SA Combat Operators. That’s too bad as I like where that pistols sits on the price : features : quality spectrum.

Exactly right - the DW manual notes a 500 rd break in. My dad’s specialist required the same.


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[HCM]

Good data points - I had not heard that about other SA Combat Operators. That’s too bad as I like where that pistols sits on the price : features : quality spectrum.

Exactly right - the DW manual notes a 500 rd break in. My dad’s specialist required the same.


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SACS was, at least at that time having QC/consistency issues.

Both the Combat operators and the Warren Operators in 9mm had batches with multiple problems and batches with no problems. The three problematic COs we’re all bought around the same time.

[DDTSGM]

Whose slide and frame did you buy? Am curious myself because I think that might be my wintertime retirement project in a few years, since I bought an RL1100 and probably at this point do not need to assemble any more ARs...

https://www.jemguns.com/1911-Government-Frame_p_15.html

https://www.jemguns.com/Slide-Govern...eel-_p_51.html

I took the class from Bob Marvel who helped start NightHawk Customs. IIRC he had switched from NH frames because they did not have enough available for folks attending the classes to buy.

I'm pretty sure my next one will be a no-logo Caspian frame and slide because they have a $65.00 serial number option.

[awp_101]

Does JEM not offer a custom serial option anymore?