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JLaw wrote:For those who have bought one, which mags have you found to work in these? I have two Colt 8 rounders that feed fine, but because of the shape of the follower the mag doesn't always operate the slide stop when the mag's empty.

I shot mine today using 7rd military, 7 & 8 round Mec-Gar's, and the 8 rd PT1911 magazines.

I had no issues with the slide not locking back.

I had two FTE's and another military mag was too tight to fit.

When I disassemble next, I'll try to figure out whether it is the mags, the release, or the frame. Some mags fit fine while others offered resistance. It was just the one that wouldn't fit at all.

R.S.A. Enterprises
Ocean, NJ

Did you happen to ask if other stores had any?

The Beaumont store appeared to be the distribution point, as they requested that other stores transfer theirs to them.

I believe I read in this thread that two were transferred from Beaumont to Spring for another member.

Try this:

http://www.m1911.org/technic24.htm

That and many other good articles here:

http://www.m1911.org/technic_forum.htm

I don't have a 'before' picture because my camera wasn't working.

I admit to spending several hours of scrubbing with oiled steel wool.

The first set is with the original grips.





And after swapping out the grips.

Last night, I took it completely apart, down to disassembling the mag release and mainspring housing. I cleaned everything using Blue Wonder gun cleaner on steel wool. It cleaned up nicely.

I found no mechanical problems.

I am ordering a set of Wolff springs for it.

I saw one at Pasadena show today from same importer and in same general condition. They were asking $450.

My camera is going to have to be returned for repairs, so I'm considering buying an inexpensive replacement as a backup. I'll try to get some pictures posted.

I tried to take some pictures, but the digital is on the fritz.

I think I got one worth $250, but they were on the dreary side.

To anyone interested:

The Beaumont GM, at closing Friday, had five Sistema's left and five more that their gunsmith had not released for sale yet.

That would at least mean they were doing a cursory safety check on them.

Believe me, they aren't pretty!

But I won't feel guilty on working on it. Always make a good project gun.

I'll try to get some pictures up soon.