TexasCHLforum.com

I may seem fast to y'all, but I work a keyboard for aliving and most of the folks I work with think I'm slow (I write technical training materials)...

It's probably just the fast cable connection to the Internet...

dihappy wrote:Excellent thread! Im new and considering a Kimber Ultra, love that gun.

I have a question. Am i correct in saying that the 1911's pose a greater risk of AD/ND when unloading?

What is the proper method of lowering the hammer/unloading a 1911 after being at C&L?

Thanks :)

1) Drop the magazine
2) Disengage the thumb safety
3) Rack the slide & lock back
4) Examine the chamber
5) With the magazine out, release the slide
6) Hold the hammer between the thumb & fore-finger of the off-hand while pointing the firearem in a safe direction & pulling the trigger. Lower the hammer gently to the stop position (while holding the trigger back).

-or-

1) Eject the magazine
2) rack the slide to eject the round (you may want to visiually check the chamber here) & release the slide
3) point the firearm in a safe direction & pull the trigger

Some folks feel the first process is too time consuming & has unecessary steps. I always thought it felt safer.

G.C.Montgomery wrote:...
It might have a titanium firing-pin and extra power firing-pin spring as that was the "cool" setup around the time the gun was introduced.

Personally, I've had ignition problems with titanium firing-pins and don't trust them. I use the extra power spring and a standard firing-pin. I check the spring every 500 rounds or once a week which ever is the longer interval.

According to the manual for Springfield's 1911s, they all come with a titanium firing pin. I've put about 2000 rds through mine since last August with no issues so far with the original firing pin, but I've heard from others that it can cause mis-fires by not striking the primer firmly enough. There are conversion kits that can replace both the pin, extra power firing pin spring and mainspring that are supposed to address that, but I haven't felt the need to install one. I can certainly see your viewpoint on them, though.

As to the FBI tests, I seem to recall that the test height was 18', but I wouldn't swear to it. I may be thinking of something else entirely (and my noggin' doesn't work as well in that regard as it once did).

Venus Pax wrote:I've got a question for the 1911 gurus:

If a 1911 is dropped, is there an internal device to keep the hammer from hitting the slide's end (I forgot the proper term for that part)?

Springfield Armory's newer 1911s have a titanium firing pin and a heavier firing pin spring than most other 1911s. This, combined with a hammer stop that prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled, prevents the pistol from firing when dropped on the hammer in CA tests for accidental discharge. Since the 1911 from SA is available in CA, I believe it works.

Other manufacturers use other methods (I believe Colt 80s & 1991s have the block like TXRancher metioned) but I am not familiar with all of them. All 1911s certified for sale in CA have to pass the droip test, though, so they will have something that works to prevent this type of discharge.

A 1911A1 is designed to be carried with a round in the chamber and the hammer back. The side safety won't even engage if the hammer isn't cocked. The grip safety is designed so that the trigger CANNOT be pulled without the grip safety being depressed. Most modern versions that are available in CA as well as TX are built so that even with the safeties not engaged, the pistol will not fire when dropped (even if the hammer is forward & the pistol is dropped on the hammer from a pretty great height).

I tried to get comfortable carrying my 1911 with no round in the chamber. I could not do so. I know that if I need it, I will need it right now! and even a slight delay could be very deadly.

I would recommend that you search out some of the "assault with a knife" videos on the web. It helps to be reminded that a BG can cover 21 feet in 2.5 seconds, and that you will be fortunate to get the gun out of the holster in that time. If you plan to be able to stop their attack, you really DON'T want to try and rack the slide as well...