First Carry Gun :D

Buffalo444 · June 22, 2013, 11:16 PM

Picked up my first carry gun after moving from IL (

) to WY.

ATI plain jane 1911. factory 8 round mag, 2 Chip McCormick 10 round mags, a Tagua mag carrier and a Tagua OWB paddle holster. Enough data, time for pics:

Shot a box of 50 PMC 230 grn FMJ target loads and two boxes of 20 Hornady 200 grn HP rounds. The PMC fed and fired great, but one of the 50 was a light load and the next round didn't seat all the way in the chamber. I'm guessing its because of the stout factory recoil spring. The Hornady cycled well, but required complete release of the slide (couldn't really let it drop gradually) or it would get stuck on the feed ramps. Shoots low but from what I hear it is common. Need to file down the front sight a bit.

All in all I really enjoy the way the gun shoots and think I am going to have a comfortable and reliable carry gun

myusername · June 23, 2013, 01:48 AM

Well... go Big or go home.

I started with an LCP. Now I carry a 1911. Welcome to the club.

Clean it really good. See if your ramp or cylinder top needs polishing. I'd fire a few more rounds until you are sure of no issues.

Standard 1911 recoil springs are 16 lb. I usually run 18.5. It softens the recoil and improves battery.

Kreyzhorse · June 23, 2013, 06:49 AM

That is a big rig for conceal carry but it can certainly be done. Just remember that you will have to dress around it. If you don't have one, I'd suggest in investing in a good leather gun belt.

A gun belt supports your entire rig and is the most important part of it. It will really make carrying a full size gun a lot easier.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 08:42 AM

OP never really said it was conceal carry, just carry. I still would have maybe went with a 4" barrel though. Polishing the feed ramp on all semi autos I think is a good idea. Especially with HP. Key word being polish, not grind. Just want that mirror finish whilst removing any machine marks.
I like the feel of the pachmyar grips I put on a RIA. They're only around $30 too.

Buffalo444 · June 23, 2013, 01:40 PM

Yeah, as of right now this is just my open carry rig. Although I can conceal the whole rig if I just untuck the "tall" style button down tee's I normally wear tucked daily.

Wouldn't a stiffer recoil spring make those light loads more noticeable as it wouldn't cycle all the way back? Although I would venture to guess by the same token those HP's that needed a little more force to go up the feed ramp would have went...

I will definitely look into polishing the feed ramp when I have it broken down for cleaning today. What should I use? Super fine grit sand paper? something else?

I will probably be sticking with the web belts I normally wear. While a black leather gun belt may go with this set-up a little bit better, I like wearing my belts very tight as-is and think that wearing them tight is especially important with this paddle holster.

I might look into trying out those Pachmyar grips, especially at that price. But I do like the factory grips that I have on it now.

jglsprings · June 23, 2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

The Hornady cycled well, but required complete release of the slide (couldn't really let it drop gradually) or it would get stuck on the feed ramps.

Most of the time it isn't recommended to "ride the slide" forward. Look around the intraweb for threads about sling-shotting the slide.

Buffalo444 · June 23, 2013, 03:01 PM

Yeah, it wasn't intentional the first time it happened. I knew there were potential problems with HP's in a brand new 1911, so I was trying to watch it at the same time and just kind of rode it through. After it happening twice I changed the way I released the slide and it quit. Still would like to polish the feed ramp.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 04:33 PM

I used a white coarse and a fine red rouge with a felt tip in dremel. I'm sure there's other ways , but this was the easiest and fastest to get a finish you could see your face in. I picked up the rouge kit at harbor freight, but I've Also got the dremel tool polishing kits at lowes for $10 that have all the various tips and rouge.
I like that the pachmyar grips come with the rubber finger grip already attached to a set of nice wood grips. Makes them easy to switch around. I did need to make the notch slightly larger opposite the mag release with round file. Maybe 1/32" at most.

Old Stony · June 23, 2013, 04:57 PM

Yup....now the work starts to get the old 1911 to work right. A better brand will work better normally, but most of them require some tweaking to be optimal....if that is possible. I've shot them and tweaked them for many years, but still depend on other things for serious work.

DLeeHarley · June 23, 2013, 05:17 PM

Try a little Flitz Metal polish. It works very well and polishes. It doesn't remove lots of material like any type of paper does, and you just want to clean it up not redesign it.

Dennis in Idaho

jamrock · June 23, 2013, 10:08 PM

Welcome to 1911 ownership these guns need tuning. Glad you bought quality mags though that should avoid a lot of issues.

Garycw · June 23, 2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamrock

Welcome to 1911 ownership these guns need tuning. Glad you bought quality mags though that should avoid a lot of issues.

It's nice you can do some tuning and tweaking, but I've Never had too. Not yet anyway. To me they're built like a tank and I take them very serious and dependable

Buffalo444 · June 24, 2013, 12:03 AM

I think once I get my feed ramp polished and modify my sights (does anyone know of a raised rear sight for the 1911 and where I can get one?) I think it will be good to go.

Also, does anyone know of a HP manufacture that is more rounded than the Hornady I was shooting? I think that would also improve my feed.

Garycw · June 24, 2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalo444

I think once I get my feed ramp polished and modify my sights (does anyone know of a raised rear sight for the 1911 and where I can get one?) I think it will be good to go.

Also, does anyone know of a HP manufacture that is more rounded than the Hornady I was shooting? I think that would also improve my feed.

Not sure about the others but If you're using the hornaday critical defense, I've found that trimming the tip insert off the top with razor helps. It seems like it protrudes just a bit past the casing. I'd never had one jam but made chambering the first round easier.

Buffalo444 · June 24, 2013, 01:50 PM

I was using some 200 grn HP. I think it was these, not sure though I have to dig a box out of the truck:

Another thing, kinda of a biggie IMO; Does anyone make a leather retention holster similar to the Tagua I posted in the first post that doesn't put pressure on the thumb safety? I took my gun out of the holster to unload it and clean it and noticed that the thumb safety had been flipped down. Now, I know taking this out of the holster properly (with the finger OFF of the trigger) like I do eliminates the chance of a ND, but I would really like the safety to remain on and me flipping it off be part of the routine when drawing and firing my weapon. I also know it has virtually no chance on firing while in the holster since the leather strap goes between then hammer and the firing pin... but still, I would rather have things be done properly. If I'm not explaining what it is doing well enough I can take pictures or do a video.

I carry cocked and locked if that helps with the visual.

Edit: You can kind of see how I carry it in the first picture I posted.

Buffalo444 · June 24, 2013, 11:56 PM

It was definitely those xtp's

Buffalo444 · June 25, 2013, 01:04 PM

Bump for anyone who can help.

Buffalo444 · June 26, 2013, 08:20 PM

anyone?

allaroundhunter · June 26, 2013, 08:46 PM

Remington Golden Sabers are generally more rounded, but I'm not sure if I've seen the .45 ACP round so I'm not positive.

As to the holster, are you dead set on leather? You will most likely get a holster better molded to your gun using kydex.

Buffalo444 · June 26, 2013, 10:28 PM

Not dead set on anything. Would prefer a non-paddle holster because it seems like a paddle holster is 100% dependent on a super tight belt, which would be nice to have the option to go without.

allaroundhunter · June 26, 2013, 10:52 PM

Well, I have recently used a G-Code XST holster in competition and loved it. It is not a thumb break, but rather has a hood that is disengaged when the shooting hand thumb hits a small switch while going through a normal drawing motion.

It is not a competition specific holster either, it is meant as a police duty, open carry, or military holster.

*I liked the holster so much that I ordered one for myself. If we ever get OC here in Texas then I would use it for such adventures... If I ever decided to open carry.

June 22, 2013, 11:16 PM	#1
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	First Carry Gun :D Picked up my first carry gun after moving from IL () to WY. ATI plain jane 1911. factory 8 round mag, 2 Chip McCormick 10 round mags, a Tagua mag carrier and a Tagua OWB paddle holster. Enough data, time for pics: Shot a box of 50 PMC 230 grn FMJ target loads and two boxes of 20 Hornady 200 grn HP rounds. The PMC fed and fired great, but one of the 50 was a light load and the next round didn't seat all the way in the chamber. I'm guessing its because of the stout factory recoil spring. The Hornady cycled well, but required complete release of the slide (couldn't really let it drop gradually) or it would get stuck on the feed ramps. Shoots low but from what I hear it is common. Need to file down the front sight a bit. All in all I really enjoy the way the gun shoots and think I am going to have a comfortable and reliable carry gun

June 23, 2013, 06:49 AM	#3
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,464	That is a big rig for conceal carry but it can certainly be done. Just remember that you will have to dress around it. If you don't have one, I'd suggest in investing in a good leather gun belt. A gun belt supports your entire rig and is the most important part of it. It will really make carrying a full size gun a lot easier. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

June 23, 2013, 08:42 AM	#4
Garycw Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida Posts: 1,221	First Carry Gun :D OP never really said it was conceal carry, just carry. I still would have maybe went with a 4" barrel though. Polishing the feed ramp on all semi autos I think is a good idea. Especially with HP. Key word being polish, not grind. Just want that mirror finish whilst removing any machine marks. I like the feel of the pachmyar grips I put on a RIA. They're only around $30 too. Last edited by Garycw; June 23, 2013 at 08:47 AM.

June 23, 2013, 04:33 PM	#8
Garycw Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida Posts: 1,221	First Carry Gun :D I used a white coarse and a fine red rouge with a felt tip in dremel. I'm sure there's other ways , but this was the easiest and fastest to get a finish you could see your face in. I picked up the rouge kit at harbor freight, but I've Also got the dremel tool polishing kits at lowes for $10 that have all the various tips and rouge. I like that the pachmyar grips come with the rubber finger grip already attached to a set of nice wood grips. Makes them easy to switch around. I did need to make the notch slightly larger opposite the mag release with round file. Maybe 1/32" at most. Last edited by Garycw; June 23, 2013 at 10:39 PM.

June 23, 2013, 05:17 PM	#10
DLeeHarley Member Join Date: March 11, 2012 Posts: 17	Re: First Carry Gun :D Try a little Flitz Metal polish. It works very well and polishes. It doesn't remove lots of material like any type of paper does, and you just want to clean it up not redesign it. Dennis in Idaho

June 23, 2013, 01:48 AM	#2
myusername Member Join Date: May 11, 2013 Posts: 99	Well... go Big or go home. I started with an LCP. Now I carry a 1911. Welcome to the club. Clean it really good. See if your ramp or cylinder top needs polishing. I'd fire a few more rounds until you are sure of no issues. Standard 1911 recoil springs are 16 lb. I usually run 18.5. It softens the recoil and improves battery.

June 23, 2013, 01:40 PM	#5
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	Yeah, as of right now this is just my open carry rig. Although I can conceal the whole rig if I just untuck the "tall" style button down tee's I normally wear tucked daily. Wouldn't a stiffer recoil spring make those light loads more noticeable as it wouldn't cycle all the way back? Although I would venture to guess by the same token those HP's that needed a little more force to go up the feed ramp would have went... I will definitely look into polishing the feed ramp when I have it broken down for cleaning today. What should I use? Super fine grit sand paper? something else? I will probably be sticking with the web belts I normally wear. While a black leather gun belt may go with this set-up a little bit better, I like wearing my belts very tight as-is and think that wearing them tight is especially important with this paddle holster. I might look into trying out those Pachmyar grips, especially at that price. But I do like the factory grips that I have on it now.

June 23, 2013, 03:01 PM	#7
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	Yeah, it wasn't intentional the first time it happened. I knew there were potential problems with HP's in a brand new 1911, so I was trying to watch it at the same time and just kind of rode it through. After it happening twice I changed the way I released the slide and it quit. Still would like to polish the feed ramp.

June 23, 2013, 04:57 PM	#9
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	Yup....now the work starts to get the old 1911 to work right. A better brand will work better normally, but most of them require some tweaking to be optimal....if that is possible. I've shot them and tweaked them for many years, but still depend on other things for serious work.

June 23, 2013, 10:08 PM	#11
jamrock Member Join Date: May 20, 2013 Posts: 25	Welcome to 1911 ownership these guns need tuning. Glad you bought quality mags though that should avoid a lot of issues. Last edited by jamrock; June 23, 2013 at 10:17 PM.

June 24, 2013, 12:03 AM	#13
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	I think once I get my feed ramp polished and modify my sights (does anyone know of a raised rear sight for the 1911 and where I can get one?) I think it will be good to go. Also, does anyone know of a HP manufacture that is more rounded than the Hornady I was shooting? I think that would also improve my feed.

June 24, 2013, 01:50 PM	#15
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	I was using some 200 grn HP. I think it was these, not sure though I have to dig a box out of the truck: Another thing, kinda of a biggie IMO; Does anyone make a leather retention holster similar to the Tagua I posted in the first post that doesn't put pressure on the thumb safety? I took my gun out of the holster to unload it and clean it and noticed that the thumb safety had been flipped down. Now, I know taking this out of the holster properly (with the finger OFF of the trigger) like I do eliminates the chance of a ND, but I would really like the safety to remain on and me flipping it off be part of the routine when drawing and firing my weapon. I also know it has virtually no chance on firing while in the holster since the leather strap goes between then hammer and the firing pin... but still, I would rather have things be done properly. If I'm not explaining what it is doing well enough I can take pictures or do a video. I carry cocked and locked if that helps with the visual. Edit: You can kind of see how I carry it in the first picture I posted.

June 24, 2013, 11:56 PM	#16
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	Re: First Carry Gun :D It was definitely those xtp's

June 25, 2013, 01:04 PM	#17
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	Re: First Carry Gun :D Bump for anyone who can help.

June 26, 2013, 08:20 PM	#18
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	anyone?

June 26, 2013, 08:46 PM	#19
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,670	Re: First Carry Gun :D Remington Golden Sabers are generally more rounded, but I'm not sure if I've seen the .45 ACP round so I'm not positive. As to the holster, are you dead set on leather? You will most likely get a holster better molded to your gun using kydex.

June 26, 2013, 10:28 PM	#20
Buffalo444 Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 43	Re: First Carry Gun :D Not dead set on anything. Would prefer a non-paddle holster because it seems like a paddle holster is 100% dependent on a super tight belt, which would be nice to have the option to go without.

June 26, 2013, 10:52 PM	#21
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,670	Re: First Carry Gun :D Well, I have recently used a G-Code XST holster in competition and loved it. It is not a thumb break, but rather has a hood that is disengaged when the shooting hand thumb hits a small switch while going through a normal drawing motion. It is not a competition specific holster either, it is meant as a police duty, open carry, or military holster. *I liked the holster so much that I ordered one for myself. If we ever get OC here in Texas then I would use it for such adventures... If I ever decided to open carry.