Dropping a 1911: Ever seen one go bang?

[rodfac]

NO...and I've carried one through a lot of slit trenches and concrete bunkers while in Vietnam...Rod

[tipoc]

Have you ever seen, personally experienced, or known someone firsthand that dropped a 1911, in any condition and it went bang?

Specifically, a 1911 with a grip safety, the hammer in any position, and safety in any position.

No, not personally.

No one that I know has told me of an experience that they personally had of dropping a 1911 and having it discharge.

tipoc

[KyJim]

I would be curious about the number of rounds on the firing pin springs on those that discharged. Theoretically, a discharge would be easier with a worn spring. I haven't experienced a discharge myself and, so far, have managed to avoid dropping a loaded 1911.

[44 AMP]

I would be curious about the number of rounds on the firing pin springs on those that discharged. Theoretically, a discharge would be easier with a worn spring.

The military doesn't keep round count on small arms. What they do check is serviceability, against their standards. Which are not always what you might think.

The Army standard for the firing pin spring (in 1975, and I doubt its changed) is no rust, kinking, obvious damage (cuts, nicks etc) and it must be longer than the firing pin, when installed on the pin. And there is a right and a wrong way to install the spring.

Now, yes, in theory, a weak firing pin spring would SLIGHTLY reduce the force needed to overcome both the inertia of the firing pin and the compression of the spring. I don't think it would be a significant amount, though, and either way, it doesn't matter.