jwhittin

You should definitely think about getting a BUG if you want to shoot a lot. You never know. Could easily take you out for a month or so in the middle of the season. That would suck! Used DW or Baer for $1500 or so would serve you well. I agree, Baer customer service is lacking. I've run both and DW is a great value. Bear is my BUG now. I built up my own gun on a Nighthawk lower and liked it so much its now my primary. Can't go wrong with a Wilson (have 2) or NH either. I don't have any experience with STI or SVI yet.

Flexibility to shoot major or minor, or shoot SS or move to limited all with the same caliber is a plus. Been shooting SS 45 and now getting into limited so got a start reloading 40 cal. in addition to 45. Wish I had a SS in 40 cal now but can't justify the cost ( and then would need primary and backup guns). So many projects, so little money.

I don't recommend the 47Ds. He will probably want to add a magwell later so a larger pad like the Tripps or ETMs work better. I would say run whatever ammo he can get that is reliable and economical. I run 45 and know a lot of people that do. Any weight and profile between 185 and 230 grns is fine as long as it feeds reliably. Get the ammo and then adjust the spring to ensure reliable feeding (will probably be 15 to 17 lbs.). Can always start with SS and get the 10 rounders later if he wants to shoot L10.

Dumb question. Are the recoil springs on the STI recoil master proprietary springs (i.e. a unique size) or can you run any recoil springs on them? I've searched and can't find the answer. Seems like one of you guys might know. Thanks.

You may have bought an oversized diameter pin 0.203 vice 0.200. Verify with calipers. If not, something is not right with your frame/barrel.

RePete is correct, do not toss out any values, that's the ever present variation which is quantified by your standard deviation. And it is the best metric which determines your chance of failing. I agree, if you are closer to 8 to 10 PF points, you are probably okay but it depends on all the unknowns and your STD.

Moto - yes, the intent of my analysis was to pass PF first time every time with a quantifiable confidence level. You only get two attempts. The important thing to note is that you can remove many unknowns that impact velocity by using your measured STD to set your desired average velocity. With only 3 samples, HUGE variations can exist, with 6 samples, yes there is less variation but who knows if it will be enough.

I prefer a more scientific approach. If you ignore STD, your chance of failing PF could easily double and you would never know. Here is an example. Using a PF=130 for a 147gn bullet corresponds to a velocity of 884 fps to make minor. This corresponds to a chance of failing PF of 15% (see article mentioned above). As long as the standard deviation of your ammo remains at or below 17 fps, there is no problem. But if something changes and the STD of your ammo is actually say 25, then your chance of failing PF just jumped to 30%. That is why I recommend adding a minimum of 2*STD to the velocity required to meet PF for your bullet weight. This corresponds to only a comfortable 10% chance of failing PF. Use 2.2, 2.5 or even 3 times STD depending on the range conditions and other unknowns you are dealing with.

I still see a lot of people with the mindset that an additional 5 points of PF should be enough. Just don't be surprised when you fail to meet PF at a match. The STD should always be used to determine your load velocity. I explain why in the article.

Just came across this thread. Better to use the standard deviation to determine your load. For a 147 gn bullet you need 850 fps to make minor. Just add 2*STD to get your desired velocity. You stated your STD was 20 fps, so at least 890 fps will give you a high confidence of always making PF. See JAN/FEB 2015 FrontSight for explanation or PM me for details.

Hi Splat! I use basically the same setup. It works well once u get it running smoothly. Gotta get that chrono ASAP. U need to know your standard deviation for loading to meet PF. Add a minimum of 2*STD to the PF velocity for your bullet weight. See this months Front Sight magazine for more details.

What about trying a springco recoil systems? They make them for glocks. I run them in my competition guns. It makes a lot of sense to me. The inner spring deaccelerates the rearward slide motion for less frame-slide impact (and hence less muzzle rise) and then the main spring can be tuned for reliable feeding. Without it, I would be concerned about increasing wear using lighter springs. Just a thought.

Zen... I'm still trying to understand it better so I can apply it. I do see how it is an important part of shooting. Awesome site! Anything you want to know about shooting and more can be found here! This is my 50th post. Thanks

Thanks for sharing the good ideas on how to do this.

Wow! Great thread! I had no idea people made such complicated brews. Very Interesting. Been using motor oil and a few dabs of MIL-COMM TW25B which is working well.

I'll stick with the 1911 protection policy... over 100 years of proven service.

I was not aware of this. I've used Marriott for years and never had a problem. Some locations have faster internet service than others but it has always worked.

Looking good so far. Gotta add front strap checkering to the list of must dos.

Owned a Valor and all the DW 1911s I've handled have had excellent fit and finish. The DW 1911s offer the best value on the market as far as I'm concerned.

Very cool! Happy New Year's!

I would be a couple for when I fly and take my gear to shoot matches.

On GunBroker.com you can find the DW ECO in 45 for $1360. Blems are just under $1300. Buds and OsageCountryGuns seems to have the lowest prices on GB. Good luck!

-1 on the sleeves, just adding another variable. Try a set of Larry Davidson's Warthogs. They are an aggressive grip but I've never felt too much bite. http://www.davidsonknives.com/

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Nighthawk frame available from Brownells for $445. I built a backup comp gun last year and since the Wilson kits & frames were sold out I purchased the Nighthawk frame. Had to remove a couple of burrs but other than that I'm extremely please with it. http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/frame-parts/frames/1911-frame-prod55445.aspx

Another plug for Titegroup. It's my main comp powder and I have used it for 230,200 and 185 grain loads. No problem with soot for 200 to 300 rounds, then I start to notice it.