ATI 1911 9mm range time

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Crazy Horse

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So, since purchasing my ATI 1911 9mm, I made one modification. I changed the GI guide rod for a full length guide rod. I obtained one from Ebay labeled Klonimus. As everyone that has owned an ATI, the guide rod requires fitting. I managed to get it fitted and it performed well. I should note that there is no advantage other than it makes removal of the slide easier as it keeps the spring compressed when taking the gun apart.

I took it to the range and fired 50 rounds of Magtech 115 grain. They all fired without issues. I then switched to 124 grain polymer reloads. 3 jammed, but they all fired and hit the target. Below are pics of the results.

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This is a 2 inch target at 7 yards.

Below are the results of shooting at a moving target out to 17 yards:
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I will report, that on my last set, the safety button got very stiff. I managed to remove the magazine, but the button would not spring back. I'll be taking it apart for a thorough cleaning and will make sure the magazine eject button functions properly.

Overall after 150 rounds, I'm pretty happy with the accuracy and function of the ATI 1911 9mm.

If there is some advice I can impart to the forum it would be this. 1911's look very similar. and the magazines will fit a 45 1911. I took my RIA 1911 45 as they look very, very similar, thinking it was my 9mm. I loaded the 9mm magazine. I fired one round with no issues. The second round however, caused a soft sound with a light recoil. It didn't extract the round. Thinking I had a squib, I stopped firing, ejected the magazine and realized it was my 1911 45acp. I disassembled the firearm and extracted the spent case. Needless to say, the case cracked, but the round did not jam on the barrel. I put the firearm back together and inserted a 45 acp case with rounds. The 45 acp rounds all fired without issue.

I will say, that the guns look very similar, so I would recommend keeping them separate when firing so as not to risk firing the wrong caliber out of a 45 acp 1911.

A final observation is that there is no difference between a full length guide rod and the GI style guide rod. I like the full length guide rod for disassembly, but as far as function is concerned, there is no advantage of one over the other.
 
Took a quick trip to the range last night. Fired the ATI 1911 9mm. First 20 rounds were 115gr magtech rounds. They all fire perfect. I then switched over to 124 grain Browning 9mm rounds. I experienced several FTE's. However after ~30 rounds, the gun started firing reliably. I ran out of time, but it seemed like the gun was still breaking in because once I loaded more rounds after the initial 124gr rounds, There were no more issues. I'll be taking it out again hopefully this weekend. Below are some pics, note the full length guide rod.

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Accuracy after filing down the front sight is also on point. This really makes me happy and gives me a sense of satisfaction.

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The last photo compares the two bulls on the top against my RIA full length 1911 45acp. The lower left target shows shots from my Shield45.

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Overall I'm extremely happy with my purchase. So much so that I went ahead and put down for an ATI Commander in 45acp. After all we can't forget ourselves during the holiday season.
 
Thanks for the report; I know nothing about ATI. I did have one gun that needed the front sight filed down but I was afraid to do it because it is kind of like cutting a carpet. Once it is too short....... :) Glad it worked for you.
 
I have an ATI .45 Commander and love it---no problems feeding 230gr ball or 200gr swc---shoots low-had to file front sight a bit-shoots good now. Looked for a 5in Gov model at
LGS but couldn't find one so picked up RIA 5in Tactical model in 9mm for a good price. Shot it once (only 25 rounds) it seems to be a good shooter---more rounds will tell.
 
The RIA 1911 45 acp was my first foray into the world of 45 acp shooting. I still have it and love it. It's the 5" government model. I played with the sights for some time until I finally got them right. It had a bad habit of shooting low. That's when I read up on point of aim. I replaced the front sight and now aim closer to the 12 o'clock position. The front sight on the RIA is not staked so it is easier to replace. I recently purchased a pair of mahogany wood grips (I don't care for the light colored grips that came stock) and love the way it feels. At this point, I know I could purchase a more expensive 1911, but I like working on my 1911's and would hate to damage (mark up) a more expensive 1911 when making adjustments. As for shooting, it fires anything I feed it. Often times when I firing a new type of reload, I'll shoot it through the RIA first. It's all steel, feels solid, and has good weight. What has got me now is the upgrade bug, and with these 1911's It's an excellent platform to upgrade while learning how to do your own gunsmith work.
 
I did have one gun that needed the front sight filed down but I was afraid to do it because it is kind of like cutting a carpet. Once it is too short.......
John---You file a little (2 or 3 light passes with file) then shoot it---need to take off a bit more--- repeat until you get it to print where you want it.
 
Yes. I just got an ATI 1911 Commander in 45 acp. Took it to the range, I had to adjust the rear sight for me (normal), but the front sight didn't seem to require any filing. I'll have to verify the grouping this weekend. That one also has the SC marking.

What I really like about these low priced 1911's are the upgrade options. I know that, depending on what I upgrade, over time I will have spent just as much as I would have if I would have purchased a higher end 1911. But like an artist, making the painting is more fulfilling than buying the complete painting.

In the next few monts ~4, I'd like to go for a 1911 officer next. Looking at the Taurus officer 1911 as it is the cheapest one at Buds with the best ratings.

I'll try to remember to post pics of my collection (2x1911 45 acp, 1x1911 9mm, & 1xStarBM 9mm). They may not be Les Baer or a Cabot 1911, but they're mine, and the only thing I love more than shooting them is upgrading and modifying them.
 
Got to goto range today. Promised the wife I'd help with the gift wrapping afterwards ;-).

Had a great time, I still need to adjust my ATI 45 a bit more as it still shoots a bit right of target. Thinking one more adjustment and it will be dialed in. The center bull is the ATI 1911 45acp shot group.
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On a positive note, most of those groupings are at 10 yards. The RIA 1911 45acp (bull 5), I still a pretty good group.

A couple of observations:
1. For all my 1911's I have to aim at the 12 o'clock position. It's a non-issue so long as it is consistent for the 1911 platform.

2. The eject button for both ATI's sticks. I have oiled it but it still sticks a bit. I think it's due to both guns being new.

3. going out greater than 10 yards requires larger bulls. 1911 sights are thick and I'm unable to see a 2x2 target from that point on.

4. So far, both of my 1911 45acp's (RIA & ATI), will eat anything. I shot Magtech and Winchester 230gr jacketed rounds with not jams. I also shot 3 different types of reloaded rounds (Brazos precision 230gr coated LRN, Brazos precision 200gr coated LSWC, and RNR 200gr coated RNFP), no jams whatsoever.

As for the 1911 ATI, I had about 4 jams over 100 rounds. I used Browning 124gr bullets and ACME 124gr coated bullets. The spring currently in the gun is a 14 lb spring. I just received a spring kit so I will be installing a 12lb spring. I have a 10 lb spring, but we'll see how it goes.

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That 7 yard firing group is one of the 2x2 targets. The group spread out a bit, but this is where I had my 4 jams. So I started to get a little disappointed.

Finally, here's a pick of all three 1911's

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You can see that both the RIA and 9mm 1911's have full length guide rods. I'm still undecided which functions better in the ATI, but I like how the barrel and guide rod show when the slide is extended. I just ordered a full length guide rod for hte ATI 45. Will size the guide rod then install to test it out.
 
Is that an ATI titan? I was searching for an ATI officer's model and only RIA and Taurus came up. How does it shoot? Did it come with the trigger in the pic or did you upgrade?
 
Bikerdoc,
Looks real nice. I've eyeballing it. The main difference between the titan and officer is the barrel length. The Titan is 3.12 and the officer is 3.5. I have a shield45 that is 3.3 and it shoots well, but others have commented on the fps not getting up to speed estimates on reloading handbooks due to the barrel length. Wish they had a rental at the range to compare the felt recoil. Maybe next year....... After all it's right around the corner.
 
I have found no difference in a short or full length guide rod as far as reliability or accuracy---some full length rods require a different take down procedure.
 
The first 1911 I purchased was a RIA 5". So I got used to the spring staying on the slide when taking it apart. I wasn't aware of the short guide rod until I purchased a 9mm 1911. It isn't difficult, but I was surprised by the spring. I guess since my introduction to the 1911 was with a full guide rod, I'm more used to that setup.
 
Bikerdoc,

I should have bought the ATI Titan before Christmas. It was 382.00. I just looked now in hopes of purchasing one. The price is now as of this morning 420.00 at Budsgunshop. I attempted to price match, but was unsuccessful at their previous price. Go figure.
 
I purchased an ATI Officer's model on Saturday at the local farm store, they were on clearance and had an additional 20% off for that days sale. $250 for a 1911.

I shot 3 mags of 230 grain factory fmj's to function test. All ran without a problem. I'll get back out and shoot some more when weather is better, although it is 55* here on Christmas day.
 
Update: Well Bikerdoc, I couldn't resist. I bit down and purchased an ATI Titan. I didn't expect it yesterday, but as I was polishing the mag feed on my ATI 1911 9mm I got the call. Yours looked real nice and having the bright trigger and adjustable sights on both the front and rear really add to the aesthetics, not to mention your assessment of not having one hiccup.

I finished up the polishing-I had been having issues on my last session with the 9mm 1911 with some jamming issues when using 124 grain bullets and decided to smooth and polish the feed ramp-and went to my FFL.

Upon returning, I realized the range was due to close in 1 1/2 hours. I did a quick job disassembling the Titan, inspected it, cleaned it, and put it back together. I took the Titan and the 9mm 1911 to the range. The titan fired without a jam. Of course I need to adjust the sights, but I fed the Titan Winchester 230gr and a couple of magazines of LRN reloads. The reloads felt excellent while the factory WInchester ammo felt a tad stout-not uncomfortable and probably due to the length of the barrel. I'll be cleaning it out again adjusting the sights and taking the Titan back to the range this weekend.

As for the 1911 9mm, it performed excellent. I fired 100 rounds of 115gr Magtech ammo and didn't have one jam. I will also be taking it out again as well, but this time firing 124gr ammo.

I ordered and modified a Klonimus full length guide rod for my other ATI 1911 45acp Commander. I know it doesn't make any difference between guide rods, but as I posted previously, I like the way it looks better, and takedown is a tad more efficient. I'll be taking this one out as well. It'll be a full day of 1911 shooting.

I'd better get to reloading. Happy New Year.
 
It has a Novak style rear sight. It can be adjusted with an allen wrench and a sight pusher-and Kroil (recommended). The front sight can also be adjusted with a sight pusher. What I like is that the front sight is adjustable as well, unlike the other ATI 1911's, which one can only adjust the rear sight due to the front sight being staked.
 
I don't think there would be significant velocity loss from a 3.5 barrel to a 3.12. Was there a lot of muzzle flash with the WWB ammo compared to your LRN reloads
and what do you reload them with?
 
nofendertom,

Yes, I noticed a bit more flash from the Winchester load than my reloaded LRN. I will add that the Titan's barrel is much thicker (bull barrel). So it can definitely handle the loads.

For the reloads, I utilize 230gr Brazos precision bullets with 5.4 grains of CFE pistol with a COAL of 1.200. This is a recent change as I was using 5.6 grains of CFE pistol with a COAL of 1.240. The load is an update I got from Hogdon's reloading magazine for 2020. Both loads felt the similar in recoil, meaning they didn't have the recoil felt with the Winchester loads.

I just gave it a thorough cleaning and adjusted the rear sight. It's so much easier to move compared to the Shield45, or any Shield firearms for that matter so long as you have a sight pusher.
 
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