1911 and comfort?

[chris in va]

Maybe I'm spoiled by my CZ, but every one of the dozen or so 1911's I fondled at the last gun show were quite uncomfortable. Sharp edges and harsh checkering. Really the only one I found marginal was the Springfield GI with the arched mainspring housing.

So what do you guys do to remedy the issue? Hogue?

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have never really noticed My Dan Wesson CBOB feels fine But then I don't have any problem with my stock Colts either .

 

[Pappy109]

I was just wondering how many companies produced the 1911a1 for the US Military?

 

[Oro]

but every one of the dozen or so 1911's I fondled at the last gun show were quite uncomfortable. Sharp edges and harsh checkering.

That's an awfully broad statement. There are a LARGE number of maker's of the 1911 style. Also, there are makers who "round" their edges to suit the current fad for that. And there are makers who build them more closely to the original historic design.

Personally, the majority of mine are Colt's and haven't ever found a "sharp edge" or any of the checkering that I thought was a problem.

1911 and comfort?

I dunno, but one of the reasons I don't own any CZ's or many other autos is they simply aren't as comfortable in the hand and as ergonomic as a Colt Government Model. So I think some of it comes down to the ergonomics you value.

how many companies produced the 1911a1 for the US Military?

During WWI: Colt, Springfield, and Remington UMC.

During WWII: Remington Rand, Colt, Ithaca. In smaller quantities, Union Switch and Signal and Singer.

There were prototypes made by Savage and North American but not production. I don't think I missed any but it's late and about bed time.

 

[Old Dog]

You're spoiled by your CZs. Don't ever put those rubber Hogue atrocities on a good 1911. Rosewood or cocobolo stocks, learn to love 'em, or stick with CZs.

 

[Drail]

Harsh checkering? Oh please.

 

[EddieNFL]

I think checkering is supposed to be sharp.

 

[dmazur]

I agree that way too many 1911's have sharp edges. I believe it is a result of polishing as a final step. On the 1991A1 I got a few years ago, the bottom edges of the slide were like a razor! (Bad for you, and not so kind to holsters, either.)

Since it was stainless, it was relatively simple to "dehorn" it with a fine stone. For blued or other finishes this is a little difficult, unless you want to pay to have it refinished...

I can't remember all the edges I touched up, but I know I got the slide(bottom edges and front "corners"), as well as the sides of the hammer. The mag well had some really sharp surfaces, too.

The Combat Commander I got in the 1970's didn't have any of these problems, but that was when Colt paid a little more attention to fit and finish.

 

[EddieNFL]

...but that was when Colt paid a little more attention to fit and finish.

There ya go.

 

[xXxplosive]

I agree, my 70's Combat Commander is just a wonderful working pistol and a pleasure to carry. Just the right size for me.

 

[Pappy109]

Don't get excited about 1911 fit and finish until you see a Singer made in Elizabeth NJ. That's the best fit and finish I have ever seen in a 1911 ever!

 

[EddieNFL]

I was thinking about ordering one, but the wait time is atrocious.

 

[Pappy109]

I was thinking about ordering one, but the wait time is atrocious.

I'll bet it is. Glad I got mine years ago....

 

[alistaire]

...but that was when Colt paid a little more attention to fit and finish.

Back then Colt did not have to compete against injection molded guns.

 

[LancerMW]

i love my harsh checkering

 

[Drail]

Was a time when people EXPECTED a Colt 1911 to have razor sharp 90 degree corners (and they DID!) Of course they just made and sold them. If they had to carry one they would stop doing that. I'd bet that the workers in the factory that had to handle those things all day wore cut resistant gloves. I've worked in plants unloading parts from CNC milling machines. A perfect 90 degree corner will cut your hand just like a sharp knife. We all wore gloves. Tools should be user friendly to at least some extent. Checkering should be crisp. If it's too much for your hands it can be slightly dulled with a light stroke of a file.