1911 dust cover crack

[Miossi Gun Works]

I think that Tuner is on the right track. I have seen at least a dozen Colt lower ends cracked right where you say yours is. I always drilled the end of the crack and told the owner to keep on shooting. A shok-buff would have prevented that but it's too late now. I have seen more Commanders crack that Government models. A really good welder can fix it but I would not put the heat on it if it were me. Colt will not replace it. They also will not sell a lower end to anyone. That is the area where the slide smacks the frame hard every time you fire the gun. I have never seen a Caspian frame crack in 20 years.

Colt replaced my 16 year old Gold Cup frame when it cracked. Had the same serial number on it but I had to fit the frame to the slide and it was a real bear, the spec of the mid 80's and 2001 are quite a bit different. But they did replace it.
Jim

 

[45auto]

I'm tempted to send it in to Colt. I called and they would take a look at it.

But, I'd still have to do a lot of work to it even if they replaced free, so I'm still undecided. And, that's assuming they would fit the new frame to my slide, bbl, trigger parts, etc.

The gun is very reliable and accurate, so I'm a bit reluctant to have them "fool" with it given the fact that several feel it's just cosmetic. And, there are some well known reputable smiths that can fix it if I choose.

Ha, choices, choices.

 

[Dave Sample]

Send it back to Colt if you can. They will not hurt it too much and may help it. It's worth the trip to get a new lower end out of them. It will be a re-numbered drop in part to them and should be as good as the one that cracked.

 

[45auto]

"should be as good as the one that cracked"

Ha, I had to read that twice, but I "got" it.

 

[txgho1911]

Wise Ones

I went looking for a new spring on a 2001 SA loaded 1911. It's first 2k rounds saw lotts of oil on rail and barrelpoints of contact. This one has the flgr and that will stay until it breaks. I will use a mild locktight as it's a 2pc.
I found 16# and 22# and 24# springs. Also picked up some shock buffers. This spring was a job to compress. I got the 22#er. Was planning to put a 20# instead but will have to order it. I think I may have goofed and not cut this spring down for a 5" barrel. How much 20# spring should be used when it visually looks +/-3" longer than the 16# or so factory spring pulled out?
I am using white box fmj for practice and golden saber carry. One box through running verry smooth but I had hell compressing this spring I folded it over twice kinking as I went.
I am ordering the 20# now but just wanting to check where I may have gone wrong before. Leanth of new spring for 5" barrel.
I guess I should pull out a marker and look for close gaps and friction between frame and slide parts.
Anything else I might look into for a post breakin maint check?

Other resources I am checking include the 1911 sticky.

 

[Dave Sample]

My pal Tuner is the spring guy. I use 16 1/2 LB Wolff VP recoil springs in 5 " 1911's. Anything else will do bad things at one end or the other. This weight is predicated on all the other factors being correct, too. Tuner.....................................................................let us count the coils....................................................................

 

[txgho1911]

Second thoughts are good.

Well from carefull study on everything I can find I will be getting a lighter spring.
This 20# springe passes the crunch test. My experience stuffing this one has decided me against any move toward a 45super conversion.
Otherwise I will still go through with a black marker looking for contact to lil or to much.


hehehe counting coils kinda reminds me of dragging water to the crown for the water table. Or a hit up on the tool pusher for the V-door key!

 

[Brian D.]

Dave, you and Tuner start that coil counting bidness again, I'll slink(y) away from this thread, or at least recoil in horror!

 

[Dave Sample]

Hey Brian. Do you think he knows where that little 17 coil spring goes? I will stop there! ROTF:LMAO

 

[1911Tuner]

Countin' Coils

Brian...Pay no attention to Sample...He suffers from Springus Envy. Poor devil just can't get over my spring havin' more coils than his'n.

 

[Dave Sample]

I think we got him on the little spring with 17 coils. Here is a "Clew". It is not in a 1911 semi-automatic pistol.

 

[1911Tuner]

Seventeen???

Cap'n say:

Here is a "Clew". It is not in a 1911 semi-automatic pistol.
____________________



Cap'n! Ya mean ya got one of them implanted doohickies with SEVENTEEN COILS ON IT???? Well, spank my ol' skinny an' call me "Shorty."

Tuner bows to Cap'n Kingus Springus

 

[Dave Sample]

OK Tuner. I know it was unfair so that is why I did it. Think of the rebound slides in a great many S&W's and it will come to you in an instant. You know I know that you are the Spring King, but once in a while I have to get you looking the other way! I wish I had a springy thingy like you! Woof Woof Woof.