Since I took the 3” thread off track I figured I’d start a new thread and reengage Old Fuff on his opinion on “tight” 1911’s.
Background info: I’ve owned 7 1911’s over the years since 1978, my current two are both Les Baer’s. My 5” gun has a little over 15K through it and hasn’t hiccupped since the 1st 1000 rounds. My 4.25” Stinger went over 5K yesterday and never has had a stoppage. Most of my range sessions are 3-400 rounds of 200 grain LSWC reloads, I also shoot 2-3 pistol matches a month with the 5” gun.
I’d say that they’re both pretty reliable for any 1911, never mind a “tight” built 1911. At this point I trust them both. I believe that others might disagree based on the “tightness” VS “looser” tolerances, especially in a combat environment. Some have also pointed out that the extra accuracy provided by a tighter fit gun isn’t required. They've even gone so far as to call them "toys" They may be right, but my contention is that a tight gun, put together properly, has enough reliability to spare for practical use.
So I’d like to get some of your takes on the following:
Just how many rounds does a defensive pistol have to shoot to be reliable, both per range session and cumulative?
Is the extra accuracy detrimental?
Exactly how bad are the average SD combat conditions?
My thoughts are, there’s no way I’ll ever go over 300 rounds in a real world situation before cleaning, it’s just not happening. I’ll take whatever accuracy I can get, and the worst conditions I’m likely to see is a spill in a mud puddle on my way to the car.
I do agree with some of the “old Guys” contentions that there’s issues with some of the newer makes of 1911’s and that some companies are letting their customers do QC for them. That’s why I ended up with the Baer’s in the first place.
But do they need to rattle to be reliable?
What do you guys think?
Chuck
Background info: I’ve owned 7 1911’s over the years since 1978, my current two are both Les Baer’s. My 5” gun has a little over 15K through it and hasn’t hiccupped since the 1st 1000 rounds. My 4.25” Stinger went over 5K yesterday and never has had a stoppage. Most of my range sessions are 3-400 rounds of 200 grain LSWC reloads, I also shoot 2-3 pistol matches a month with the 5” gun.
I’d say that they’re both pretty reliable for any 1911, never mind a “tight” built 1911. At this point I trust them both. I believe that others might disagree based on the “tightness” VS “looser” tolerances, especially in a combat environment. Some have also pointed out that the extra accuracy provided by a tighter fit gun isn’t required. They've even gone so far as to call them "toys" They may be right, but my contention is that a tight gun, put together properly, has enough reliability to spare for practical use.
So I’d like to get some of your takes on the following:
Just how many rounds does a defensive pistol have to shoot to be reliable, both per range session and cumulative?
Is the extra accuracy detrimental?
Exactly how bad are the average SD combat conditions?
My thoughts are, there’s no way I’ll ever go over 300 rounds in a real world situation before cleaning, it’s just not happening. I’ll take whatever accuracy I can get, and the worst conditions I’m likely to see is a spill in a mud puddle on my way to the car.
I do agree with some of the “old Guys” contentions that there’s issues with some of the newer makes of 1911’s and that some companies are letting their customers do QC for them. That’s why I ended up with the Baer’s in the first place.
But do they need to rattle to be reliable?
What do you guys think?
Chuck