Arched or Flat Mainspring Housing?

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I've got this old Colt Ace that I don't shoot much. It has an arched MSH. In my hand I like how it feels better than my other 1911's that have flat MSH's.

So, why does it feel better to me?

Why don't I see arched MSH's on new 1911's? What brought about the change?

What shall I look for to put one on my Kimber Stainless II? Will one from a Colt or other model fit?

-Steve

 

[rcmodel]

Who knows what brought about the change.

The early military 1911 had the flat housing, then it was changed to the arched on the 1911-A1.

Now, Flat is In Again, and Arched is Out.

I shoot arched on all of mine.
If you have small hands, flat is probably going to fit better.

I can't swear to it, but I would assume any new stainless arched housing would fit your Kimber. Some of the Colts are plastic now.

Why don't you try the one off your Ace and see if it fits the Kimber?
Then you will know for sure firsthand.


rcmodel

 

[ocharry]

i think like rc said it is all about YOUR hand

i like a flat housing for me,,,an arched one tend to make me shoot high

if you like the arched one in your ace,,,, then you will probably like one on your kimber

all about choices,,,,, YMMV

ocharry

 

[gunsmithgirl]

I prefer a flat mainspring housing- I think it fits my hands better.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

AFAIK, one of the main reasons the mainspring housing was arched in the A1was the US Military wanted a higher point of aim when point shooting (or somesuch). In my tending to agree with most pre 1957 US weapons choices, it seems thats why mine have arched as well

 

[DnPRK]

The first thing I change on a new 1911A1 is to swap the flat mainspring housing for and arched one. It fits my hand better that way.

 

[10X]

Arched versus flat MSH is a personal choice. Use what ever works best for you.

The arched MSH was developed and added to the 1911a1 by the military to make the point of aim higher.

Personally, I prefer the flat housing, but shoot equally well or bad with either.

 

[saltydog452]

It does not matter. Flat 'feels' better...arched 'works' better for me.

salty

 

[mister2]

AFAIK, the flat MSH came with the long trigger, and the arched came with the short trigger, from the factory. Nowadays, they're all mixed and matched. It's very comfortable for me to go arched/short trigger