Mag change on single stack 1911

[p3ordie]

Hello,
I have been shooting IPSC pistol matches with a SA custom 1911. I am trying to find a faster way for mag changes(I'm right handed). My thumb will just not reach the button unless I change my grip. Up untill now I have been re-gripping it so my thumb will but it's taking too much time. I've tried releasing it with my left hand but that takes too much time. This is just a thought and I'm sure someone else out there has already tried moving the mag release to the right hand side? I can without changing my grip using my index finger reach the right hand side mag release with no problem. Looking at my grip while my finger is on the trigger none of my fingers come close to the mag release if it was on the right hand side, what if any problems would I have? I thought it would be worth a try?

Thanks,
p3ordie

 

[tobeat1]

If you are just using it for IPSC get an oversized mag release installed. There is a plethora of options available. Different shapes and sizes, etc. Shop around and if possible try before you buy. STI makes one that I like a great deal.

 

[Jim Watson]

Smith-Alexander makes an ambidextrous magazine catch that you can punch with your trigger finger. But I used the C&S extended button on my IPSC gun. Now I shoot mostly IDPA which doesn't allow the mushroom buttons but the Brown +.050" catch is allowable and is enough for MY hand size.

 

[Navy joe]

Become left handed I'm convinced Browning was a lefty, that gun is just too convenient for operation with the left trigger finger.

To swap the release would be impractical, the frame would need to be machined and welded up in places, all your mags would have to have a new notch cut in them. Easier to put the big button on there.

If you have any grip fatteners, lose them. Look at thin profile grips and a flat MSH if yours is an arched one. That will get your thumb closer.

 

[p3ordie]

Yah..I see that now, changing to a right hand button is NOT an option I would like to do, Thanks. I looked at the Smith-Alexander in the Brownells catalog, It talks about gunsmith fitting required. I'm not so sure I want to do that. I would want to be able to go back to was way it is now if I don't like it and if the gunsmith has to cut or grind anything that may not be possible. Anyway's thanks to all, I'll start looking at diffenent buttons.

p3ordie

 

[DT Guy]

Brownells has the C&S ambi-mag catch for around $30, I think. I'm wondering if anyone has used it?

I also have short fingers, and the trigger finger alternative is interesting.


Larry

 

[faustulus]

If it doesn't screw your grip up too much get thinner grip panels. Or at least a thinner panel on the left side. I have trouble with tradtional 1911 grip panels but the thin ones on the STIs make it much easier to hit the mag release.

 

[p3ordie]

I found the the C&S ambi release, this looks like something I would want to try. I also tried a test on my 1911, I removed the left hand grip and seen how that felt, I still had problems! This gun has about 750 rounds through, still pretty new. Will the mag release spring get any weaker with time? Either I need to do thumb exercises (LOL) or change out the spring. Maybe a combination of a thinner left hand grip, weaker spring and a larger/higher release button or the C&S ambi release. Probably the cheapest route is the C&S release, I'll give that a try. If that don't work then I'll start buying new grips, springs and a different release, Thanks to all for the help!

p3ordie

 

[M1911]

p3ordie: why don't you just cut a link or two off of the magazine catch spring?

 

[DT Guy]

Brownell's sells an assortment from Wolff that includes about four or five mag catch springs. This lets you pick the best after trying a few, and all the springs are full length.

FWIW,
Larry

 

[p3ordie]

M1911, DT Guy,
Without adjusting my shooting grip, the closest I can get my thumb from the release is about .175". I was thinking about trying to find some really cheap grips that I can grind out the area where my thumb would go and adjust or change the catch spring like you mentioned and see how that worked. I beginning to think I'll never be able to acheive a mag change without adjusting my grip or learn to use my left hand on the release. DT Guy, in the Brownells catalog is the P/N #969-271-700 the spring kit you were refering to? Thanks for the help.

p3ordie

 

[DT Guy]

That's them.

You might want to look at the Ahrend's "Combat Checkered" grips--they include a dished out area around the mag catch that helps me out quite a bit.

Larry