NCG Gas System for 1911's - Comments Request

[TEX]

I am looking for feedback on the NCG Gas System as it relates to recoil. It seems the system had some problems early on with certain 1911 platforms, but that for the most part they have been worked out. I am certainly in favor of increased accuracy, but my main interest is in reduced recoil for faster follow up shots. I would appreciate any input or comments from anyone who has had hands on experience with this gas system and how it affects recoil. I have gone over the NCG web page extensively, and one point they make, I have noticed myself in the difference between my full size 1911 and my alloy frame Commander. Although the Commander in a lighter gun, the recoil is no greater than, and possibly even less than, the full size steel frame. I think this may be due to less weight in the cycling slide. This is a point made by NCG and the primary reason, I believe, that their Ultimate system has minimal cycling mass in the slide. I read a comment from someone on another forum that he didn’t notice any real recoil reduction unless he was using +P loads. This is the same feeling I get when using a Harrts recoil reducing guide rod in my Glock. On standard target loads, there seems to be little reduction in recoil, but in +P+ loads (Harrts vs stock), there is a noticeable reduction in recoil. My primary goal is recoil reduction with potent defensive loads and well as target loads. My secondary goal is increased accuracy. I am considering either this NCG Gas System or a better barrel and the Harrts system. The latter is about half the cost. Any sincere helpful comments or feed back would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brian D.]

Friend of mine hereabouts spent TONS of time and energy trying to get his NCG conversion to run right. At first he sent it back to them (several times) and later used the combined services of a very knowledgable FLG, with assistance from those of us with several years each of 1911 home-doctorin' under our belts.

Never did get it running right. One proviso was that the gun in question was a Springfield Longslide, but the NCG folks had insisted they could make it work perfectly. In the end they made good on their money back guarantee.

As far as how it shot, the recoil may have been tamed a bit when using bowling pin loads, but not as effective as a good ol' single or dual port compensator. The gun seemed accurate also, however it was no better than many guns I've seen with a match barrel.

All in all the NCG struck us as a waste of time/effort/money, although it started out for my friend as a noble experiment with lots of promise on the horizon. Nothin' wrong with striving for a better gun, but his NCG conversion wasn't one.

 

[rbernie]

I have no direct experience. However, the general consensus within the folks that I know that have examined it and/or tried it pretty much seems to be that it's a solution in search of a problem.

If recoil management is an issue, you can always go with a bull barrel, FLGR mit counterweight, or some other less-intrusive and less expensive solution.

 

[Jim Watson]

Genie Williams says her husband Gene can make one run. I was interested in one and even my conservative FLG thought it was a promising system. But Oliver's experience pretty much talked me out of it. I am not extravagant enough to see if they have them straightened out or if Gene can complete the job.

But if you want to check it out...

Williams Gun Repair
Princeton, Texas

When I want less recoil, I put in less gunpowder, down to the low end of Major power factor or to the least that will function the gun if power factor is not required.