Springfield integral lock

[Jmurman]

I see where SA has an integral locking systemon their .45 1911's

This has been approved by MD for sale. Has anyone seen or used this?

 

[Kaylee]

and we're off to autoshuckers....

 

[foghornl]

That "ILS" is in my new Champion model, but I have never tested it...nor do I intend to test it.

Looks like you could lock/unlock it with the right sized snap-ring pliers, though.

I would hate to have to try to work that lock with the Bad Guy(s) thumping up the stairs......

 

[Tamara]

The biggest benefit of Springfield's ILS is that it forced a return to metal mainspring housings.

Couldn't tell you how well they work as I've never bothered to switch one "on".

 

[larryw]

Wth about $10 in parts from Brownell's you can replace the ILS MSH guts with standard 1911 parts, and improve the trigger pull while you're at it.

 

[cratz2]

Yep... I've replaced the ILS internals on all but two of my Springfields. About $5 from my super secret source and it's gone. Consistantly improves the trigger pull and consistancy of pull.

It operates in a very simple manner... Just turn the key and the gun no workey any more. In all honesty, it probably doesn't do anything that couldn't be offset with a nice trigger job. It is very minor and you could probably look over the gun and not even see it.

 

[JJohnston015]

What does the lock have to do with the feel of the trigger? On my milspecs, it locks up the mainspring plunger and prevents the hammer from being cocked.

And I'd sure like to know that super-secret source. I've been wanting to get rid of mine.

 

[larryw]

ILS' longer plunger requires the use of a very short and stiff mainspring.

 

[cratz2]

I have several Springfields and after replacing the ILS internals (and usually the housing) every single one of them improved the trigger. Another issue that I don't like is the ILS comes without a mainspring cap retaining pin. this allows the spring and cap to vary slightly. You can argue about spring tensions all you want but I'd rather the cap be at the exact same spot everytime.

 

[larryw]

Here's a Brownell's shopping list to upgrade your ILS gun to standard 1911 parts. All fit in SA's standard MSH:

969-262-180 WOLFF 18 LB., HAMMER SPRING $4.29
965-011-162 R16BS MAINSPRING CAP STAINLESS STEEL $2.35
965-011-164 R16CS MAINSPRING PIN RETAINER S/S $2.35
965-011-166 R16DS MAINSPRING CAP PIN S/S $2.35

 

[9x19]

For the full-size models (and the Champion), you don't need to buy a new MS pin retainer as the factory one will work...

However, if you are working with a Compact model Springfield, the MSH spring tunnel is the same size as a standard model rather than the larger diamater of the Colt Officers models, and Kimber compacts.

You'll need all parts mentioned PLUS a new housing for the SA Compacts

 

[larryw]

SA full sized models with the ILS do not come with the MS retainer pin (although the MSH with the ILS "lock" is drilled for it).

 

[blades67]

How much improvement is there? Has anyone used a trigger pull guage before and after?

 

[cratz2]

Well, I used 18# springs in all my Springfields. Now granted, a 20# is standard but I've put a combined total of probably over 3,000 rounds through guns with the 18# springs and have never had a misfire or slow fire. You could always order one 18# and one 20# spring per gun. My Stainless Loaded Target went from about 6# to about 2.5#, 2.6# and my Stainless Target 9mm went from about 6# to 4.1#. Didn't measure them before but a friend of mine measured them afterwards. This may be a bit light for carry use but is no more likely to cause a ND than an 8# trigger if your finger doesn't touch the trigger.

Others I've done I'd estimate have dropped from 6# & 8# down to 4# and 5#. I have a 1991A1 with a finely tuned professional trigger job set at exactly 5.2# and I'd bet that everyone one of my Springfields is lighter than that one. But keep in mind this isn't to say that swapping out these parts leads to a perfect trigger pull. Creep is still going to be there. Misaligned and rough contact points are still going to be there. These parts won't replace a professional trigger job but it may help put it off. Of all the Springfields I've done this swap to (around 10) I'd say 2 or 3 were good enough that I would not have worried about a trigger job afterwards.

 

[9x19]

larryw,

The compacts don't come with the MS Cap pin either, but the MSH pin retainer is the cone-shaped piece at the bottom of the spring that bears against the MSH pin's groove to retain it in the frame.

All of my ILS Springfields came with them and they are of standard size so can be re-used as noted.