Got a Colt 45 1911. Now what.

[k0ua]

Thanks for the info. Didn't expect that it would be that much trouble to replace the rear. But, with that being the case, I agree, I'll leave it alone and just enjoy it as an untouched original.

Edit: I just re-read your post and saw that you mentioned the difficulty installing a fully adjustable rear. What I'm really looking for is just something easier to see. I wonder if there is just a basic rear that would slide right into the existing dovetail that is just a little easier to see and line up in a hurry.

Possibly some. Read this to get some ideas.

Replacement 1911 Sights that require no milling? - THR

Then maybe try Midway USA or Brownells for the search

Rear Sights | 1911 Commander,Government | 1911 | Gun Parts by Gun Make & Model | Gunsmithing & Gun Parts -MidwayUSA

Brownells Search : Search Results for "1911 rear sight" - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

James K0UA

 

[TripleR]

I put an MMC rear sight on my Combat Commander, it fits in the existing dovetail has a white outline and is adjustable. I don't have any pictures as I gave the gun to one of my sons.

 

[N80]

Thanks for the links James. That helps a lot. TripleR, I'll look into the MMC sight as well.

I put 50 rounds through the gun last weekend with some standard commercial loads. I think they were 230 grain. There was a lot less recoil as you guys suggested but there were several jams with these loads and some of the rounds ejected oddly, arching up and back and landing on my head. Also, after the last shot the action did not stay back. Isn't it supposed to? I thought it did with the heavy combat loads. The government loads did not jam of eject oddly. I'm assuming the problems I had were a combination of the light-ish commercial loads, the gun having very few rounds through it and probably very little lubrication in it after sitting for 50 years. I've taken it apart and put gun lube on it. Will see how it does in a few weeks.

But to clarify, is the action supposed to stay back after the last round?

 

[J35]

Yes the slide should lock back after the last shot has been fired from the magazine.


__ J

 

[bcp]

It probably deserves a new recoil spring by now.

A Guide to 1911 Recoil Springs by Wilson Combat

GunTech : 1911 Auto Recoil Spring Compression Weights

Bruce

 

[Gator6x4]

I have always liked the forty five. I could at one time in my youth when I was making all that money working for uncle sam chamber a round with one hand. You may have what is called "Limp Wrist". Don't throw any rocks at me but a lot of people in service had a problem with the forty five. Read this article: Limp wristing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[N80]

It probably deserves a new recoil spring by now.
Bruce

Really? Why? It has had less than 100 rounds through it. Just due to time?

 

[N80]

You may have what is called "Limp Wrist".

Hmmm. Could be. I was not conscious of holding it any less tight than I was with the combat loads. I actually shot better groups with the combat loads for some reason. And didn't someone say earlier that I might be holding the gun too tight? Anyway, I like this gun even though I do not like automatics in general......I still find that I shoot the 357 much better. I know....practice, practice, practice.

 

[k0ua]

A weak follower spring in the magazine can also cause the slide not to stay open after the last shot. or riding your thumb on the slide release lever when the gun recoils

 

[bcp]

Really? Why? It has had less than 100 rounds through it. Just due to time?

And a relatively cheap way to eliminate springs as causing any problems. Like buying a used tractor and changing all the fluids before putting it to serious work.

Bruce