1911 .45 acp several general questions
Hello:
I have several 1911 related questions I am hoping someone can asnwer for me. I recently inherited a Springfield Armory 1911 style "Defender", a Colt Gov't Model MK IV/Series 70 and a Colt .22 conversion kit. The Colt 70 appears to my untrained eye to be nearly brand new.
1.) While reading thru the paperwork, the .22 conversion kit states "may require minor machining" or "fitting by a gunsmith" before the first install, or something similar to that effect.
-Is it the firearm that needs "machined" or the conversion kit?
-What exactly is required?
-if it is the firearm, does this affect any resale value to the piece?
2.) Will the Colt kit fit on the Springfield frame?
3.) Is the conversion worth the time and effort?
I am not a collector, nor do I consider these an "investment" and I like to shoot. In fact, I had the SA out about 2 hours ago, giving it a another run through. However, I certainly do not want to do anything too drastic that would effect the firearms themselves. If anyone has any experience with thise items, please let me know your opinions.
As always, thanks for your time
Mike
I have several 1911 related questions I am hoping someone can asnwer for me. I recently inherited a Springfield Armory 1911 style "Defender", a Colt Gov't Model MK IV/Series 70 and a Colt .22 conversion kit. The Colt 70 appears to my untrained eye to be nearly brand new.
1.) While reading thru the paperwork, the .22 conversion kit states "may require minor machining" or "fitting by a gunsmith" before the first install, or something similar to that effect.
-Is it the firearm that needs "machined" or the conversion kit?
-What exactly is required?
-if it is the firearm, does this affect any resale value to the piece?
2.) Will the Colt kit fit on the Springfield frame?
3.) Is the conversion worth the time and effort?
I am not a collector, nor do I consider these an "investment" and I like to shoot. In fact, I had the SA out about 2 hours ago, giving it a another run through. However, I certainly do not want to do anything too drastic that would effect the firearms themselves. If anyone has any experience with thise items, please let me know your opinions.
As always, thanks for your time
Mike
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The conversion unit should work on either frame, I believe, and in my experience, no "fitting" was required.
Try it out and see how it works. If it doesn't and may need some fitting I'd find a competent 'smith to do the work and would suggest that any fitting be done to the conversion unit and not the frame; especially if your working with the Colt. In my experience the conversion units are alot of fun, though accuracy and reliability can be problematic. Many are very sensitive to different kinds of ammo. You might start with CCI MiniMags, either hollow point or solid.
Just my 2 cents. I'm sure others will be along soon. Good luck, and enjoy.0 -
It would be best if you could identify the specific type/maker of the conversion unit. A number of manufacturers besides Colt have made them over the years. The most distinctive feature of the original Colt made conversation units is what is called the "Floating Chamber". The actual breach section of the barrel is a separate piece that is moveable, that is unless it has been soldered up by shooting the wrong types of .22 ammo. 0 -
The Springfield defender is a horse of a different Color. I t is 1911 type Clone with frame and slide made in Brazil. The series 70 In my opinion one of the] best series of Civilian Colts 1911 Type Colts ever made. Like others have stated depending on Whom made the conversion unit it may fir and function 100% or may need some TWEAKING. 0 -
It is an actual "COLT" conversion kit, the box is marked model #03150,
I have the manual and kit in front of me now.
There is the slide assembly, the barrel, a bushing, a recoil spring, a magazine and a slide stop. The manual says this barrel has the "floating chamber".
What I was referencing above is the introduction in the inside cover of the manual says "IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FIRST CONVERSION BE MADE PROFESSIONALLY, BUT AFTER THAT....YOU CAN CONVERT...WHENEVER YOU WISH." It was that line that caused me to inquire here.0 -
quote:Originally posted by 82trooper
It is an actual "COLT" conversion kit, the box is marked model #03150,
I have the manual and kit in front of me now.
There is the slide assembly, the barrel, a bushing, a recoil spring, a magazine and a slide stop. The manual says this barrel has the "floating chamber".
What I was referencing above is the introduction in the inside cover of the manual says "IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FIRST CONVERSION BE MADE PROFESSIONALLY, BUT AFTER THAT....YOU CAN CONVERT...WHENEVER YOU WISH." It was that line that caused me to inquire here.
I've owned a number of the original Colt floating chamber conversations over the years. Besides the above parts you have noted, there should be a ejector made of stamped sheet metal.
If your fitting it to to a original Colt you shouldn't have any trouble. Occasionally the sheet metal ejector has to filed to provide proper clearance, as it's held in place by the fixed ejector that's mounted on top of the frame of the Colt. If there isn't enough clearance between the inside of the slide and the conversation units ejector, the slide will bind up.0 -
You have been shooting the Defender so you know it is a very good "1911 CLONE" as people like to put them down as they are not a "COLT" [B)]
I have a Defender that has about 10,000 rounds or more shooting IPSC&IDPA matches. It still is about as tight as it was when built.
Sure the Springfield slides and frames are forged in Brazil, but all the machining and fitting is done here [;)]0
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