1911 Modifications - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

boater1217 · 02-16-2006, 11:20 AM

I have been hanging around a 1911 site because I am trying to make up my mind about either buying a 1911 or waiting on a XD45 (by the way leaning toward the XD). Anyway, I am amazed at the "fine tuning" that seem to be required to have the perfect 1911. Is this the Harley thing, you know "modify my bike so it is different than yours"

or is it necessary so that the weapon functions correctly? My XD 9 has not required anyting but cleaning and has always function correctly. This is what I expected when I bought it and have not been disappointed. anyway, just curious

mullanman · 02-16-2006, 12:29 PM

All of my 1911's ran fine out of the box and functioned 100% after breakin. Breaking in consisted of 100 rounds, cleaning, repeat, etc. until i had fired 500 or so.

It's only when you start changing parts out that things need to be tweaked. Guns are a machine, machines require fitting for precision components.

Just follow regular maintenence procedures and you'll be fine.

XD9Sub · 02-16-2006, 01:35 PM

True, once you change the factory parts, all bets are off and it will sometimes require "tuning" due to the tight fit and close tolerances most 1911s have.

Also, it's sometimes necessary to adjust the gun with some JHP, SWC. or less than 230gr ammo, in order to get proper feeding with these rounds. Regular 230gr FMJ and LRN usually perform fine, as this is what the gun was designed to shoot. Niether of my 1911s would feed SWC or certain JHP brands, but I didn't adjust the gun, I just stayed away from that particular ammo.

.45shooter · 02-16-2006, 02:02 PM

I love shooting my 1911 and my XD, so I would have a hard time saying which one would be the "better" one to buy first. The 1911 is a timeless classic that looks great and feels great in my hand. The solid steel construction and ease of customization is great. Unlike the XD you can easily and cheaply buy any replacement parts you may need. All I had to do to get my 1911 completely "reliable" was to tune the too-tight extractor (just bend it a bit). Now it shoots any kind of ammo I have tried without a hitch.
Then again my XD45 feels pretty darn good in my hand for a plastic frame pistol, and it holds 14 rounds of ammo without having a huge magazine hanging out of the bottom of the pistol. It is also easier to field strip than the 1911 (although the 1911 is pretty easy too). The loaded chamber and cocking indicator are nice too.
The only solution is to buy a 1911 and an XD!

02-16-2006, 11:20 AM	#1
boater1217 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Oxford, MS Posts: 174	1911 Modifications I have been hanging around a 1911 site because I am trying to make up my mind about either buying a 1911 or waiting on a XD45 (by the way leaning toward the XD). Anyway, I am amazed at the "fine tuning" that seem to be required to have the perfect 1911. Is this the Harley thing, you know "modify my bike so it is different than yours" or is it necessary so that the weapon functions correctly? My XD 9 has not required anyting but cleaning and has always function correctly. This is what I expected when I bought it and have not been disappointed. anyway, just curious __________________ Springfield XD Service 9MM Sig Mosquito w/Red Dot Taurus 22 Auto Pocket Pistol S&W Chief\'s Special Remington 870 Enfield Mark III SA Black Stainless PX9152L Browning BPS 12 ga Upland Special

02-16-2006, 12:29 PM	#2
mullanman XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,909	All of my 1911's ran fine out of the box and functioned 100% after breakin. Breaking in consisted of 100 rounds, cleaning, repeat, etc. until i had fired 500 or so. It's only when you start changing parts out that things need to be tweaked. Guns are a machine, machines require fitting for precision components. Just follow regular maintenence procedures and you'll be fine. __________________ USPSA L2683

02-16-2006, 01:35 PM	#3
XD9Sub XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 972	True, once you change the factory parts, all bets are off and it will sometimes require "tuning" due to the tight fit and close tolerances most 1911s have. Also, it's sometimes necessary to adjust the gun with some JHP, SWC. or less than 230gr ammo, in order to get proper feeding with these rounds. Regular 230gr FMJ and LRN usually perform fine, as this is what the gun was designed to shoot. Niether of my 1911s would feed SWC or certain JHP brands, but I didn't adjust the gun, I just stayed away from that particular ammo. __________________ "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free" Ronald Reagan, June 6th, 1984, Normandy France Øbama '08

02-16-2006, 02:02 PM	#4
.45shooter XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 133	I love shooting my 1911 and my XD, so I would have a hard time saying which one would be the "better" one to buy first. The 1911 is a timeless classic that looks great and feels great in my hand. The solid steel construction and ease of customization is great. Unlike the XD you can easily and cheaply buy any replacement parts you may need. All I had to do to get my 1911 completely "reliable" was to tune the too-tight extractor (just bend it a bit). Now it shoots any kind of ammo I have tried without a hitch. Then again my XD45 feels pretty darn good in my hand for a plastic frame pistol, and it holds 14 rounds of ammo without having a huge magazine hanging out of the bottom of the pistol. It is also easier to field strip than the 1911 (although the 1911 is pretty easy too). The loaded chamber and cocking indicator are nice too. The only solution is to buy a 1911 and an XD! __________________ XD45 Service, Oly AR-15, Springfield XD45acp, RIA 1911, Kel-tec P3AT, Ruger MKIII Target, Mossberg 500 12ga., Marlin M60, American Arms DB 12ga.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode