Posted: 2/26/2010 1:05:32 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I have been lurking around here a while. Lots of great information here, but I have a question I would like your opinions on. I have a SS Champion that had issues during the break in period FTF, FTE, slide not locking back on the last mag (using different Wilson mags). After about 800 rounds it has been more reliable, but the slide still has some issues. This is my CCW and I need to be 110% confident that I wont ever have a problem with it if I ever needed to use it. Ive decided I want to send it in to the Springer Custom Shop for some work. I want to get the following done:
Defensive Carry Package Install and tune extractor (wilson bullet proof) Install bullet proof slide stop Stipple front strap Black Armory Kote Is there anything else you guys might recommend to help in the reliability department? I was even toying with the idea of getting the TRP package, but I paid $850 for the gun and $765 more seems pretty excessive. Im not so sure I need the match barrel, although for some reason I can shoot my HK45 and USP more accurately than the SS Champion. Im going to the range tuesday and I will put a bunch of ammo down the tube and note the problems I encounter so I can call SA customer service and see what they can do. I hear they have an excellent track record with situations like this. Regardless, I want to get that other work done while its there. |
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I would recommend a more durable finish like a Nitriding finish (Melonite). Night sights if yours does not already have them.
The TRP package is not a bad idea that is right on par with a TRP pistol price but I would recommend a different front strap checkering like 25lpi or the stipple over the 20lpi. |
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While I agree that Melonite would be a better finish than ArmoryKote, it also costs about $100 more and will cause a much longer turnaround time. By all means, get it if you can afford it.
As far as the TRP package...it's up to you. Personally I'd rather have SA Custom Shop perform whatever they feel the pistol needs. A Wilson extractor and slide stop are both great ideas, as is some sort of a front strap treatment (I agree with Edge's 25lpi idea) especially since the machine 25lpi only costs $10 more than the stipple. I'd look at undercutting the front strap, having a carry bevel performed, and getting a trigger job done. But my main advice would be this: Call the Custom Shop, talk to someone and explain the problem and what you want the gun to acheive. Let them know what you are happy with as the gun is currently and what you would like to see changed. Then tell them the price range you are hoping to stay within. Ask them if you can send the pistol in and talk to the smith that will be working on it or have a letter accompany the pistol. Then send in the pistol. Ask the smith to use his judgement as to whether the gun needs the TRP package or whether he can provide you with a hybrid of some pieces from that package and other features the CS can offer. In the end, you will get what you want and pay a price that you agreed on. No matter whether you follow my advice or just send it in with whatever direction you provide, I think you will be satisfied with the results. |
| Thanks for the great advice guys. I will do just that. It is the champion model(4in barrel) so front cocking serrations arent needed. I like the idea of a stipple better too for the front strap. For the coating I was thinking a black cerakote would be really nice, not sure on the turn around time for that though. Thats just what I am going to do with the gunsmiths and custom shop though. Thanks again. |
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i had similar work done on my ultra compact there. Dave rocks, he's a member of the American Pistolsmiths Guild and one of the best 1911 guys out there. get a couple emails going with him when your gun gets there. he will take care of your problems. btw ArmoryKote rocks..you wont be disappointed.
you will be amzed at the turnaround time too! |
| Thanks guys. You have been very helpful. I will let you know what happens at the range, and what the customer service and custom shop tell me. I have heard mixed things about Armory Kote. I am either just going to get that done while it is there, or have them send it back unfinished and send it out to get Cerakote. |
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I am either just going to get that done while it is there, or have them send it back unfinished and send it out to get Cerakote. They will do Cerakote for you and just about any other finish you could want. I considered it for one of the builds they are doing for me, I want to say it was priced comparably to AK. |
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Nice! I was not aware that they could do the Cerakote at the custom shop. Thanks!
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I am either just going to get that done while it is there, or have them send it back unfinished and send it out to get Cerakote. They will do Cerakote for you and just about any other finish you could want. I considered it for one of the builds they are doing for me, I want to say it was priced comparably to AK. |
| I have Armory Kote on my Springfield Professional because the finish had to be redone since Black T was thin in certain places and some spots it was painted over lint so it looked like it had pock marks. So far so good. I like it. Dave Williams from the Custom Shop said it is not as corrosion resistant as Black T but will wear way better than Black T as it is not as soft as Black T. |
| Well I got to the range yesterday to put 250 rounds down range and noted the issues. 3 FTF, slide not locking back on last round (different mags) and shoots 3inches high at 10 yards. I called SA customer service and they send me the shipping label no questions asked. Deb in the custom shop told me that SA does NOT do Cerakote, so I will likely send it elsewhere for that. She told me the best thing to do would be to let them work on the repairs and call me to let me know what they have done, so I can decide what I want the custom shop to do from there. |
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For what it's worth, here's my story. I have a "Loaded" model that I sent back to Springfield for warrantee work and custom work. The warrantee work was because I was having FTF issues and because the grip screws were stripped. They polished a mirror finish on the feed ramp and replaced the torx grip screws with slotted (per my request). The custom work was for checkering on the front strap and the "action job" which resulted in a nice, clean combat trigger action. I think they rate it at 4.5 pounds.
So far, she's perfect through 200 rounds (the really imnportant part). One failure on my part because I pushed up the slide stop by accident  . The checkering makes a HUGE difference in the grip. I love the way the trigger feels. The gun is basically a TRP now, without the badge.
Not sure if any of this is relevant or useful, but I hope it is! |
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Deb in the custom shop told me that SA does NOT do Cerakote Interesting. I spoke with Dave Williams about a project they will build for me and was told Cerakote wouldn't be a problem, but I decided to go with Hardchrome instead. I will say that I have had conflicting answers from Deb, enough that I bypass her and go straight to DW...YMMV. |
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Quoted: For what it's worth, here's my story. I have a "Loaded" model that I sent back to Springfield for warrantee work and custom work. The warrantee work was because I was having FTF issues and because the grip screws were stripped. They polished a mirror finish on the feed ramp and replaced the torx grip screws with slotted (per my request). The custom work was for checkering on the front strap and the "action job" which resulted in a nice, clean combat trigger action. I think they rate it at 4.5 pounds. So far, she's perfect through 200 rounds (the really imnportant part). One failure on my part because I pushed up the slide stop by accident . The checkering makes a HUGE difference in the grip. I love the way the trigger feels. The gun is basically a TRP now, without the badge. Not sure if any of this is relevant or useful, but I hope it is! Good to know. I want mine to be accurate too, right now it has some to be desired. Deb told me that the current loaded barrels has an accepted accuracy rating of 3.5 inches at 25 yards. If I remember right the TRP barrel is 2.5 inches at 25 yards, so I do not know if $300 for the match barrel is worth it. I definitely want to get the trigger job, undercut front strap, front strap stipple, have the right side of the ambi safety removed or cut to allow CT grips, and eventually get it Cerakoted. I will let the gunsmiths see what they recommend for the reliability work in addition to what has been done, but I want a heavier recoil spring. |
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Ok SA called me this morning to tell me they polished the feed ramp, throated the barrel, and reconfigured the sights on my SS champion. I am definitely having it go to the SA Custom Shop before it comes home. I am leaning towards getting the TRP package, minus the recontour frame and dust cover to 2002 specs. I also want the ambi thumb safety removed and have a left side only thumb safety put in, and have my bullet proof extractor put in and tuned.
My question is I am considering either just having a trigger job and MSH and front strap done to 20 lpi, heavier buffer spring, and ask them about anything else for reliability. On the other hand I am considering going all out and getting the TRP package. It will be my go to CCW. I would love to have a nice 1911 to be proud of, but I am a little weary about spending the money, mainly for the match barrel over the barrel the loaded came with. What do you guys think? Also, I will ask them about Armory Koting it, but since it is SS, Im not sure if they will. |
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I don't particularly like the 20lpi checkering, you might want to go with 25.
As far as the package goes, I really don't understand why people get the TRP package. If you want a TRP package...get a TRP. In your case, I'd talk to the smith and tell them what you want and what you have to spend, they will send you down the right path. |
| I know a buddy who has a TRP and loves it. He also has a custom shop springer and said it would be well worth it to have the custom shop turn it into a TRP, and the differences between the TRP package done in the custom shop and one you buy off the shelf will be noticable (besides it being a champion). I like the 20 lpi, little aggresive, but it aint goin anywhere! |
...enjoy!
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well Deb told me today that they could do Cerakote but it would be another 195 on top of the TRP package price, but that they recommend not using it to SS finishes because it wont adhere as well as on carbon steel. Anyone have any knowledge of this? She also told me if there are parts of the package I do not want and remove them that it would hardly adjust the price at all and wouldnt be worth it. I really want to get the cerakote, but not if it wont adhere.... |
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A lot of guys recommended emailing Dave Williams at the CS. What his email?? I am really thinking about Cerakoting my SS Champion, but Deb sounds like she doesnt want to break up the package deals that the CS offers. [email protected] I knew Dave told me Cerakote was possible, at least in my build. |
| ok, just got off the phone with SA. They replaced the barrel, polished and throated it, and replaced the sights. I am having them replace the ambi thumb safety for a single side, install and tune bulletproof extractor, install heavier buffer spring, front checker front strap to 20 lpi, install checkered MSH, and action trigger job to 4lbs. They said it should be around 6-8 weeks turn around time. |