Posted: 7/31/2009 7:45:10 PM EDT
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I purchased a used Colt compact that appeared unfired or almost so. My daughter, the eventual owner, has a hard time working the action.
While visiting the good folks at AJI Sporting Goods in Apache Junction, AZ I saw a used, well worn Colt Compact that had ambidextrous safety and what a smooth feel it had. At any rate I sure do like that safety being both handed (I shoot equally bad with both hands). Mostly we shoot .22's, a Ruger 22/45, due to cost and ammo availability. But my question was; is shooting a gun the only way to loosen it up or is it just the best way? |
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I saw that gun this afternoon. Only reason I didn't buy it is I already have one just like it. (actually I didn't notice the ambi safety)
Jeff had it at a steal of a price, go back and buy it. honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) |
| Lot's of Baer owners use the "slurry method". A mixture of CLP and JB bore-paste applied to the frame rails, etc. and go shoot it/work the slide. I tried it and it helped a little with my TRS's reliability, not a lot, but it was somewhat better. I would just shoot it, personally. It will loosen up in time. |
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honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. new officer's ACP springs are rated at 22lbs, and they need to be changed more often than a full size 1911 Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) push/pull technique. It also helps some shooters if the hammer is already pre-cocked This pretty much nails it. I have never seen an overly tight new Colt. Probably just the recoil spring is new. A compact 1911 is probably not the best choice for someone with poor hand strength. |
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I saw that gun this afternoon. Only reason I didn't buy it is I already have one just like it. (actually I didn't notice the ambi safety) Jeff had it at a steal of a price, go back and buy it. honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) I am back in Maine, was house shopping in the area. Thanks for the tip. Will see if that technique makes it easier for the daughter to work the slide.. |
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Quoted: Quoted: honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. new officer's ACP springs are rated at 22lbs, and they need to be changed more often than a full size 1911 Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) push/pull technique. It also helps some shooters if the hammer is already pre-cocked This pretty much nails it. I have never seen an overly tight new Colt. Probably just the recoil spring is new. A compact 1911 is probably not the best choice for someone with poor hand strength.  |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. new officer's ACP springs are rated at 22lbs, and they need to be changed more often than a full size 1911 Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) push/pull technique. It also helps some shooters if the hammer is already pre-cocked This pretty much nails it. I have never seen an overly tight new Colt. Probably just the recoil spring is new. A compact 1911 is probably not the best choice for someone with poor hand strength. A Huge + 1 !! There is no way I would give a Colt compact to my daughter for self defense...... not with soo many other better choices... my daughter for her 21st, which is right around the corner it will probably be a Sig in a 9mm, or a S&W LadySmith....... 12 Gauge, would you really recommend hand exercises for your daughter...  Really... |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: honestly though, on a used gun, you have no idea what condition the recoil spring is in. It could have just been easy to move the slide because the spring is weak. new officer's ACP springs are rated at 22lbs, and they need to be changed more often than a full size 1911 Also, I've never met anyone who had any problem working the slide on any 1911 (even a compact one) when showed the proper technique. The propper way is to hold she slide with your off hand, and PUSH, the frame forward, not grab the slide and pull it back. (yeah , I know it sounds the same, but it's not, trust me) push/pull technique. It also helps some shooters if the hammer is already pre-cocked This pretty much nails it. I have never seen an overly tight new Colt. Probably just the recoil spring is new. A compact 1911 is probably not the best choice for someone with poor hand strength. A Huge + 1 !! There is no way I would give a Colt compact to mydaughter for self defense...... not with soo many other betterchoices... my daughter for her 21st, which is right around the cornerit will probably be a Sig in a 9mm, or a S&W LadySmith....... 12Gauge, would you really recommend hand exercises for your daughter... Really...She is into martial arts and horses but you are correct the Colt Compact is quite a hand full. She prefers pistols and chose a nice .22 Ruger Mark III stainless for her 18th. There is time. The gun was purchased because it felt so good in my hand, was so clean and the price was right. Must not let my 1911 preferences overly influence the youngster. Your insights are appreciated. |
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She is into martial arts and horses but you are correct the Colt Compact is quite a hand full. She prefers pistols and chose a nice .22 Ruger Mark III stainless for her 18th. There is time. The gun was purchased because it felt so good in my hand, was so clean and the price was right. Must not let my 1911 preferences overly influence the youngster. Your insights are appreciated. Looks like I found the problem here. If it is her gun, you should buy what feels good in HER hand. What you did is like your mother telling you to put a jacket on because she is cold. |
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She is into martial arts and horses but you are correct the Colt Compact is quite a hand full. She prefers pistols and chose a nice .22 Ruger Mark III stainless for her 18th. There is time. The gun was purchased because it felt so good in my hand, was so clean and the price was right. Must not let my 1911 preferences overly influence the youngster. Your insights are appreciated. Looks like I found the problem here. If it is her gun, you should buy what feels good in HER hand. What you did is like your mother telling you to put a jacket on because she is cold.  Shame on me.
When I reported to her the opinions here that maybe the gun was a little too manly she worked the action as suggested earlier and grumbled, "Bull Shit." I purchased the gun as a weapon, investment and the coming of age as a responsible adult gift. The Colt is still in my possession. A very respected friend suggests a full sized Colt 1911 for her. We will check out other options, she still has a couple of years yet. And I would not mind buying other Colts for her to try out. |
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She is into martial arts and horses but you are correct the Colt Compact is quite a hand full. She prefers pistols and chose a nice .22 Ruger Mark III stainless for her 18th. There is time. The gun was purchased because it felt so good in my hand, was so clean and the price was right. Must not let my 1911 preferences overly influence the youngster. Your insights are appreciated. Looks like I found the problem here. If it is her gun, you should buy what feels good in HER hand. What you did is like your mother telling you to put a jacket on because she is cold. Shame on me.
When I reported to her the opinions here that maybe the gun was a little too manly she worked the action as suggested earlier and grumbled, "Bull Shit." I purchased the gun as a weapon, investment and the coming of age as a responsible adult gift. The Colt is still in my possession. A very respected friend suggests a full sized Colt 1911 for her. We will check out other options, she still has a couple of years yet. And I would not mind buying other Colts for her to try out. That's what I figured. When I was 6 years old I was shooting a 1911 (under my father's VERY close supervision). No way someone should have trouble racking one unless it is a Baer or something that made it out extra tight, or there is a medical condition involved. |
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Today, after showing her the boys full sized models, which she had not seen before, she commented, "I like the big one's better."
Oh, well. Will just have to start looking again. Reminds me of the outboard motor I bought for my wife's birthday, will not buy her another. But I will find something for the daughter. Thanks for the help guys. |
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Today, after showing her the boys full sized models, which she had not seen before, she commented, "I like the big one's better." Oh, well. Will just have to start looking again. Reminds me of the outboard motor I bought for my wife's birthday, will not buy her another. But I will find something for the daughter. Thanks for the help guys. I was thinking of this thread and our daughters on the 45 mile drive home from the gun club.... My daughter, Ashleigh is the tomboy type... What if, when we go gun shopping for her and she wanted a 1911 and proved she could handle one adequately... a 45.... What then ? She's not old enough to have any real life experiences with people.. Meaning not enough to make calculated decisions as to people in a tight situation or place... So chances are when she does have to draw it could be quick, without much advance thought........ I want my baby girl to have every advantage modern technology can afford her in a manageable platform that she can master quickly and execute without a second thought............... I want her to not only have skills to defend herself from danger but defend herself from liability....After mastering a shit load of advanced tactical CCW training with something like say a " wonder nine " then and only then would Dad be ready to sign off on a 1911....... and the she would be expected to do more training with that weapon... |
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I was thinking of this thread and our daughters on the 45 mile drive home from the gun club.... My daughter, Ashleigh is the tomboy type... What if, when we go gun shopping for her and she wanted a 1911 and proved she could handle one adequately... a 45.... What then ? She's not old enough to have any real life experiences with people.. Meaning not enough to make calculated decisions as to people in a tight situation or place... So chances are when she does have to draw it could be quick, without much advance thought........ I want my baby girl to have every advantage modern technology can afford her in a manageable platform that she can master quickly and execute without a second thought............... I want her to not only have skills to defend herself from danger but defend herself from liability....After mastering a shit load of advanced tactical CCW training with something like say a " wonder nine " then and only then would Dad be ready to sign off on a 1911....... and the she would be expected to do more training with that weapon... Very well said. Yes, what the future carries for our children is downright scary. We also have a 20 year old in the Marines and a 16 year old in driver's training. Just think about all the children that did not get enough protein to form their brains to think correctly. Think about the savage beasts that would love to kill citizens of this country any way possible. Think of the children that have learned to kill in the blink of an eye. I read about 100,000 members of that M-13 gang in this country. What would they do to our daughters if they had a chance? A Ruger .22, she has. We shoot in the yard, plenty of room. 3 hunting Dogs for companionship. We shall see if she likes to fire the full size 1911, it has been a while since she fired it. It is that time of the year.. |