|
              
| |
 
Questions and Answers for week ending:
March 5th, 2005
| Submitted By: |
Bob Dickerson of Hebron, Kentucky |
| Category: |
Guns |
| Question: |
|
How do you determine the correct rate of the recoil
spring when setting up a 1911 in 9mm, .38 Super or .40 S&W for
ammunition with a power factor of 125? Do the different spring
rates determine how fast the gun cycles? |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
You want the gun to work first, and then mess with
different weights to change the feel. I generally use 11-13 pound
springs in my limited long slide 9x19,s and 13-15 pound in my 5-inch
9x19's. They can be kinda tricky as you may be loading very light
ammo, but with the Winchester ammunition I shoot, these are the springs
I prefer. Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
John Ramos of Coral Springs, Florida |
| Category: |
Guns |
| Question: |
|
I carry a Sig 226 in .40 Caliber. How far do you
think I can go (becoming a pro) with this gun and can I ever win an IDPA
or IPSC match while competing against 1911s? I have the
training, but do you think it's possible with this gun? |
|
Rob's Answer: |
It is possible, but it will be an uphill battle. The Sig
could compete in L-10. I wouldn't want to try it in Limited Class,
as the magazine capacity will be a huge disadvantage. In Open
Class, no way.
Now, in Production Class we have a fair battle. The 226 would be a
perfectly acceptable and competitive gun for Production. It would
shoot against the XDs, Glocks, S&Ws and Beretta DAs. That’s where
I would certainly look to start. Good Luck! Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Roy Spaulding of Gainesville, Florida |
| Category: |
Guns |
| Question: |
|
I would like to purchase a new 1911 .45 ACP to shoot
in the Limited 10 class of IPSC. What would be the most economical
of the Springfields to go with? I would
like it to have a fiber optic front sight. I could live without
all of the other frills or fancy stuff. What do you recommend?
|
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
Smart choice! Many new shooters spend all of their
efforts getting fancy guns instead of developing skill. Buy a loaded model.
My favorite is the Black Stainless because it comes with the magwell.
Get a Dawson Precision front sight and go shoot. If you get
serious, you will want more tricks and gadgets, but all that can be
added later. Hope to see you at a match some day! Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Alan Slightom of Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Category: |
Training & Practice |
| Question: |
|
I am 49, a Scout leader, a NRA rifle and shotgun
instructor, and a good shot with both target rifles and .22 pistols.
I would like to get involved with some sort of larger caliber
competition. I have purchased a Springfield 1911 "Loaded" model
and have been practicing at local ranges. Any suggestions as to
how to get started, things to do, etc? Thank you for your
time. |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
I always recommend that any shooter who is interested in
competition go to a local event, watch what they are doing and ask
questions. I have always found that shooters, especially those who
are highly proficient, love to share information. Sometimes more
than you may want! :-) You can learn a lot about a given
discipline by simply watching. Figure out who is doing it the best
and ask them your questions. This will get you started. You
will in no time decide if you want to continue. Next, the hard
part starts. Fortunately though, the fun also then begins. Enjoy
yourself. Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Anonymous, but a good question. |
| Category: |
Triggers |
| Question: |
|
I have noticed in pictures in Front Sight and American
Handgunner magazines that you are using what appears to be a flat style
trigger. What are the advantages (there's gotta be some or
you would not be using it ---right?!) |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
It really comes down to personal preference. One
style of trigger shoe is of no real advantage unless it fits you better
than another. I have different lengths and shapes on different
guns and it's really just picking a length that fits my trigger reach on
a particular gun. I can use long curved triggers on a single
stack, but need either a short straight or medium curved on the
high-caps. This also changes from manufacturer to manufacturer.
A long Videcki for a 1911 may not be the same as an STI long or an SVI
long. Try guns with different styles and lengths to determine
which fits you best. As a rule. I prefer the STI on a 1911 and the
modular SVI on the fat guns. Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Bob Faber of Mechanicsville, Maryland |
| Category: |
Extractors |
| Question: |
|
What is your honest opinion of the external extractors
that are being put into 1911 style pistols? Is it just due to
pressure for another safety related item (loaded chamber indicator) or
does it have another purpose? |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
No 1911 that I use is equipped with an external
extractor. I have little or no experience with them and can not
really comment (from other than the theoretical view point). They may be
great, but I have felt no need to install and use them. Rob
|
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Tom Hall of Warren, Ohio |
| Category: |
Guns |
| Question: |
|
I am fairly new to shooting and am looking to get my
first 1911!! I was wondering what you would recommend? I
want to use it for fun and IDPA. (I read your "in memory section"
and I'm sorry about your brother he seems like a great guy.)
Thanks for your time! |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
It all depends on money. If you can afford and want
the best, get a custom gun built. However, I recommend either a
Springfield Trophy Match or TRP depending on whether you want fixed or
adjustable sights. If you do not wish to spend that much, get a
loaded model. Whichever way you go, makes sure you leave room in
there for lots of ammo. Practicing will make a much bigger
difference in your capability than the price of your gun. Best of
luck! Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Don Darnall of Highpoint, North Carolina |
| Category: |
Equipment |
| Question: |
I shoot a 5" Kimber .45 for Stock Class bowling pin
competition. I took your earlier advice and upped my competition
bullet weight from 185 grain to 230 grain, while dropping the powder
charge from 6.3 grains to 5.2 grains. This combination has been a
key factor in reducing my aggregates significantly. Many thanks.
I've been using Hodgdon's excellent TITEGROUP
all along, but would welcome any suggestions you might make for a
quicker-to-peak (but still reasonably clean) powder for this
application. |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
Titegroup is good stuff, as far as I know. In the
past, I have used Vihtavuori N-310 and N-320 for .45 ACP. I am
now, however, fortunate enough to have Winchester supply all of my ammo,
so I do not have to load at all. It is good to be the Rob!
Glad to hear that your scores have improved! I wish you continued
success! The Rob :-) |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Steve Dickerson of Mico, Texas |
| Category: |
Equipment |
| Question: |
|
What weight recoil spring do you use in your Bianchi cup
Metallic Sight gun? I'm planning on beating you one day and need
all the help I can get! Ha ha ha. Gotta set your goals high,
right? |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
I think it is an 11-pound straight rate (but use whatever
yours will work with.) I am not trying to get a certain feel.
I just want the thing to lock back and ALWAYS close. Heavy
slide/barrel 9x19's are finicky. Especially with the tightly
fitted guns and light loads used at Bianchi. See you in May at the
Bianchi Shoot-off? Good luck! Rob |
Top of
Page
| Submitted By: |
Randy Gray of Vail, Colorado |
| Category: |
Equipment |
| Question: |
|
I noticed you shoot a 1911 9mm in IDPA ESP division.
I shoot the same type gun and was wondering about your magazine capacity
for that type of pistol. You can legally have 10 rounds in the mag
as long as it doesn't stick too far out the bottom of the gun. I
have only found 9 round mags for that type of gun. How many rounds
do you fit in your mag? If you have a ten round mag, where do you
get them? |
|
Rob's Answer: |
|
I use 9-round mags, giving a 10-round loaded capacity.
I have modified a 9 round to hold 10 but it will not lock back.
This is a serious deficiency for IDPA. I have found the 9 rounders
to be perfect for IDPA, as I can finish a 2 round target and not have to
go back to re-engage after a load. I face this all the time with
the 8 round .45 mags and am considering using 7 rounders to avoid this.
As of now, I know of no reliable 10 round 9 mm mags for the 1911.
Rob |
Top of
Page
|
