I don't remember where I heard this but --- was the left side grip panel on 1911 type pistols originally designed to touch and thereby help support the plunger tube?
That is an absolute fact, the original grips on the 1911 were designed to hold the plunger tube housing in place should it come unstaked. It has happened and with out the left grip inplace it will fall off of the gun and the slide stop will not work neither will the thumb safety detent work...7th Fleet
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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.
That is indeed a fact. This is evidenced by the Colt Officers Model. When first introduced the Officers left grip panel did not cover the plunger tube. They had a lousy habit of becoming "independent".