Finally got a chance to test my 38 Super open competition gun . Para Frame, Caspian slide, Nowlin 38 super barrel and compensator.
First let me give some Kudos to HSMITH and Lurper for their invaluable help and advice throughout this whole process. Thanks guys!
Cleaning and field stripping this gun was a pain! It was my second 1911, but first with full length recoil rod. After much consultation, and a lot of research, pain and frustration - finally figured it out and I only cut myself twice!
(Hex rod definately required....)
At the range I tried 4 different types of 38 super ammo. Armsocor, Remington, Magtech, and Winchester. Out of the 4, only Magtech failed with 1 FTE after every other shot. The other 3 functioned flawlessly.
The trigger is very good. Probably the best 1911 trigger I have ever tried. Crisp, clean break at 3.5 Ibs.
Accuracy is phenominal. It took 7 rounds to center the red dot. Once centered, it was like I turned into Todd Jarrett. Suddenly everything I aimed at, I hit. Bulleyes were coming fast and furious.
Recoil - barely a touch more than a .22 LR. The big gun along with the compensator soaks up the recoil. Very soft to shoot.
Shooting an Open gun is the same as driving a high performance car, when its working - it works excellent. When it does not like the ammo - The Magtech - it choked big time.
Accuracy - 11 (out of 10)
Reliability - 7
Ergonomics - 9 (I really like the 1911 grip angle - fits me like a glove)
Coolness factor - 10 (nothing like an open gun)
Recoil - 10 (22 LR recoil in a centerfire caliber)
Cost - 3 (Very expensive to shoot, and get into open -its a commitment.)
Glad I finally have an open gun, but its going to be a lot of care and feeding. Its like having a second girlfriend. She's hot, demanding but the payoff is there in the end!