A little help with a Springfield Armory

V

viesczy

New member
Hey all,
I picked up a Springfield Armory PX9103L (full sized lightweight) on Monday 9.24.01 and the finish on the frame is NOT holding up to being holstered. In one presentation from the holster, the leading edges of the dust cover, front and sides, have been relieved of the bluing. Granted the SA's are a bit boxier/blockier then the atypical 1911, but I'd've thought that the finish would hold up a tad more than this.

With that out of the way, here's my 2 questions.

1) Is anyone aware of a holster that is specifically made for the SA 1911 and its boxier/blockier dust cover?

2) How well does aluminum hold a blue job? Is this a typical reaction from a tight holster fit or does it seem like the finish was poorly done?

I have sent email off to Springfield Armory today looking for help.

Thanks for the time

Derek
 
Last edited:
#1. You will need to get a custom built holster to address the holster differences.

#2. How well the finish holds up depends on how well the manufacturer prepped and finished the gun.
 
Wrap the Springfield in a plastic bag and stuff it in the holster you have. the holster will streach to fit, unless way to tight for other maker's 1911's. You will not be able to use the holster for any other pistol after that, too loose.
 
Even better and faster, use the plastic bag to protect the pistol, then wet the holster. It will shape itself nicely to the gun.

Jim
 
If you decide to wet the holster use warm water and not for very long.

Do not use hot water
Do not leave the holster submerged for more than a minute
Let the holster dry w/o a heat source
Coat the holster with a good non-oil based leather treatment
 
Thank you for the holster advice everyone.

Now how about the finish? Should this have happened so prematurely?

Not doing much with the alloy framed 1911s, are there kits to re blue/finish/touch up the finish?

Thanks again!

Derek
 
Just a short note about email to Springfield Armory, Derek: they eventually and very politely and to the point answered an email that I sent them, but I'd hate to have been hangin' by my thumbs waiting for the answer. It took a couple of tries. Now, contacting them by phone was just great, no waiting and nice competent folks.
 
As a follow up, I recieved a reply that didn't address my concern of the finish being erased by the holster, it merely stated that the frame will have slight wear from the first few shots being fired.

I asked about having the pistol hard chromed and I was told it would cost $150 for the complete pistol, or $100 for the frame and a turn around time is 8 weeks! Yikes!

I am considering going to another source for the chroming and not worrying about potentially voiding the "lifetime" warranty. What's the worse that can happen? I need to buy another alloy frame, if I put a lot of rounds through the Springfield. I have other steel framed 1911s to shoot, this lightweight can just be for carry, a giant mouse guns of sorts! ;) :D

Aside of this finish problem, the gun is a great pistol. I just wonder if a Kimber Lightweight would have given me the same problems in regards to the finish?

Derek
 
I've been carrying a Kimber light weight (alloy frame-stainless slide) compact in an IWB holster (leather) by Kramer for almost a year. Pistol is just fine. Lots of sweat, many practice draws, dust bunnies, etc, etc. No problems. Stay safe.
 
Maybe you should try again and have SA refinish the weapon. Just try telling them that you were very disappointed with the finish on the pistol and if they offer to refinish, maybe it'll be much better this time. In the mean time, try to break-in the holster you'll be using or find another that fits better, then when the pistol returns, you'll be ready for it. I'd mention that the pistol was tearing up the holster as well and maybe they'll knock some of the sharp edges off for you. Just be up-front and basically list ALL YOUR COMPLAINTS in writing and maybe that will do the trick. Did you contact Dave Williams at SAs' Custom Shop? If not, try to contact him directly.

davew@springfield-armory.com

Good luck and let us know how it turns out...
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