I went out and shot 100 rounds of .45 ACP in my XSE Colt Combat Commander today. It is part of the last 200 rounds I had that is lubed with NRA 50/50 Alox. I decided to take the gun down and clean it inasmuch as that NRA lube always leaves the gun full of oily sludge.
Sure enough, having to dork with the series 80 firing pin lock, I managed to lose the firing pin and spring when it shot from its orifice. After a half hour of fruitless and frustrating search I ordered a replacement series 80 firing pin and spring from Numrich Gun Parts. I found the lost firing pin and spring fifteen minutes after sending the order in. GRRRR!
Which brings me to my rant. I hate that series 80 modification inasmuch as being a pain in the orifice, that "improvement" seems to define logic. Or, as my older brother would say, "An ingenious solution to a non-existent problem."
I have often considered that at least three things would have to happen in order for a person to be struck by a bullet from a dropped 1911. Firstly, it would have to be high enough when dropped... as I remember the testing, 1911's would start to fire when dropped from 4 feet. The only time my 1911 is at the four foot height, is when it is extended in front of me being held in firing position with both hands. In short, I am very unlikely to drop it at that time. Secondly, it must drop directedly on the muzzle... a very unlikely happening unless performed on purpose. Thirdly, if it were dropped directly on its muzzle the bullet would have to perform a ricochet in the exact direction of the shooter in order to strike a vital organ. In sum, all three variables would have to be in effect in order to be a serious threat and what are the chances of that?
Sure enough, having to dork with the series 80 firing pin lock, I managed to lose the firing pin and spring when it shot from its orifice. After a half hour of fruitless and frustrating search I ordered a replacement series 80 firing pin and spring from Numrich Gun Parts. I found the lost firing pin and spring fifteen minutes after sending the order in. GRRRR!
Which brings me to my rant. I hate that series 80 modification inasmuch as being a pain in the orifice, that "improvement" seems to define logic. Or, as my older brother would say, "An ingenious solution to a non-existent problem."
I have often considered that at least three things would have to happen in order for a person to be struck by a bullet from a dropped 1911. Firstly, it would have to be high enough when dropped... as I remember the testing, 1911's would start to fire when dropped from 4 feet. The only time my 1911 is at the four foot height, is when it is extended in front of me being held in firing position with both hands. In short, I am very unlikely to drop it at that time. Secondly, it must drop directedly on the muzzle... a very unlikely happening unless performed on purpose. Thirdly, if it were dropped directly on its muzzle the bullet would have to perform a ricochet in the exact direction of the shooter in order to strike a vital organ. In sum, all three variables would have to be in effect in order to be a serious threat and what are the chances of that?