Is there any point to this 1911 modification?

It doesn't make any difference, seems that some people like it because it makes them feel special.

Go to 3:35 in this video and watch the disconnector:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6SmlOEzNBs

The only time that the ramp would make any difference is when the slide is coming forward and the trigger is NOT depressed. That only happens on loading the first round in the magazine.

The piece of the edge of the slide that is removed for the ramp is the edge that strips the top round from the magazine. Personally, I prefer having a straight edge on the slide and a nicely rounded disconnector rather than a notch in the slide where it's picking up the next round.
 
It's hard to see how that ramp would have an added benefit when the gun is being fired.
Maybe it's noticeable as the slide is moved back and forth slowly by hand, but less likely otherwise.
Seems like.
 
Glad its his gun and not mine. Round off the edges on the disconnector. The disconnector is much cheaper to replace "if you screw up" than the slide is.
Lets fix something that's not broke
 
If you're shooting a "softball" target pistol with weak ammo and matching weak recoil spring, it can help feed reliability.
I asked the guy if it might not hurt reliability in a gun chambered for a cartridge smaller than .45, as the combination of smaller rim and less breechface surface area might not be compatible, but he wouldn't hear of it.
 
rickb said:
If you're shooting a "softball" target pistol with weak ammo and matching weak recoil spring, it can help feed reliability.
Click to expand...

How does it help with weak ammo? It's not doing anything when the slide is cycling with the trigger pulled. The disconnector is retracted.

Only time it would make any difference is dropping the slide when the trigger isn't pulled. Whether the ammo is strong or weak is irrelevant in that situation.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rickb
If you're shooting a "softball" target pistol with weak ammo and matching weak recoil spring, it can help feed reliability.

How does it help with weak ammo? It's not doing anything when the slide is cycling with the trigger pulled. The disconnector is retracted.

Only time it would make any difference is dropping the slide when the trigger isn't pulled. Whether the ammo is strong or weak is irrelevant in that situation.
Click to expand...

You have to load the chamber, somehow.
 
Do any of the high end 1911 customizers do this?

Does this mod in any way pose a safety hazard? After all, the disconnector's job is to ensure that the gun cannot fire unless the breech is closed. Is there any way defeating the disconnector in the very early phase of chambering the next round could cause a premature detonation?
 
Do any of the high end 1911 customizers do this?
Click to expand...

Yes. I have a custom 1911 with a disconnector ramp cut in the slide, however, the ramp is about 2x the length of the one shown in the video.
 
Last edited:
I've definitely watched this video in the past while I was building one and came to found out that there are gunsmiths who are known for performing this work. Maybe the ramp has it's merits, softening the action and making it smoother while hand cycling, but I would assume there would be no perceived difference during firings. Don P is correct in saying that the disconnector is a cheap and easy fix while replacing the slide is very expensive. I could've likely done the work on my own slide while building, and while I was intrigued and a bit impressed at the stripping block ramp, I did not perceive it has an inherent problem with the 1911 and felt it is excessive work for little to no benefit.
 
Certainly nothing that I would ever do or recommend. If your disconnector is hanging up, the problem lies somewhere else besides the breech face.
 
I never watched the video but I'm pretty sure of the modification you are referring to.
I believe Master Pistolsmith Bob Marvel was the smith that first did the modification to the stripper rail of the slide.

Is it necessary, no it is not, however on a gun with a lighter recoil spring it will help the slide overcome the pressure of the disconet.

That being said even then it's not necessary, I built steel challenge type guns with recoil springs in the 7 & 8 pound range and never found the need for the modification.

I believe it's also stated this modification will keep the groups tighter by not throwing the first shot from the group that many 1911 45's seem to do, I can't say that's a fact.
 
it's also stated this modification will keep the groups tighter by not throwing the first shot from the group that many 1911 45's seem to do
Click to expand...
Aha, I knew it's wasn't me.
Thanks for supplying another alibi.
Can't ever have too many excuses readily at hand.
 
Should never have shown this .Now people will demand the Philippine 1911 will need this . Taurus will add to their list of custom features on their 1911. Colt Wilson and others will be forced to do it to slow the out cry from their fans That don't have it. This all means once more the poor old 1911 will be pulled further from its roots by not need mods . :D
 
I believe Master Pistolsmith Bob Marvel was the smith that first did the modification to the stripper rail of the slide.
Click to expand...

That is correct. The Bob Marvel gun I have has the ramp in the slide.

I believe it's also stated this modification will keep the groups tighter by not throwing the first shot from the group that many 1911 45's seem to do, I can't say that's a fact.
Click to expand...

That is also correct.
 
If the disconnector impedes the slide motion, the disconnector is out of spec. So the expensive modification to the slide is basically a fix to a problem that shouldn't happen and should be corrected by replacing a cheap part. A bit like putting the wrong size tire on a car then modifying the suspension system to make up for it.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top