1911 Reliability - The Magazine, Extractor & Ammo: Gun Guys Ep. 48 with Bill Wilson & Ken Hackathorn

[@TheWarySamaritan]

In 1981 I came home from a business trip to South America that I barely survived. I vowed to never go anywhere unarmed again. My dad and I went to look at guns at a local gun shop; we rarely got along and rarely did anything together so this was an odd day. In looking at all the guns the shop had for sale my Dad asked to see a Colt .45 1911 in their Gold Cup Series. It was out of my price range, but something about the way Daddy handled the pistol told me he had way more experience with it than I'd have ever realized. I handled it for a minute, marveling at it's beauty and heft. I didn't know much more about it than that, but I knew it was twice what I had to pay. Daddy said, as if reading my mind, "I'll cover the difference." I carried that handgun around the world for the next 35 years until it just got too heavy for every day carry for an aging man. I made a trip to Oregon and gave it to my oldest grandson, sharing with him the story of me and his great-grandfather's trip to make its purchase. I own more handguns than my wife knows about, but none of them ever felt as solid or reassuring as that one Daddy picked for me.

[@federicoarangopaez]

How were you or are you capable of traveling the world or south america armed? Dont they not permit visitors and tourists to have guns?

[@TheWarySamaritan]

@@federicoarangopaez In those days people flew to these places in private company planes and even taking a handgun onto a commercial airline was still as simple as packing it in a bag. I had the use of private planes up through the late 90s and I miss that convenience. Heading to SA you'd stop in Panama or 'supplies' would be at the construction camps. If your life is in danger you don't really worry too much about local laws if you're out in the mountains and some rebel faction wants to kill you or blow up what you're working on. I'm almost 70 now and seldom leave the country now unless it's to vacation. Not being able to arm up is a major reason I haven't been in Mexico in 2 decades. To do business there I hired local reps. Getting killed or kidnapped is a real thing if you're a business owner.

[@1911acolt1]

I grew up shooting a 1911.I finally tried a glock right when the gen4 came out..Well as reliable as glocks are I got a lemon.It though brass in my face,Nothing would fix it.It would stove pipe.Eventually glock put a new ejector,new extractor on them and now they are once again reliable.Just my luck.I went back to a all steel 1911 my father gave me.It throws the brass in one spot,doesn’t stove pipe and won’t shed polymer…..I know glocks are fine but that early gen4 was my first and last.

[@jontest5718]

This was a beautiful story. My relationships with my father and brothers dwindled starting in my teen tears. I’m happy to say I get along decently at his ripe old age of 76 and myself having mellowed out now in my 30s.

[@jehovahuponyou]

THAT WAS A GREAT STORY ABOUT YOU AND YOUR DAD - BRAVO TO YOU, YOUR DAD, AND Y'ALL'S 1911s!!!!!!!

[@Barbaroossa]

Learning about these interesting particularities of the 1911 handgun platform makes it even more shocking that John Browning managed to design so many revolutionary guns within just one lifetime, in an era where even calculators themselves were entirely mechanical and all the design process was in his head and on paper. One could say that he was the Einstein of gun engineering, but I believe it's more appropriate to say that Albert Einstein was the John Browning of Physics.

[@Elmero_mero]

You’re comment is pure genius

[@davidmuir7711]

Even J.M.B himself would be amused by all of the a## kissing comments he receives. It’s not as if he was somebody really important, like say, Nick Saban.

[@rickmosholder4593]

@@davidmuir7711 many would say the same about Nick Saban.

[@rogercole5054]

Browning was more like the Nicola Tesla of guns. Tesla could fully visualize the entire workings of even the most complex devices he ever designed, make mental changes and see in his visualization exactly the operational results of such changes.

[@gutWrench9mm]

Well said

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Ken and Bill are national treasures! I enjoy their history lessons!

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Massad Ayoob, 3 Kings 🤴

[@John1911]

When Wilson Combat came out with an extractor that had the tension machined from the start, that changed the game for 1911s as much as the modern magazine designs. It just doesn’t get the attention since most people these days don’t know much about extractors, or assign the ability to adjust one as some kind of hidden art. Great video. Regards, Marky

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks!

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

Can I order an extractor for my bul armory 3" 45 cal and just slide it in without having to go to my gunsmith to get it turned?

[@John1911]

@@BLACKWOLF-1911 Tuning is more than just tension. It includes shape of the claw. The FP stop and even the shape and angle of the rear of the slide in some cases for cosmetics. Additionally…3” guns can be real finicky. Even with something as simple as mag springs. Mags that may work in your 5” gun might choke in a 3” gun. Why? The 3” gun is running faster and the springs can’t keep up. I guess my main point is if you are having issues with a 3” gun, I would let someone who is more knowledgeable about 1911s in general have a crack at it. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. Regards, Marky

[@wigon]

@@gowilsoncombat Do these extractors work in 1911's made by other companies? I really would like to put a Wilson Combat extractor into my RIA 1911A1 GI Model as an upgrade.

[@joshmaddy007]

@@wigon Probably with some fitting. FWIW I just fit one in a Colt 5" and it did require some fitting but afterwards seems to run great (~300 rnds since installed)

[@yellowboxster06]

Can you imagine you are JMB and the year is early 1900s. You’ve just won this contract to build the 1911. The customer comes back to you - after the design reviews are over and production is running at full speed -and says oh by the way you need to be compatible with all types of ammo that might be invented over the next 100 years or so. It’s amazing it did as well as it is still doing.

[@willo7734]

Part of what you pay for when you get a Wilson Combat pistol is the huge wealth of knowledge that these guys have. That’s why it’s the one of the best pistols out there.

[@bldlightpainting]

I've carried a 1911 for most of my adult life, including my current heavily customized and modified with Wilson parts Kimber Tactical Pro II I bought twenty some-odd years ago. Although I own many other firearms, I keep coming back to this one for my daily carry. It's like an old comfortable and trusted friend I can depend on regardless of the situation. From factory bulk ammo, to my many different types of reloads and tactical law enforcement ammunition, it handles them all very reliably.

[@Shot_Gunner]

I’ve been thinking about purchasing a Kimber lately. The highest quality 1911 I own is a Springfield Range Officer compact. I have been reading mixed reviews regarding Kimbers quality and manufacturing processes lately. Any information you can share would be helpful. Should I buy a new one? Or should I buy a Ruger 1911, Colt? Thank you.

[@richwilson7619]

@@Shot_Gunner I have thirty nine 1911s in different calibers and makes. I've built 6 5inch and 2 6inch LS. Kimber uses plastic in all there non custom shop models. I usually spend a couple of hundred extra on making a Kimber the way I like it. There Custom shop is good but if your spending that kind of money buy a Wilson and only cry once. Otherwise buy a 400 dollar Rock Island put another 300 in Wilson parts and you got a darn nice reliable shooter and won't cry everytime you get a scuff. The Ruger is a darn good one but I can build a better Rock Island for less money.

[@j23burke83]

@@Shot_Gunner buy a Wilson you won't regret it. I have a Kimber TLE II and a Wilson combat xtac and both have been super reliable. My Wilson will be my gun for my life time. Kimber raptor, tle II or a cdp are reliable Kimber models from my experience but stick with the 4 or 5 inch size.

[@wigon]

@@richwilson7619 I second the RIA recommendation. I have their cheapest model (the 1911A1 Government Model) and it runs flawlessly. More surprising was that it's the 2nd most accurate pistol I own, second only to my Ruger Mk3, despite having crappy GI model fixed sights. Mine shoots of point of aim, point of impact with fantastic groups at 10 yards. No malfunctions yet on mine. Overall the tolerances seem very tight and just built like a tank. Aside from the cheap finish on it, the fit and finish is on par with my CZ P-07. I was so impressed it that I just bought a RIA M200 .38 special revolver yesterday. Likewise fit and finish looks very good with nice tight lock-up and timing. Can't wait to take it to the range. But back to the RIA 1911, I do plan on gradually upgrading mine with Wilson Combat parts. The extractor they make (and talked about on this video) really peaked my interest. I want my RIA to always have reliable performance for years to come, so that looks like an obvious part to upgrade.

[@zebradun7407]

The first Pistol I ever shot was the 1911A1 in .45 acp. As a young Marine I was armed with it and the M-16A1 as personal defense weapons equally so I shot the Handgun a lot fam fire and qualification I shot expert with it. After I got out I bought one a Series 70 Government model MK IV in .45 acp. I rarely experienced jams almost none even with non FMJ/Ball ammo if I did it was due to bad ammo and once recently with a blocked extractor due to foreign material which gun scrubber spray fixed. For me this pistol clean and in good working order is almost jam free.

[@timmytwodogs]

These guys are pure class. Just when you think you know all about the 1911 you learn something new. A bought a new Colt in .38 Super [ thank you Stephen Hunter ] and I ordered some Wilson parts to trick it out. Bill's the only guy who makes a real drop in beavertail grip safety.

[@maxcactus7]

Ken's comment about the fly cracked me up!! That said, there was a TON of valuable information in this video that a lot of us had to learn through years of hard experience decades ago.

[@wigon]

Hey us Democrats own 1911's also! We don't need more than 10 rounds. LOL! Just kidding. I also own AR-15's. :P

[@nmr6988]

Bill and Ken, you two guys are National Treasures.

[@Trump145]

These two guys are awesome thanks Bill Wilson for your fabulous magazines.

[@yungsmile7546]

Back in the day after having owned and shot thousands of rounds through revolvers and autos I found that the 1911 A1 was my favorite for many reasons. My slicked Springfield with Wilson 8 round mags and extractor, 18lb recoil spring, and Hogue wraparound rubber grip has been my only remaining full size handgun since the early 90s. My +P rocket launcher is all I need other than my Seecamp LWS-32 for backup. Single action cocked and locked is the most consistent and ready mode for me. I occasionally look at and handle new pistols when in a gun shop, but can't imagine ever buying a plastic pistol. They're lighter yeah, but to me steel is real.

[@tomgburklin1112]

so many don't think guns are "high tech"... I spent my 70+ years dealing with all kinds of so called "high tech"... got into guns a couple years ago as a retirement hobby... finding that guns are just as complicated as any computer system i ever worked with... The old guys really were great designers, you guys are great explaining complex tech, THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge.

[@paulsimmons5726]

I’ve owned a number of 1911’s and never had any feeding or extraction issues whatsoever… hmmm! 🤔 I use the 230g FMJ Ball ammo just like JMB designed the 1911 to use! It seems logical enough for me! Great video, Gentlemen, pure gold! PS - I use Wilson Combat Magazines, no brainer!

[@rooster3019]

I have two of Ruger's SR1911, one full sized and the other Commaner. I cast all my own bullets and handload all of my own ammo. By trial and error came to same conclusion; HG68 and correct OAL. Very reliable either firearm.

[@Milkman3572000]

I just bought my first 1911, the Ronin 10mm by SA. I am learning alot. I am going thru EXACTLY what they just talked about in this video. Bought 500rd S&B 180 FMJ with the flat nose. NOT reliable. It works ok in my Glock 20.. but I don't ENJOY shooting that gun. I do need a dozen of WC's mags. Thru trial and error I learned on my own what they talked about in this video. GREAT Knowledge.

[@MixBetterNowTV]

Stellar video as always, fellas. I run Wilson bulletproof extractors, firing pins, firing pin stops, ChSi flat wire recoil springs and ChSi firing pin Springs in all my lower end 1911’s (especially my commanders in 9mm). Thanks for making the best parts in the world, Bill! 🗽

[@randyadams03]

I have 4 Wilson Combat 8rd magazine. Work reliable in my ATI affordable 1911a1. Thank you Mr. Wilson

[@frankarchibald732]

I love my 12 Wilson combat mags. I need that bullet proof extractor. But I've never had reliability issues with my springfield armory trp 😍

[@Shot_Gunner]

Thanks for the recommendation, I just purchased a bunch of Golden Sabre for my 1911’s. I had a Springfield 1911 full size that would crush/setback hollow points when feeding. I sold that gun and let the new purchaser know why. I gave him a deal and I bet he’s shooting FMJs in it with a smile on his face. 🤠

[@freqmgr]

In the beginning my Springfield 1911 was a little fussy when feeding. I started using Wilson magazines the problem went away.

[@Shot_Gunner]

@Omega HQ yeah I wish I knew that 10yrs ago. 😆

[@rfulton5709]

Two sages of the 1911 world. Great information and better understanding of an icon pistol.

[@roddecker1900]

Bought 1911 thru ffl from gun Smith friend of friend was some famous bullseye shooter. He said come with him.att this range there was a room people loading magazines & strapping on leather. Now I hunt but. This was SLIGHTLY SUSPECT These guys were mechanics, they helped things beyond our wildest results. WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED IT FOR ANY THING. We were shooting 180 power factor then my 45 could shoot anything i picked off the floor REX wasn't finicky att all thanks guys

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

The .45ACP 1911 is a timeless treasure! It was good over 100 years ago, and is still good now. Ignore the Glock fanboys who disparage the 1911 as a jam-o-matic. I have a Springfield milspec 1911 and it has never jammed on me since the day I bought it 5 years ago. I appreciate classic firearms and am looking to getting Springfield's SA-35!

[@brandondavis4306]

I have a magnum research 1911 granted I have only had mine for about 8 months I haven't had one single jam or miss fire with her and I have shot ball, hollow points, even plus p loads (double tap going 1000 fps) out of her and she has shot everything just fine.

[@cartelplug8183]

I’ love glocks sigs hks fn etc but I can say my 1911 was jammin not sure why though it was a colt combat commander but I still love 1911s

[@wigon]

@@cartelplug8183 That's because, as mentioned in this video, the shorter barreled 1911's are inherently less reliable and more finicky about magazines and ammo types. So definitely experiment with Wilson Combat magazines as well as with different types of ammo to see if you reliability problem has more to do with your ammo selection or with the magazines you are using. I have a cheap Rock Island Armory 1911A1 GI model that runs flawlessly so far.

[@davidmize291]

@@brandondavis4306 T.

[@hopewilliams6705]

I have a 10mm 1911 and had this exact extractor stoppage problem it would do exactly what yall explained. I could remove the mag and reinsert aggressively and the slide would go home with the round chambered. I tuned my extractor and solved the problem!

[@hoosiered471]

Ugh!!! I hear ya! My 10mm is still giving me fits, but I don't want to get rid of it because of the amazing trigger and accuracy. ...and of course because it's the "Big 10"

[@hopewilliams6705]

@@hoosiered471 what kind is it?

[@hoosiered471]

@@hopewilliams6705 Fusion Firearms “Reaction”

[@jfal104]

I've got a 6 month old Springfield Ronin in 10mm and after 1000k rounds it's pretty reliable out of the box. Had 2 stove pipes and 2 FTF during break-in, been smooth since. During the ammo pandemic I've only fired Magtech FMJ, Sellier & Belloit FMJ and Sellier & Belloit JHP, all 180 grains. I've been lucky...However, this feed system sets back the bullet BIG TIME with just one chambering. I dare not re-chamber more than twice....I've measured 1/8" after 2 chamberings. Yikes.

[@hopewilliams6705]

@@jfal104 mine will drive the bullets in also

[@thetoneknob4493]

i got very lucky wen i found my 1911a1.its a colt manufactured pistol made in 1942 that was a bring back by a local vet. the man who carried it had it set up for match duty for the national match at camp perry. so the barrel and bushing wer re done with nm parts and everything was polished fitted inside and out and re blued pre war colt style. all that custom work that would cost a guy a fortune was the reason i was able to afford to own it. the shop selling it sold it to me as a re finish used gun for 300$ said it had no collectors value.well it shoots better than any other 1911 ive ever shot! it loves two loads 230grn hardball and 185gr hp-swc. it goes bang evry time and it shoots exactly wear its pointed. it has alot of value to me!

[@jimhartzell5092]

My practice load has been 200swc , 7gr. Of unique since 1986.. still running strong. Great stuff guys!

[@norman6694]

I run the same thing

[@angry_z_rider4275]

Same but I stopped running mine in competition. My 9mm can feed literally anything and not jam. Also double stack.

[@thinman8621]

High regard for both these gentlemen but Bill Wilson is the man when it comes to the 1911 pistol design and all its parts. The good Mr. Hackathorn should perhaps give Mr. Wilson a little more air time on some technical fine points. In any case, this was an excellent video. Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@gscop1683]

Excellent ! Finally I have an explanation of feed and extraction issues with my 70 series Colt Combat Commander ! It hates almost All hollowpoints and Many cheap Hardballs ! If I Can get the Wilson extractor and the mags I may be able to cure it !

[@gowilsoncombat]

Try it out and let us know!

[@gscop1683]

Will do ! Thank You !

[@richwilson7619]

Why are you using hollow points in a .45acp. If you ever do kill someone, you are adding to your legal woes but not really helping your stopping power.

[@gscop1683]

Sadly, You have bought in to the nonsense that "hollowpoints" increase legal woes. I retired from LE after 4 decades in a a major city that is DemocRat. No Shooting by police OR citizens Ever regarded hollowpoint ammunition used by the shooter as an Issue. That is Leftist Propaganda and has no real basis in fact.

[@cartelplug8183]

I like guns that u can use any type of ammo from inferior to elite or else I don’t like it

[@hopewilliams6705]

I do love my 38 super 1911 and honestly out of all my pistols it is one of my favorite to shoot.

[@rotwang2000]

I remember the first time I saw Paul Harrell with his .38 Super and I went "This guy was tactical before tactical was even invented." .38 Super rocks !

[@captainsjournal]

I'll bookmark this video in case I ever have any trouble, but out of my S&W E series and Dan Wesson Commander pistols, I've shot everything from crappy ammo to the most expensive, from hard ball to HP, dozens and dozens of makers, and then also 450 SMC (after a spring change). I've shot thousands of rounds. I've never had a single FTE/FTF. No stoppages, not even once. I hear people complain about reliability of 1911s, and it puzzles me every time I hear it.

[@GGlitter72]

Ihr zwei seid einfach super !!! so viel Geschichte und wissen bei der Ihr uns teilhaben lasst, danke dafür ! Grüsse aus Deutschland.....Ya two guys are just fab !!! so much history and knowhow ya sharing with us... cheers from germany..

[@phishno2767]

I spent a lot of money on magazines polished ramps and throated barrels and ran hundreds of rounds of each major brand of JHP I could through them (I didn't understand anything about reliability back then) only to find on my 1911s that they would run every HP I could find after I learned how to fit an extractor and firing pin stop (generally requires fitting both to avoid slack that can introduce variation in extractor hook tension and position). Since then I found I can run even the basic GI spec Colt magazines with any factory-loaded FMJ or JHP rounds I can get my hands on and I'd go broke buying ammo before I got one to jam.

[@tommissouri4871]

Good video. I've been amazed at how many miss the obvious. Back when basically you had Winchester 230 gr jacketed ball ammo, no one had issues. In the last couple of decades, with all these special ammo setups, people started having issues. In the old manuals, many of them said "use 230 gr ball ammunition" and "do not use hollow points, semi-wadcutters, and reloads." Today's manuals say to shoot different types, find out what works, and then stick with that. Ignoring what the gun is designed to shoot is like ignoring what gasoline should go in your performance or classic car. It might work, but it won't work like it should. And you may discover a lot of damage after a few years of using the wrong stuff.

[@tonyv8925]

Thank you for the informative video. Learned some new things today, and that is always a good thing. I am old school and prefer the fat and slow ball ammunition.

[@brianbridges1401]

@Tony V "" seasoned "" school 😁

[@cheesenoodles8316]

When Bill Wilson talkes, 1911 owners listen.

[@marksd5650]

Except Ken doesn’t let Bill talk

[@ctsmith9225]

Right! I turned up the volume on my phone 😂😜

[@fredmyers485]

1911s are great guns. They aren’t for everyone but that doesn’t diminish their place in the gun world and there’s a reason people are paying $800 - $3000 for 1911s.

[@johnclark5695]

I accidentally stumbled onto the H&G #68 about 40 years ago and it been my favorite bullet for the .45ACP ever since.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Hello Bill and Ken, Super great video. I am older like you and I am honored to comment on this to you. I am also a long time 1911 fan. I was also fortunate back in the day, to be authorized to carry a 1911 on duty as an LEO. In my later LEO years they had me transition to a S&W 645. I have a Colt MK IV Series 70 Govt model (my old duty gun), a Series 70 all steel Colt Combat Commander and a Colt Series 70 Lightweight Commander (its easier to carry / EDC the Lightweight as an old guy). Almost all of my current magazines are the 8 round Wilson stainless Magazines. I am fortunate my 1911's are super reliable and will all feed empty cases from the magazines flawlessly (just by releasing the slide stop), regardless of the magazine feed lip style (tapered or short). FYI the Commander barrels feed ramps have both been throated. One of my favorite hand loadings of all time was the Hornady 230 GR FMJ Truncated Cone Flat Point. I have not seen these projectiles in decades. If you are familiar with these projectiles, what is your opinion of them and do you think they will ever reproduce these? I now reside in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. I think I would be comfortable with that projectile (if it was still available) here in bear country on hikes. Although I usually do not like to fix what is not broken, I am interested in trying the Wilson Bullet Proof Extractor's.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for watching! Try out the Bullet Proof Extractor and let us know what you think!

[@Bittlicious]

Really awesome video and information in this video. Designing firearms is an art. The more I learn about the process the more apparent it is that these men are genius’s.

[@mdd1963]

For those handloaders looking for less expensive bullets, Precision Bullets' 200/230 RNFP bullets at 1.19" OAL fed flawlessly in every sort of pistol I stuffed them into! (1.21" OAL was too long leading to bullets slightly jammed into chamber's ledge, etc...)

[@Creationsbyelder]

I have a Taurus dual tone 1911 and recently replaced the extractor with a Wilson Combat one and it runs great. Awesome video with lots of great information. Thanks!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Very nice!

[@Creationsbyelder]

@@gowilsoncombat I also have a Wilson Combat bushing compensator on it as well. And I have to tell you that it does make a very good difference in how much that barrel tries to walk. I did a lot of research before buying one and glad that I decided to go with yours.

[@criagcundiff2469]

I Thank you gentlemen very much. This is great information. You have not only educated me, but by doing so, opened my mind to a new level of understanding and comprehension.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@Wideoval73]

Outstanding discussion. Thanks

[@petesheppard1709]

This has been a fascinating video! I must have gotten a unicorn in my stainless Combat Commander. Using standard Colt and GI mags, it has cycled everything, including the old CCI 200gr JHP; the short, wide-mouthed 'Flying Ashtray'.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Massad Ayoob in the 1990s said the 200gr CCI Speer JHP was the "best" choice, of the era for .45acp guns. I've owned a few .45s. I like to tote the 230gr +P JHP from Federal HST or Ranger T, T series. I'm not a fan of Golden Saber.

[@richwilson7619]

@@DavidLLambertmobile Try some CCI Law man for practice and Gold Dot for carry. 230 ball for both. Hollow points offer nothing but legal problems in a .45acp.

[@carlcrisp8700]

You sir, are a true Pistolero. Combat Commander and Speer 200 grainers!

[@sigberetta72]

@@richwilson7619 explain what you mean by that please… not being a smart ass , just want to know ?

[@gunsquawk4443]

When these two guys are gone, who's gonna fill their shoes? They are both geniuses.

[@EchoSigma6]

I’ve never owned a 1911, only worshipped from afar. The guys that had the 1911’s at the range were very particular, all mil spec and specific ammo. I never understood that until now. I started with the Sig 226 and then switched to Glock, I still prefer the hammer type trigger feel but chose to live with the striker fire as my EDC. My Glock is just a reliable tool. One day I’ll buy a fancy 1911 made by WC but those prices…

[@cartelplug8183]

Stick to your Glock higher round capacity then a 1911

[@richcook2007]

You get what you shoot best. I EDC a Kimber full size 1911. I have shot damn near every .45 round through that gun with no problems including HST's, hydrashoks, Inceptor, Pow'r Ball. Carry what you shoot best, is reliable and cycles you ammo reliably.

[@tacticalfirearms45]

Gosh dang BILL WILSON . Makes a dang good pistol!

[@a1ibddd]

great video gentlemen. I always enjoy listening and learning from your chats. Thank you.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickyramirez3483]

Being O’school rocks with you guys! You make it look cool for some reason….🇵🇷💪🏻AIR ASSAULT!

[@nickkrivosh1973]

I have a 40 year old GI 1911 that was passed down from my grandfather to my father then to me I began shooting it every other weekend, and within a month the ejector broke at the front post. I replaced it with a Wilson combat ejector, and it began to stove pipe. I checked the extractor by seeing if it would hold a round in place with the frame off. It would drop out immediately. After replacing it with the Wilson combat extractor and grinding the extended ejector back a little bit. Not quite factory length, but in between factory length and Wilson combat length it runs perfectly now. No feed issues and no stove pipe jams.

[@Mockturtlesoup1]

"It's probably not the gun, it's the ammo." While that is often true, it's important to keep that in the context of the conversation you're having. While your 1911 may be in spec for that particular model, it still doesn't change the fact that (as you mention) 1911s-especially originally-were made for a very specific loading, and are going to be much more picky about ammo than something like a glock or sig or beretta, or even a 9mm 1911. Not trying to make it sound like a bigger issue than it is, especially with modern 1911s, but I think a lot of people don't understand that(and many other things) when they buy their first 1911, especially if their used to guns like glocks that tend to just feed, fire, and eject everything reliably. I can really suck to have a bunch of $5-800 guns that work flawlessly, and then spend $1200 on your first 1911, be all excited about it, and get to the range and have it malfunction every other magazine. Or worse, buy it as a carry gun(particularly the smaller models), have it work flawlessly with your range/practice ammo, but then you go to run a box or two of carry ammo through it, and it just nose dives into the feed ramp.) As with most semi-auto guns, the magazine is one of, if not the most important part of the gun to get right(or at least one of the hardest to get right) even in a single stack gun like a 1911, particularly when you include the extractor issues they tend to have. Don't cheap out on magazines. 1911s are pretty much the only exception to the "only use factory/OEM mags in your guns." Wilson combat mags are the best out there. They just work. There's a reason so many 1911 makers include them with their guns. Don't cheap out on mags.

[@mathewrupp8568]

These issues were what held back autos use in law enforcement. We liked shooting 1911's but carried revolvers on duty, until Glock came around and changed everything. After a week of transition training with the Glock I said bye bye to my beloved S&W L frame which was the most accurate gun I ever shot, but I didn't need a target revolver on duty.

[@M1911jln]

A few things that they didn't mention about 1911 reliability -- magazines, magazine followers, and magazine springs. I've found that the convex plastic followers work better than either the concave plastic followers or the spring steel style followers. Similarly, I've found that the springs in Wilson 1911 magazines lose tension with usage and that a stronger spring seems to be more reliable. Extractor tension is also important.

[@advhawk6455]

I've shot and carried 1911s for 42 years now. The magic combo for me is Federal 230 grain hardball in Wilson Combat magazines. Newbs have more limp-wrist malfunctions with their Glocks than I do with my 1911.

[@brandondavis4306]

my 1911 loves the wilson combat 10 round magazine you guys make gonna buy another 1 or 2 here shortly

[@timowens7214]

Always such great wisdom. Great channel brothers 🤘🇺🇸

[@gowilsoncombat]

Much appreciated

[@ChipSpencer123]

You've got me wondering why I'd buy a .45.Don't know why some questions not answered by Wilson.

[@Tagawichin]

The golden saber 230gr is my favorite for reloading. Those 200gr semi wadcutters have always fed flawless, and would not hesitate to use them defensively if my stash of GS runs out. I do check the extractor tension and have only felt the need to adjust it a few times.

[@ScottAT]

The 1990’s era golden sabers are not so good. I still have at least 200 rounds of them. Their fins/petals - whatever you want to call it were designed for right hand twist barrels only and as you know, the 1911 is left hand twist. Basically, they were not tho most accurate of hollow points and if shot from a left hand twist gun it was basically fancy ball ammo.

[@Tagawichin]

@@ScottAT the bullets that I recoverd all evpanded, the brass didn't fold back over, but held out making it about .75 dia. The core did seperate fairly often but it's not like its horible at that point. I did start with th he speer gold dots with that huge gapping maw, but they had a lot of odd fliers due to the nose getting dented when it hit the feed ramp. Even if they don't expand, the .45 ball still outperforms the best 9mm HP (look up the old Strasbourg Tests).

[@ScottAT]

@@Tagawichin yes, everything you say makes sense. I have seen modernized Golden Sabers as well, and they are day/night different on how they used to be made and their shape, in fact there very good. The 1990’s era Golden Sabers were a different bullet entirely from what is manufactured 25+ years later. They were straight shanked coned that did not lend itself well to a M1911-A1 feed ramp. Incorporating a right hand twist barrel requirement wasn’t all that smart either. The Speer Gold Dot is exactly as you say as well. You literally can use the cavity as an ashtray.

[@larrysmith2137]

These two men have more knowledge of guns and ammo. Thanks for the info.

[@aussiesteveakastevecallagh2280]

Great video Guys Very clear and precise , thank you both .

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@charliewason7446]

The one and only complaint I have is that the clip that came with the gun is terrible. I bought an extra and it works perfectly kzbin.infoUgkxnX9wE_Q8zvF75Y5iWzTU3Q4FlrtyGApQ , but the original clip is impossible to load without losing half the bb's due to lousy springs or lack of quality control. Otherwise, this is the most accurate BB pistol I have ever owned. I would say the most reliable as well, but I have only had it for a month. That being said, I have also gone through about 1000 bb's and it works just like new

[@XuroX.]

Weird comment for a video about real firearms

[@brianshuler6951]

In the early 1980s, I bought what I now call the "perfectly poor" combination of a new Llama, commander size, 9mm 1911 clone. Surprisingly, mine has ok tolerances and has never fallen apart in my hand on the range. However, from the start, it has had extreme feeding problems. All my polishing and retro hand fitting did not cure the problem. The final nearly total cure was the longest cartridges I can find in Wilson Combat mags. It's still an old Llama, but, it does run, most of the time. I've kept it just so I have proof this story is true.

[@brianbridges1401]

@Brian Shuler ah LLAMA got a sheriff trade in & bill is right i ran golden Saber no problems in mine sort of miss it now it all makes sense..life is amazing

[@jimtewa8096]

As always gentlemen fantastic please keep them coming.

[@davidunderwood3605]

All this has been true of my Gold Cup. Your extractor helped some. Your magazines helped some and finding the the right bullets fixed the rest. Yes golden sabre work well. Hornady also makes an excellent 230 grain hardball and I've also gotten to like their 185 zombie max projectile. I'm not for sure that they still produce them but I've got enough at the time to keep up practice.

[@jono7626]

Learn something new everyday.

[@cliffcollins2497]

Great discussion! Take care!

[@SnipeU696]

Thank you for answering this!

[@DanielBoone337]

I have a couple really early 1911's that can be a little finicky with ammo but everything I own 1990s forward tends to run. Almost every time I've ever had any problems with modern 1911s it's almost always been magazine related but even that's pretty rare. I'm somewhat of a 1911 junkie even though I don't carry them for self defense they're my favorite handgun to shoot and I've noticed as long as I buy good mags and keep them up they function like they're supposed to.

[@mattmarzula]

You know how people say, "Get a dog before you get a baby" so you can learn how to take care of it? Owning a 1911 over any modern reliable pistol is like being a single parent with a special needs child.

[@DanielBoone337]

@@mattmarzulaLMFAOOO!!!!

[@scoutdynamics3272]

When going for an EDC, I opted for the Officers model 1911. There is a saying "If you cannot afford to lose it, you cannot afford to use it". If you use your EDC, consider it gone! So one would not want to EDC to be a $1200 Kimber. I bought the Rock Island Officers model. First, the ejector broke. Then during my CCW class, the spring retainer broke and I launched the recoil spring into the target. I re gutted the weapon with Wilson Combat parts. I now have a low cost reliable EDC

[@zebradun7407]

use it an lose it means I use an RIA M-200 for home defense, using Federal .38 spl + P it is accurate, and reliable enough to use and if I use it, it can be missed but not like an expensive gun.

[@aaronyojimbo1753]

Knowledge bombs. Thank you.

[@bbqsauce8854]

New intro 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@fredorman2429]

Excellent advice.

[@joeputnam224]

Excellent video guys. I believe original G.I. hardball was about 1.260 in length, and I have found my 230 rn reloads at various lengths between 1.250 and 1.260 have worked well in my guns. I have found Winchester "white box" hardball works well in almost everything, American Eagle not so well. Black Hills hardball is good, CCI Blazer and PMC rather iffy. I used to use Rainier 230 plated; now that they are out of business, I have be trying the Speer #4714 plated, with good results. I like 200 lswc bullets, except for cleaning the barrel afterward!

[@PPISAFETY]

I became a 1911 fan about 50 years ago, and had problems with reliability early on. I bought a lot of guns used that had their feed ramps needlessly and poorly "polished" by a previous owner. I also ran into a ton of cheap magazines, and a bunch of filthy, bone dry 1911's. Then I started handloading. The best advice I ever got was to copy the dimensions of military ball as much as possible. This worked great with practice ammo, but you always get there with defense hollowpoints. A military ball round is 1.275 inches overall, and I found I could go as short as 1.250 inch and get good feeding. As for magazines, I bought 10 Wilson Combat 47's and used them to test any new 1911. I simply assume, and still do, it a 1911 won't hand cycle dummy rounds from a Wilson 47D, it's broke and I don't want it. The final lesson I learned was about how important extractor tension is. I'd see previously rekiable guns have issues and found it that was likely the extractor. Then I learned how to test and adjust this from a Wilson Combat video and I was set. But I had to keep adjusting the tension from time to time. I then found out about Wilson's Bullet proof extractor, bought one for each of my 1911's, and haven't had to tweak an extractor since. I also learned that a 1911 needs to be kept lubed, once a wek minimum if you carry muzzle down in the waistband as many do. Even if you haven't shot the gun after a week of daily carry, you will find that you have a dry gun, and the oil that was in your frame rails is now living on our shirt tail. Your 1911 needs lube. As far as ammo is concerned, I have learned to shoot a practice load that mimics FMJ, but just using lead to reduce cost. For defense ammo I learned to stick with HST, Gold Dot, Golden Saber. I've also had good luck with Winchester. If you like 1911's learn these lessons and stick with them, you will be much happier. Oh, and don't waste your money doing some silly ass 1000 round "torture test' on your 1911 to prove its reliabilty. Those are rarely useful. I carry 25 rounds on me when I carry my 1911. So, to me, my .45 has to endure a .25 round test.

[@anthonyhuffman7306]

Great discussion as always.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Much appreciated

[@CaptMac-zw8mz]

Sage advice.

[@snowgorilla9789]

Thank you gentlemen from Canada where those tid bits are greatly appreciated

[@colt-ss3lw]

I thought it was illegal to watch "anything gun" videos in Canada .

[@gowilsoncombat]

You bet!

[@OL-Tom]

Wish I could find Golden Saber ammo. It's always fed perfectly. Even the 185g +P stuff. My reloads are all 200g swc, never had a issue with them.

[@Shot_Gunner]

I just purchased some 5 mins ago from Target Sports USA. They have it available.

[@jimmangan7650]

Great Lots of things to consider that I didn’t know before.

[@triggerman1092]

Hornady 185 grain with the red polymer tip seems to run good

[@nadda8681]

Invaluable info boys, thanks! 👍👍

[@gowilsoncombat]

You bet!

[@retiredafce3373]

I shared this on the 1911 Forum under the Wilson Combat sub forum! Fantastic info gentleman! And yes that fly is a Democrat!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for sharing!

[@timhagenbuch5394]

Thanks guys! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

[@gowilsoncombat]

You bet!

[@roykiefer7713]

Great video, thank you gentlemen. Not to be snarky, but in the mean time Smith M1917s, 25s and 625s continue to cycle and to fire essentially all .45 ACP loads.

[@davidgolden1726]

🤣🙈👍

[@YakMotley]

100 percent agree its the ammo. They all fall to 45 ball. Just use what it was designed with and you will be fine.

[@harrydexter8426]

Great comments. Good knowledge given by you gentlemen!👍😊🇺🇸✝️

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@blugrassmaniac]

Love it! Thanks guys!

[@jimd8008]

Thank you again

[@mikefromwv1010]

Thanks for the information.

[@montycrain5783]

Interesting, maybe you could make a video on integrated feed ramps on 1911 barrels, particularly for 45 acp and 10mm.

[@1977Yakko]

I have a WC extractor and slide release on my Kimber Custom. Makes an already good firearm even better. WC mags have been feeding it for years. 7 rd, 8 rd, or 10 rd mags, they all work great.

[@danoneill2846]

Thanks

[@garyK.45ACP]

Great video and explanations! I use Wilson Combat magazines and Wilson Combat extractors in ALL (5) of my 1911 handguns. When you buy a 1911, of any brand (I have 3 Colt's and 2 Kimbers). I have Government Models (2) Commander Model (1) and Officer's Models (2) leave the factory mag and extractor in the box and switch to a Wilson Combat magazine and extractor. Just save yourself a lot of trouble and they are cheaper than the 200-500 rounds of "break in" ammo. They work 100% with every bullet I feed them, JHP, FMJ and more than any other bullet I use a cast bullet from wheelweight metal called a "K-Ball" which duplicates the original 230 gr. FMJ bullet shape. My chosen defense load is the Federal HST 230 gr.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for using our extractors!

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@gowilsoncombat I also use your magazines exclusively. Thanks for making these great parts available to everyone!

[@tonydeaton2890]

Reliability of the 1911 is 100% if you stay within original design specifications. I lean towards original GI magazines even in my newer pistols. They just work.

[@adammfanning3654]

Outstanding content again. It begs a couple of questions: commander vs government- can’t assume that they are interchangeable with ammunition reliability? Is Remington gold dot losing the stopping power debate to the wonder 9mm hollow points? Thanks for your expertise from a die hard 1911 fan from your generation.

[@jimbob5535]

thank you, I found the problem, extractor. I tuned it per your channel.

[@mikemc330]

Wow, that was some really good info. Thanks.

[@BackBurner1618]

Very informative video, especially for a novice such as myself.

[@christiansantiago3007]

I have had good luck with reliability out of my 1911s. My first was a RIA that nosedived the first round. Called up and they sent a mag catch that solved the problem. It ran everything except steel case 100%. My current 1911 is a mix bag of parts with an old Brazillian military slide. It runs ball and i haven't found a hp that will stop it. It has a non lowered ejection port,no throating or pollishing of the feed ramp. I do tend to use either Chip McCormick or Wilson mags.