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!!!!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jimtewa8096]

As always gentlemen fantastic please keep them coming.

[@barefoofDr]

I've Never had any feed issues with my Gov. model 1911.

[@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

[@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)

[@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 🤴

[@marksd5650]

Some day Ken will let Wilson talk. He keeps telling Bill what he did etcetera. Hilarious and annoying as all hell.

[@TheDude1764]

No kidding. He’s annoying AF.

[@ShininRock]

Einstein said; "Knowing and understanding are not the same thing". The guy on the left knows a lot (and likes to hear his own voice) while the guy on the right actually understands it all, but seldom has much to say.

[@richwilson7619]

@@ShininRock I'm pretty sure the guy on the left was hired to talk.

[@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.

[@mateoocampo3165]

Mr. Hackathorn, with all due respect. As per your remark about the fly being a Democrat. That remark is purely slanderous. You owe the fly an apology.

[@freqmgr]

🤣🤣🤣

[@edwaeable]

👍

[@brianb900]

Yeah you shouldn’t insult flies like that

[@roddecker1900]

EYE COULDN'T hurt a fly: whith a 4.5 square swatter in the kitchen. Cause can't see em anymore

[@BackBurner1618]

Lol

[@TheMinutemanArmory]

2 world wars. When WWIII kicks off and all the aluminum and plastic guns fail the 1911 will rise up to answer the call and scratch a third notch in its frame.

[@fmjmanarroyo1342]

Considering most 1911 don't even have tuned extractors, that won't happen. All the other guns with internal extractors will work just fine. Not like we fight wars with pistol.

[@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.

[@smithwesson7765]

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.

[@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 😍

[@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.

[@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 😂😜

[@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.

[@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! 🗽

[@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.

[@patrickmcclain878]

It’s going to be so sad when these old bastards aren’t around anymore. A lifetimes worth of knowledge put into a 14 minute video.

[@nmr6988]

Bill and Ken, you two guys are National Treasures.

[@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.

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

Fly must be a democrat! HAHAHAHHAHAAHA!! You nailed it lol :-D

[@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.

[@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.

[@stephenpowroznik6917]

1911... You need the right magazine, ammo, extractor, and plenty of $$$. Then...maybe. Glock (or, any other modern design)... $600 and done. If you like to carry a 1911 all the power to you. But, if you are one of those guys, don't look down your nose at modern striker fire designs.

[@Trump145]

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

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@mr.45glockowner73]

The solution to this problem is to buy yourself a GLOCK in .45acp. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@understandingtruth10]

I own several 1911s, honestly I do not have any problems at all, with many kinds of ammo; however, I always purchase 5" barrel modes for the velocity increase and original proper look. I love you guys and would love to buy a Wilson combat 1911, but I cannot justify spending over $900 one a 1911 even at the very end of 2021. I honestly think your guns are very overpriced for the market. I own used Colt and new Springfield 1911s that were around 600 and perform flawless. You guys should focuses of bringing prices down without jeopardizing quality. Even a basic model would be great. Are we building guns or jewelry, I need something I can carry everyday and if is scratch it it's not big deal, it's a tool. If I were to pay what your asking for a 1911, it would be a safe queen and a investment, and rarely shot.

[@randyadams03]

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

[@M--ri2ef]

I lost it when he said the fly was a Democrat hahaha.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You'd probably like this joke about Democrats told by Ronald Reagan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hobYY3uBj6yrgJY

[@driftitlikeyouownit]

This isnwhy I run Remington for target in .45 and Hornaday critical defense for carry in .45 alot of others gave me bad vibes.

[@thespaminator]

Seriously though, you could just buy a modern pistol for 1/4 the price and not have to worry about any of this. I love these guys but come on.

[@rfulton5709]

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

[@kenstirling5348]

This is about a 15 minute video explaining why 1911s are obsolete as far as a duty/carry pistol. All of this stuff to worry about, good magazines, ammo that cooperates and good springs etc. it’s enough to make you go crazy. Buy a more modern designed pistol and you don’t ever have to think about any of this stuff.

[@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!

[@thealarmclock9307]

A 1911 is reliable with ball ammunition, as it was designed to be , if you wanna run hollowpoints or something, you need to tune the damn thing or just go buy a modern pistol.. 1911s are great form tinkerers.

[@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

[@ChipSpencer123]

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

[@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.

[@rogallen9535]

I had a 44 magnum ruger carbine rifle it was that what it would only shoot Remington ammo couldn’t use nothing else

[@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.

[@benjaminkubrick3461]

Sooo why not just buy a Glock or Sig and not have to worry about all this finicky nonsense? 😂

[@timowens7214]

Always such great wisdom. Great channel brothers 🤘🇺🇸

[@gowilsoncombat]

Much appreciated

[@StrideResearch]

Bill Wilson you are a genius but why in the fuck did you just say “irregardless”

[@gunsquawk4443]

Answer to this problem: Glock 21.

[@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!

[@Eric-rm1if]

Great history. Unfortunately as cool as 1911s are, they are finicky. For those that 45 caliber handguns, their are many options other than 1911s. In my personal opinion only, any modern production firearm, currently being produced, should be able to feed any ammunition that falls within SAAMI standards. If the gun isn't capable of meeting that, I personally want nothing to do with it, (outside of collecting). Just my humble opinion.

[@mrdclark2003]

I love 1911s, but I've never seen a video explaining away feeding issues with a Glock. 😁 Save the 1911 for the range and carry the Glock. Then you don't have anything to worry about.

[@bobroberts6986]

Browning also designed, but never developed the 10mm

[@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 !

[@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!!!!

[@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. 😆

[@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

[@robertpark9590]

What is the "number 68" ammo you speak of? I do not see it on the WC site under 45 acp ammo for sale.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sjl9942]

I have found with my para ord single stack 5" government ball 230gr. federal, Remington, and Winchester works beautiful. But as far as hollow point ammo that I have found works best is my father in law's reloads Hornady 185gr bullets specifically for my chamber. 230gr pmc Starfire's and then federal hydrashock. Last up is Hornady critical defense. The critical duty is kinda iffy it's good ammo just not right for my 1911

[@triggerman1092]

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

[@mrlopez537]

Lol you called a fly a dem😂

[@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.

[@Italianstallion-v2f]

Many pistols will fire whatever you put in them.

[@RobinRhyne]

As always, a wealth of useful data. Thank you sure. Looks like I'm headed to the Wilson Combat site to shop for extractors. At the end of the video Ken mentioned a type of ammo that he cited as the best feeding for a 1911. I rewound and relistened but could not make it out. Anyone else know what it was?

[@markcameroon6613]

wow u guys must be grand sovern commander at a 66 level by now

[@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.

[@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

[@alanpruett2217]

I am not clear on the fan “number 16” round suggested. What is it? Golden Sabre?

[@BG-qo8ol]

You guys are really fun to watch and listen too! And the the fly wasnt a Democrat it was a Rhino , born in a pile of Democrat! Lets go Brandon!

[@montycrain5783]

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

[@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.

[@tacticalfirearms45]

Gosh dang BILL WILSON . Makes a dang good pistol!

[@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.

[@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!

[@rickyramirez3483]

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

[@renemartel5269]

I picked up a Ruger P345 made in I believe 2002 ? Do you have any experience with this model as in reliability, performance. There isn’t much info on you tube. I really like the natural grip hold and how quickly the sights line up . I have read it is a Browning design. I have not fired it yet . Thanks Rene Martel

[@freddys.8558]

I've owned a Ruger P345 for about 10 years now. Super reliable. Great performance. It's never given me any problems. I absolutely love it. I just recently added a Kimber 1911

[@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..

[@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.

[@aaronyojimbo1753]

Knowledge bombs. Thank you.

[@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...)

[@garrettgarrett7974]

"Perimeter", not radius. (2:17) God Speed Larry Vickers!

[@garrettgarrett7974]

1/2 the perimeter?

[@BrassyTack]

Simple: 1911s are picky eaters. Find ammo YOURS runs well and stick with it. Otherwise, there are just too many factors to consider.

[@veedee4860]

My Emperor Scorpion eats everything thing I give. FMJs, JHPs, steel case, brass, aluminum………….. even white trash box.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Do you make the bullet proof extractor for Colt Officers models?

[@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]

🤣🙈👍

[@hawkgeoff]

Or buy a glock and don't worry about any of this stuff, they eat damn near everything... just sayin' I love the 1911, I love my wheel guns too, but for a life or death situation... no thanks.

[@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!

[@geico1975]

Well, I guess I did good by getting the full size 5" government model 1911:) I've not had any trouble so far I'll say:) I've only had it a little over a year now...

[@davidtullar7774]

Hmm, I thought a Old-Guy was someone who sat around talking about old guns.

[@gunsquawk4443]

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