Blowback vs Recoil Operated
There seems to be a misunderstanding of the similarities and the differences between these two basic designs. so I thought I might be able to clear up some of it.…
1911 School, Feeding Part 3 of 3.
The next critical dimension is the cartridge OAL itself. Too short or too long and you’ll have problems. The issues that so many people ascribed to the 1911’s failure to…
1911 School, Feeding Part 1 of 3
In order to effect a better understanding of the dimensions and conditions critical to reliable feeding in the 1911 pistol, I thought this might be a good idea to go…
Old 1911s and old springs
In the spring of 1991, when I lived in Rural Hall, NC I got a call from my stepfather. His aunt had died at the ripe, old age of 96,…
Iver Johnson Owl Head revolver, justifying the inexpensive firearm
During one of my rare sojourns away from Castle Doghair, I was privileged to encounter an old First Model Iver Johnson Owl Head revolver in caliber .38 S&W that was…
M1911 Locked breech/Short Recoil basic function
M1911 Locked breech/Short Recoil basic function Caliber .45 Auto firing a 230 grain bullet at 830 fps: Bang! Assuming a condition of zero headspace, both bullet and slide start to…
1911 Tuner’s take on revolvers and making them last.
Many have come to know me through my technical posts on the 1911 pistol, but what most don’t know is that I don’t love the 1911, even though I shoot…
More on the 1911 magazine.
Since the subject of magazines comes up a lot… There is only one magazine design that presents the cartridge to the 1911’s chamber correctly and guarantees full controlled feed…as designed…
Full Length Guide Rod and the 1911
Full Length Guide Rod and the 1911 A question came up about full length guide rods’ function is preventing spring “kink” or flexion. This old fluroscope photograph of a 1911…
Lowering the hammer on a 1911
Lowering the hammer on a 1911 and the press check. It is not hard as long as you know the correct method. Be sure your pistol is unloaded before you…