1911 compensator

[ewoodworth1]

does anyone have one of those compensators for their 1911 that replaces the barrel bushing? what do you think about it if you do?

 

[bigkahunasix]

Waste of money. The .45acp cartridge does not generate enough gas pressure to make a comp work as intended. Back in the "old days" of IPSC it was as much the weight of the comp as anything else that brought them into favor.
Those little extended bushings with 3 or 4 slots cut into them are worthless. Just another gadget to separate shooters from their money.
If you want a comp them order a comp barrel in a caliber that can take advantage of the venturi system, ie.. 10mm, .38Super, 9x23, even 9mm Luger if you handload.

 

[Disposable Heart]

Waste of money. The .45acp cartridge does not generate enough gas pressure to make a comp work as intended. Back in the "old days" of IPSC it was as much the weight of the comp as anything else that brought them into favor.
Those little extended bushings with 3 or 4 slots cut into them are worthless. Just another gadget to separate shooters from their money.
If you want a comp them order a comp barrel in a caliber that can take advantage of the venturi system, ie.. 10mm, .38Super, 9x23, even 9mm Luger if you handload.

+1. They are a pain to fit, the gas impulse on .45 is TOO low to provide anything more than MORE noise with a .45 and all the 1911 forums say stay away.

 

[menzzer37]

Have you ever seen a race gun? They are almost ALL compensated! For fast shooting, it does keep the muzzle lower.

 

[BIG TIM]

I have one and they dont make that much difference. The simplest way to reduce muzzle flip is buying a full weight five inch barrel 45. In many cases these are less expensive because many people,including myself, prefer lighter weight and easier concealability of the shorter versions.

 

[Disposable Heart]

Have you ever seen a race gun? They are almost ALL compensated! For fast shooting, it does keep the muzzle lower.

but they are INTEGRAL to the barrel and of effective design. Most of the cheapo "bushing type" ones from Brand X or Wilson Combat are garbage, that is the what the question was regarding.

 

[davej48]

I will send anybody mine that wants to pay for the stamps, completely worthless as has been posted here.

 

[bigkahunasix]

Have you ever seen a race gun? They are almost ALL compensated! For fast shooting, it does keep the muzzle lower.

Why yes, yes I have. Considering I make a considerable amount of money every year building them. And every year I have to school some young, wet behind the ears new shooter that they are a complete and utter waste of time/money on a low pressure gun. (ie..45acp) as well as shooters that only shoot walmart ammo in their comp guns.

High pressure and velocity are the keys to taking advantage of a comp- the .45acp has neither of these. The comp is only part of the equation, proper handloading is mandatory to get the most from a comp gun AND to insure the gun functions properly.

The bushing comps are useless and selling them should be a crime against decency.

Next question please.

 

[bigcraig]

bigkahunasix, is right on the money, although I am sure he didn't need my endorsement!

 

[bigkahunasix]

bigkahunasix, is right on the money, although I am sure he didn't need my endorsement!

Did come across a little testy, didn't I?? My apologies, after 30+ years of building guns and answering questions you become that cranky old gunplumber of legend.

Now get off my lawn or I'll send ya to school with that Finklestein **** kid.):

 

[slow1911s]

Another idea to tame the 1911 is a tungsten guide rod (available from SVI or Brazos Custom Gunworks - 1911 parts,IPSC pistolsmithing,Pistolsmith,custom handguns). Adding a steel mainspring housing/magwell can also had non-reciprocating mass to the gun, which will tame recoil (but also affect the balance of the gun).

If you want to tame the recoil of a handgun, increase the non-reciprocating (frame, barrel, guide rod) mass and/or reduce the reciprocating mass (slide)

 

[bigkahunasix]

My only thought here is who finds the .45acp 1911 pistol too objectionable in recoil?

The ways to control recoil short of a full race comp gun is simple-

a) learn to properly grip the weapon to mitigate recoil.

b) proper grips- get some that are comfortable and fill your palm.

c) hi-grip grip safety- if you do not have one, get one installed.

d) high cut front strap- same as above, get a new gun or have yours done.

e) full length guide rod- the famous cure for the problem that doesn't exist. at least the weight of the thing does something.

If all that doesn't help the go to 180gr. or 165gr. bullets. (be sure to change your recoil spring to a lesser weight to compensate.)

If none of the above works- get a 9mm.

Remember A is everything- all else are just gravy.