Curved VS Flat MS Housing. Why?

[prproulx]

Why did they change the design from the original? I prefer flat. It feels better but is it possible that the grip angle difference causes some malfunctions?

 

[Winz]

Why did they change the design from the original? I prefer flat. It feels better but is it possible that the grip angle difference causes some malfunctions?

I assume you mean the different 1911 mainspring housings?

It's a prefence matter for each user, but most action shooters go flat. If you are questioning why the USGI A1 pistol had the curved, that's a different story.

As for differences in reliability/malfunctions.........that is operator error...

 

[Rod B]

Some shooters with larger hands prefer the arched housing.

 

[NAA]

For what ever reason, on the original 1911's, when they went to the 1911A-1 version, circa 1924, they went to the arched mainspring housing and short trigger over the original flat mainspring housing and long trigger. That also necessitated the relief cuts in the frame as well.

It could have been ergonomics or simply that for a mainly military pistol the manufacturing process and subsequent fitting of short milled triggers and arched mainspring housings to the 1911.

Personally, I am as comfortable with either. But most of my 1911's have standard arched mainspring housings.

 

[Dragoon]

The arched main spring housing was incorporated in the 'A1' because 'doughboys' tended to shoot low with the M1911. The arched housing was supposed to bring the natural point of aim higher.....

 

[acrashb]

Citation?

 

[NAA]

Citation?

The Original M1911 went into actual production in late 1911 and the first 50 pistols were shipped to Springfield Armory on January 4, 1912. In 1924 the M1911 was given some upgrades based on feedback from World War I. These changes were first incorporated in pistols made in 1924. These pistols and all following production are officially called the “M1911-A1”. Colt manufactured military 1911A1 pistols in every year from 1937 until the war ended in 1945.

http://www.coolgunsite.com/

 

[dan belisle]

The arched main spring housing was incorporated in the 'A1' because 'doughboys' tended to shoot low with the M1911. The arched housing was supposed to bring the natural point of aim higher.....

+1. It may shoot different for you, but in general, most folks shoot low with the flat mainspring housing. - dan

 

[prproulx]

+1. It may shoot different for you, but in general, most folks shoot low with the flat mainspring housing. - dan

Hey I it did shoot low! Maybe I'll put the curved one back on.

 

[John Sukey]

Interesting that a pistol that came out in 1911 is still very popular today.
I suppose when you design something right, it never goes out of use.

A perfect example is the .50 Browning MG. Minor upgrades, but the basic design is the same as it was in 1917

 

[Rod B]

Interesting that a pistol that came out in 1911 is still very popular today.
I suppose when you design something right, it never goes out of use.

A perfect example is the .50 Browning MG. Minor upgrades, but the basic design is the same as it was in 1917

John Moses Browning's designs have stood the test of time.

 

[Garand]

I have small hands and find the arched mainspring absolutely intollerable, my 3 1911's all have a flat mainspring housing, and I don't shoot low!!

 

[Silverback]

I wear size medium gloves so I prefer a flat mainspring housing and a long trigger, all my 1911's end up in that configuration.

 

[dan belisle]

I prefer the flat MS housing myself, but I dare say the US Army had a slightly larger test demographic then the three of us when it made it's decision. - dan