Help me choose my 1911 upgrades!

Longshot338

Longshot338

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Southern Ontario
Hello all,

I have some questions regarding upgrading my Kimber. I have a Custom Target II.

I have replaced the adjustable target sights with Heinie SlantPro Tritium Straight 8 sights.

I would like to Cerakote this gun. OD Green and Black would be my choice (matches my gear; I think if I didn't wear OD I would cerakote in Burnt Bronze with a Chocolate Brown slide). I was thinking of a couple options:

#1 OD Green frame, Black slide, Black G10 grips

#2 OD Green frame, Black slide, OD Green/Black G10 grips

#3 Black frame, OD Green slide, OD Green/Black G10 grips

#4 Black frame, Black slide, OD Green/Black G10 Grips. I would also cerakote the slide stop and safety OD Green; possibly the hammer and grip safety as well.

Let me know what you think would look good! I realise this is subjective, but I can't decide. I suppose I have a slight preference, but I'm not sure. I want to know what you guys like.

I also want to upgrade to a magwell. I like the Techwell Carry model. Have you guys ever used Techwell products? What do you think of the model I have chosen? I just want a slightly smoother reload under time constraints as in the CQB matches I shoot. I don't want it to be too drastic of a change. I like the carry model because it is low profile. Doesn't alter the look of the Kimber, also keeps it lo-drag. Do you have other suggestions?

If it matters at all, I use Wilson Combat #500 ETM 8rd mags with polymer anti-tilt followers and an extended basepad. I have a couple of Para mags that are of the same configuration; should function the same.
 
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Wanstalls carry Fusion magwells. They look pretty good but I have no personal experience with 'em. I'd an Ed Brown kinda guy.

Just popped into Wanstalls website. WOW! I can't believe how much 1911 parts they carry online now. Impressive! They are the House of 1911! lol
 
I use the Ed Brown Maxi-well on 2 of mine. Have the snakeskin pattern. Adds a lot of grip, smoother reloads, doesnt stick out like a sore thumb, and keeps me in classic for ipsc. Works great with all mags I've used, including wilson combats like the ones you have.

As for colors. I'm not personally a fan of OD green as a primary color on pistols. Maybe use it the small bits, safeties and slide lock and such. I'd go with darker colours for your main body. Black on grey.

another feature I add to my 1911's is the wilson combat enlarged mag release. Big square looking thing...I have small hands so I find it super helpful. But depending on the size of your hands, and shooting CQB it might not be worth it.
 
Thank you for the replies,

I am interested in this Ed Brown Maxi-Well. I looked it up.

My first concern is this: If it is only secured to the frame of the pistol by the bottom of the MSH, how secure is it? If I am shooting CQB, I will be lying on the pistol during the modified prone portion of the match. How much would it take for me to knock the magwell out of alignment with the frame? How secure is this system?

My second concern would be the MSH itself. Obviously it will need to be replaced. Does the Ed Brown MSH require machining, filing, or any other type of gunsmithing to fit properly? On the other end of the spectrum, will it be too loose to securely orient the magwell in position?

Finally, where might I obtain the Ed Brown Maxi-Well with the Blued Snakeskin finish? Anybody in Canada stock these? I will check in at my local gun store; perhaps he can find one for me.

Thanks guys!
 
The magwell is held in place via a screw. I haven't beat mine up in (I don't shoot IPSC/IDPA etc) but it's never worked loose. I don't know anyone in Canada stocking Ed Brown parts other than Double Tap. Don't see any magwells on their online store. Best source would be to order it from Brownells.

I decided to give the Fusion magwell a try and ordered one with a K-hole trigger (always like the look of that one) from Wanstalls last week. They should arrive tomorrow.

I've never needed to fit mainspring housings in my 1911s. They've all been a drop-in part.
 
I've had mine on for a couple years. Its never come lose on me yet (on either gun). I never had to do any fitting. Just swap parts and drop in. Also will line up properly, its not a flat piece to flat piece fit. Theres a rectangular notch if I remember correctly. I imagine it would take quite a bit to twist it, but I very tested it.

I bought one from Brownells and one off here.

I just picked up and installed a different brand on another 1911.. I'll try to figure out the brand
 
I love my techwell, but i use the XT xtra big magwell.
I would not use their carry half moon well, for the same reason i sometimes dislike my XT well.
Made out of aluminium, after 1500-1600 mag changes it gets pretty beat up and mag starts catching in scratches.
I have replaced twice so far.
Right now i do not dry fire much, but when i was in a pass where i'd do 50 mag changes a day, it would get beat up in no time.
 
Well, that has firmly switched me off of Techwell.

Now I need to decide between Ed Brown and Fusion. Any preferences out there? If anybody has owned both, which do you prefer and why?
 
Well, my Fusion parts came in this AM. I only did a quick look as I'm at the office and the magwell looks pretty good. The finish looks way better than my Dlask one. I guess I'll put this on my Sig1911 and the Dlask one on my Springfield. I'll post my finding tonight along with some pics.

The trigger looks nice but it was packaged loosely with the adjustment screw and allen wrench so it's a little marred up. Meh.

23950667929_4672936c58_b.jpg
 
Longshot338 said:
Well, that has firmly switched me off of Techwell.

Now I need to decide between Ed Brown and Fusion. Any preferences out there? If anybody has owned both, which do you prefer and why?
Click to expand...

The thing people need to understand, is that they are catering to a specific niche.
USPSA shooters, where weight qualifies your gun, or not.
If they made it out of steel gun would be too heavy.
For a carry style well, i wouldnt bother. But for a full funnel well, not many manufacturers make them so techwell is the goto choice.

By the way, i ran STI carry well for a while, not too expensive, and really resistant. Freedom ventures have them, may not be a bad idea to include them in your choices.
 
I installed the Fusioin magwell on my 1911 last night. I was going to install it on my Sig 1911 which has a Dlask one but ended up installing it on my Springfield instead. The Fusion has a black finish and matched the colour of my Springfield better. There's enough metal on the magwell if one wanted to blend it to your frame. No chatter marks either.

The magwell attaches to the mainspring housing via a dovetail groove and secured with a hex screw. In order to remove the magwell from the mainspring, you'd have to remove the mainspring from the frame. I couldn't just slide it off while fully assembled. Could be a good thing in the unlikely event that the screw should work loose and fall out. So far, no complaints.

Dlask on the left, Fusion on the right...
24328382425_632f975693_b.jpg
 
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