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Post by hacker54 on Feb 24, 2015 17:08:25 GMT -5
I have just received a late birthday present of a Rock Island Armory 1911 in 45acp. and see that it has a polymer mainspring housing. I have also read at some of the other forums that some Colt Gold Cups have polymer mainspring housings. I am guessing that this is a cost cutting measure. Mine is of the flat type and I prefer the arched type. In my searching for a replacement I found that they also make the arched type in polymer. I plan on replacing mine with the arched in metal and that should add about an extra ounce to the gun. I know that not all 1911's out there have polymer mainspring housings but if any of you would encounter one would you replace it or leave it as is?
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poohzilla
Member
Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050 
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Feb 24, 2015 17:35:04 GMT -5
Hacker, it's looking like you're having fun with that critter ! I guess you know my vote-John Moses Browning didn't use polymer, so... Now, you might find that inconsistent with my preference for the arched housing ! (My recollection is that JMB didn't participate in the A1 mods) With the advances in plastics there's probably no significant difference in wear, although I have no data to support that. Me, I'd replace it, but each of us must follow his own path ! (You should have set this one up for a poll !)
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Post by krwada on Feb 24, 2015 19:31:46 GMT -5
Hello Gary;
I would leave it as is. The flat vs. arched however, is pretty much a personal preference. From what I can tell, there should not be any chance for failure of using a polymer mainspring housing. Most of the forces on the housing are longitudinal, (along the axis of the spring) and not side-to-side.
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Post by hacker54 on Feb 24, 2015 19:50:30 GMT -5
Ken,
I have shot both in the flat vs the arches in GI issue 1911 and 1911 A1 and I find that the arched fits my hand better and hence I shoot better because of it. The Colt Combat Commander that I had did have the arched housing. Even if this Rock Island was metal I would still swap it out for the arched.
Pooh,
I think I can still make this a poll question and see if I get any response. I also have another on guide rods.
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Feb 24, 2015 21:17:03 GMT -5
The flat vs. arched housing? The hands have it.  Arched fits larger hands better. I voted flat because I have small hands. Arched makes it harder for my short fingers to properly address the trigger and wrap comfortably around the grip. I currently have a Kimber stainless Target II. It replaced a 70 series Gold Cup. Both are/were all steel, no polymers.....and that's just the way I like it. Some may raise their eyebrows over my trade. It was simple.....the Gold Cup I shot very little to keep it's value. I found I wasn't happy with a safe ornament. I prefer to shoot guns not collect them. The Gold Cup brought a good price and the new owner was thrilled to find a nearly perfect Series 70. I had money left over after replacing it with the Kimber, and I shoot the heck out of it. Now! Would I trade the Kimber Target II? No. But I'd buy a rounded butt, shorter barrel Kimber Super Carry to go with it in a heart beat.....that's the "non-traditional" 1911 I covet most!  Flat out gorgeous, gentlemen!! Great review here. |
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Post by krwada on Feb 25, 2015 1:23:07 GMT -5
I voted arched. Even though I have small hands; the arched feels better for me anyhow.
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Arched fits larger hands better. I voted flat because I have small hands. Arched makes it harder for my short fingers to properly address the trigger and wrap comfortably around the grip.
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
