GAP more reliable than ACP in subcompacts?

[ArnisAndyz]

I posted this in the 1911 section but wanted to get an opinion from somebody who knows the GAP cartridge...

"How about the reliabiliity of micro or sub compact 1911s? I'm interested in either the Springfield GI micro compact 45 ACP or the Springfield Defender in 45GAP. I hear that because the GAP cartridge is smaller, the slide has more travel, and "has potential" to make the smaller guns more reliable. Aside from the usual ACP to GAP comparisons, is it possible that GAP "might' be more reliable is short barrel guns?"


TIA,
Andy

[TurkeyTrack]

Originally posted by ArnisAndyz
I hear that because the GAP cartridge is smaller, the slide has more travel,
TIA,
Andy

Not sure I understand this logic? "Smaller" or shorter?
My G39 has not had any problems!;)

[sheriff 54]

I'm thinking that there will be a bit of an increase of reliability. I'm not to sure that all the problems with the shorter guns (1911) are well reported but there are a LOT of folks fussin about them so I suppose that some of them don't work. I've had 1911's in 5", 4 1/4" and the latest, a Kimber in 4". I have had few problems. I just can't get me to do anything shorter. I kinda like the idea of a smaller grip frame as the early "problem" for me was the circumference of the 1911 grip. I just kept using it till I didn't care anymore. I am one of the 1911acp folks that find the gap interesting. Never had a Glock, didn't like the plastic when H&K introduced it in '70's. Haven't changed my mind. I still like steel and wood. That's a problem of being a dinosaur.;)

[TNRonin]

Originally posted by TurkeyTrack
Not sure I understand this logic? "Smaller" or shorter?
My G39 has not had any problems!;)

Smaller = faster slide action. Longer case = small window for ejection (time for ejection), gives opportunity to hang the case in the ejection port. Hence the question as to a shorter case helping. At least that is the way I take it. And of interest to me.

[auto45]

If the GAP makes a 3-3.5" 1911 as reliable as a 5" ACP, then Springfield won't be able to make enough of them.

If not, it will sell for a while, but just for those consumers that want something different...because it's different. The grip size may attract some, but an ACP model with thin grips is pretty easy to grasp. But, we'll see.

I still think a double stack 1911 GAP might be a "winner"!

[ArnisAndyz]

Originally posted by TNRonin
Smaller = faster slide action. Longer case = small window for ejection (time for ejection), gives opportunity to hang the case in the ejection port. Hence the question as to a shorter case helping. At least that is the way I take it. And of interest to me.

Thanks..thats what I was trying to say. If it works, I have to give Springfield credit. They saw a need (and a possible cure) for a more reliable 1911 sub. They may actually be the ones that increase the popularity of the GAP round or even save it from extinction.

Found this in an article from American Handgunner....
"One of the potential pitfalls for down-sized 1911s is the shorter you make the barrel and slide the more you reduce slide travel. If you lock the slide of a full-size 1911 back you will see the breech face is back far enough so the top of the disconnector is exposed. If you were to do the same with a normal compact or ultra-compact pistol you’d see the slide barely goes back beyond the magazine well.

This matters because it affects the “timing” of the pistol’s cycle. A lot has to happen in a hurry; the fired case must be ejected and a fresh cartridge popped up by the magazine in time for the slide to strip it and shove it into the chamber. When the slide travel is restricted it simply means everything has to be just right, or malfunctions are possible. The way the Defender’s slide is cut down restricts travel far less than the ultra-compacts and it’s only slightly less than a full-size pistol. As I see it, that increases the opportunity for reliable function."