A Little Springfield Loaded Work

[thurn55]

Been shooting my Springfield Loaded 5" Parkerized lately. I've found that I would like to install a wider magazine funnel. Maybe something like on the TRP/Operator. I have no experience working on 1911s, besides standard field stripping and cleaning. I wouldn't think it'd be too hard to get the mainspring housing off, would it? What about the ILS? What does everyone recommend on where to get the funnel from? Should I get a Wilson one from Brownells?

My other question is my two piece guide rod that came standard. What can I get to replace it? Really, I don't mind it, but does it really help accuracy vs. something else. What's normally on 1911s (the recoil spring assembly)?

My current barrel is fine, but I might like to upgrade to a Nowlin barrel. I've found a drop-in, pre-fit, barrel in Brownells. Would I run into any problems installing this barrel?

I really like my 1911. I started shooting with 9mm Berettas back in 1998. Since, I have gone to .45 Glocks and 9mm Glocks. I bought my 1911 just because I wanted to see what all the hype was about. It took a little bit to convince me of why 1911s are so popular, but I do enjoy shooting my 1911. I still, however, carry my Glocks daily. By the way, I've always heard that 1911s choke often. Well, within my 300+ rounds, so far, I have had no failures (besides my Novak rear sight 'tube' coming out). My Glocks have had a couple of stovepipes due to limp wristing...

[vanilla_gorilla]

The ILS is purely yours to do with what you will. Similarly the choice for a mag funnel. I have a Loaded with one, and one without, and I definitely see a great difference in ease and speed of reloads.

The giude rod has been the subject of much debate. I see nothing wrong with them, functionally, but I replace them as I can. I prefer the good old button and spring, simply because I don't like the fact that I need tools to break down my pistol, otherwise. Some people prefer them, but I have no use for them.

Barrels, well, I have yet to have a problem with the stock barrels, but I'm not really sold on "drop-in" anythings for the 1911. When it comes time to replace a barrel, I'll probably just have a Kart match barrel put on my 1911s.

My Loaded and Loaded Operator have given me no problems, and have neevr choked on ANY ammo, save my poorly reloaded lead rounds, but those were my fault, not the guns' fault.

My thoughts, and worth every penny you paid for them. Also, I like posting pics. :supergrin:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/vanilla_gorilla911/various008.jpg

[6285108]

Standard GI recoil plug and guide

Smith and Alexander Magwell

Kart E-Z fit barrel (much better than a drop in) buy the $35 file/bench bushing kit also...not much really drops in anyway

[thurn55]

Thanks for the information. I was looking at a Smith & Alexander magwell in Brownells for $74.95. Probably get a blued, flat, version.

I can live with the two-piece guide rod, but I also hate to need a wrench for it (too easy to misplace). I may look into something one piece...

I'll probably use my stock barrel until it breaks. Hopefully not soon, knock on wood (cocobolo, of course).

Nice picture of your Loaded Operator, vanilla_gorilla! I was toying with the idea of putting grip tape on the grip too, but I didn't know if it would feel right to me.

The last thing I don't like about my pistol is the finish. It'll be awhile before I do anything about it, but I'm quickly getting tired of the parkerized look... Just need some blue. Or armor-tuff?

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by thurn55

The last thing I don't like about my pistol is the finish. It'll be awhile before I do anything about it, but I'm quickly getting tired of the parkerized look... Just need some blue. Or armor-tuff?

To blue it, you'll have to remove the parkerizing. You can Durakote over the park. Check Brownell's site for info on different spray & bake gun finishes. Some are pretty impressive for what they are.