1911 Function Check

[wyliefox]

Who does a function check at matches?

https://www.m1911.org/technic25.htm

The disconnector test is REALLY critical.

[Garrison Joe]

No one ever has done official "function checks" in that detail at a WB match.  While it may be critical to buying a gun, it's not IMO critical to shooting a match safely.  We have a whole bay full of safety officers watching  the shooter, and able to stop the action if they see a serious safety problem.   The test of a working grip safety and thumb safety has been part of the rules compliance testing of 1911s (along with weight, parts and modifications falling within rules, etc).  

I was a TO at a major WB match several years ago and issued two Stage DQs on the same stage to a very careless shooter (second one after a Cease Fire had been put in place).  Neither was a failure of 1911 function. 

I think the real safety concern at matches needs to remain "Is the shooter following good safe gun handling".  Just like we do now.

good luck, GJ

[Flying W Ramrod]

2 hours ago, Garrison Joe said:

No one ever has done official "function checks" in that detail at a WB match.  While it may be critical to buying a gun, it's not IMO critical to shooting a match safely.  We have a whole bay full of safety officers watching  the shooter, and able to stop the action if they see a serious safety problem.   The test of a working grip safety and thumb safety has been part of the rules compliance testing of 1911s (along with weight, parts and modifications falling within rules, etc).  

I was a TO at a major WB match several years ago and issued two Stage DQs on the same stage to a very careless shooter (second one after a Cease Fire had been put in place).  Neither was a failure of 1911 function. 

I think the real safety concern at matches needs to remain "Is the shooter following good safe gun handling".  Just like we do now.

good luck, GJ

WBAS Shb Pg 13 says "Thumb and grip safeties must function correctly"

However, there is no procedure or requirement to check the safety for function. That would fall under Match Directors Discretion.

I remember, years ago, at Winter Range, every shooter had to weigh their pistol, with and without mag, and show the safeties to be functional, on one stage.

Haven't seen either of those in a long time.

[wyliefox]

4 hours ago, Garrison Joe said:

No one ever has done official "function checks" in that detail at a WB match.

A few years ago at the NV state match, it WAS done.

I do not have statistics, but I would venture many (less than 1/2) ever done a safety test.  Especially after a full cleaning.  And I doubt many shooters know how to do a disconnector test.