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.

[Flying W Ramrod]

2 hours ago, wyliefox said:

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.

The disconnector aka "John Wayne" safety, is a silly thing to test for Wild Bunch.

There should never be an instance where pushing the muzzle against something hard, to keep it from firing, would ever be acceptable.

[Kid Rich]

I check all the safeties every time my 1911's are put back together after cleaning.

kR

[Boggus Deal]

8 hours ago, Flying W Ramrod said:

The disconnector aka "John Wayne" safety, is a silly thing to test for Wild Bunch.

There should never be an instance where pushing the muzzle against something hard, to keep it from firing, would ever be acceptable.

The disconnector is there for more than that. It prevents it from firing out of battery and from going full auto.

[Flying W Ramrod]

2 hours ago, Boggus Deal said:

The disconnector is there for more than that. It prevents it from firing out of battery and from going full auto.

Wondering why it has never been required to test functionality of this.

Grip and Thumb have been the only required testing.

[Boggus Deal]

34 minutes ago, Flying W Ramrod said:

Wondering why it has never been required to test functionality of this.

Grip and Thumb have been the only required testing.

Because it would be real obvious…

[wyliefox]

Credit 2001 D. Kamm   m1911.org

DISCONNECTOR TEST: Slide forward, hammer back, thumb safety OFF. Grip gun normally with firing hand, while pulling slide back 1/4" with support hand. Pull trigger. Hammer should not fall. Repeat test by pulling slide all the way back, then releasing it slowly, pulling trigger every 1/2" of slide movement. The hammer should NOT fall until the slide has returned to the full forward position. If it does then the disconnector is worn. DO NOT fire the pistol until it is repaired, or else it may possibly go into firing uncontrollable bursts or go completely "full-auto".

[Eyesa]

And boy can it empty a mag in a hurry!!

[Boggus Deal]

33 minutes ago, Eyesa said:

And boy can it empty a mag in a hurry!!

Thankfully, I’ve never had it happen. 

[Eyesa]

I was checking out a fancy Springfield for a friend about 20 years ago. Not always, but most of the time it would empty the mag! Told him not to buy it as I had no idea what the issue was. He bought it anyway as he thought that was pretty cool. Me, not so much! 

[Garrison Joe]

I would recommend your function check after any tuning/repair or every couple of years of use.  On a safe outdoor range, load a mag with 1 round, a couple with 2 rounds, and several full mags.  When time to test "proper disconnector" function, shoot them in that order.  Be ready to control gun with two hands after the first mag.  If you have any doubles (or worse), fix it better. There often is no place at a match to do this kind of test.  Nor time to conduct it, nor time to fix it.  Bring a working gun and working ammo to a Wild Bunch match!  good luck, GJ