1911 comps - ? on price and process

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  • throttletony

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    Hi all - I own a Dan Wesson Specialist (5" railed 1911) and love it. I am considering adding a comp to the gun - this is for fun/range use, I'm not a hardcore competitor. I'm familiar with comps on rifles, but comps on handguns are new territory to me.
    I understand how bushing comps work - I don't want that. SO, I'm looking at hybrid or cone comps. PLease tell me if there are other options.

    So, to install these, does a gunsmith/machinist thread the barrel back behind the bushing? I also see that these styles seem to use the extended guide rod - correct me if I'm wrong.

    Also, I can find parts prices (<$150 for good offerings from EGW), but what would machining cost? Do many folks opt for using a 2nd barrel to be able to switch back to "stock" easily? Thanks.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
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    You have to do the entire barrel assembly. Clark sells a very nice unit. I have several Clark barrels and they are great. The one with the Comp did reguire some fitting. Look them up. Pricing is fair. They have my business.
    As to switch out that is easily done.

    If you want a specific comp then it will require some machine work and a new barrel.
    PM AllenM as he does all of my custom machine work.
     

    throttletony

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    You have to do the entire barrel assembly. Clark sells a very nice unit. I have several Clark barrels and they are great. The one with the Comp did reguire some fitting. Look them up. Pricing is fair. They have my business.

    Clark meaning Clark Custom guns, right? I'm familiar with them regarding cutting for moonclips on a revolver.
    Thanks for the info.
     

    praff

    Sharpshooter
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    Sep 26, 2009
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    There are a lot of options out there. Your logic is correct in leaving out bushing comps as they really arent effective/efficient. You are going to have to replace the barrell with a slightly longer and threaded version. You basically have two options on types. You can install a traditional 1911 barrel and use a cone comp. the comp is threaded onto the barrel and the cone extends onto the barrel suface. Then the cone acts as the lockup surface for the barrel and slide interface at the muzzle end. The other option is to use a bull barrel. The comp is threaded onto the barrel and the barrel is the lockup interface. Neither is better, but they do have different characteristics when shooting the gun. I prefer a bull barrel as the extra weight in the forward porrtion of the gun makes them shoot a little softer. But again, neither is wrong.

    There are a ton of different comps out there, and just as much debate as to which ones work well and which ones arent very efficient. I have experience with half a dozen or so and some are definitely better than others. I dont think i saw what caliber your pistol was in, but that will have as much affect on how well the comp works as anything. It is simple phyisics. The more powder you put in a case, the more gas you have to work the comp. A lighter bullet with a slower powder is always going to be more efficient for a comp than a heavier bullet and fast powder. Ie....9mm with a slow powder is going to work the comp way better than factory 230gr 45 loads.

    Bottom line, you need a barrel and comp. Then barrel needs fit, comp needs mounted/machined, slide needs machined to have a nice even gap (.003”) between slide and comp. if you are interested in going this route, i would be more than happy to discuss with you. Just send me a pm.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
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    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
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    There are a lot of options out there. Your logic is correct in leaving out bushing comps as they really arent effective/efficient. You are going to have to replace the barrell with a slightly longer and threaded version. You basically have two options on types. You can install a traditional 1911 barrel and use a cone comp. the comp is threaded onto the barrel and the cone extends onto the barrel suface. Then the cone acts as the lockup surface for the barrel and slide interface at the muzzle end. The other option is to use a bull barrel. The comp is threaded onto the barrel and the barrel is the lockup interface. Neither is better, but they do have different characteristics when shooting the gun. I prefer a bull barrel as the extra weight in the forward porrtion of the gun makes them shoot a little softer. But again, neither is wrong.

    There are a ton of different comps out there, and just as much debate as to which ones work well and which ones arent very efficient. I have experience with half a dozen or so and some are definitely better than others. I dont think i saw what caliber your pistol was in, but that will have as much affect on how well the comp works as anything. It is simple phyisics. The more powder you put in a case, the more gas you have to work the comp. A lighter bullet with a slower powder is always going to be more efficient for a comp than a heavier bullet and fast powder. Ie....9mm with a slow powder is going to work the comp way better than factory 230gr 45 loads.

    Bottom line, you need a barrel and comp. Then barrel needs fit, comp needs mounted/machined, slide needs machined to have a nice even gap (.003”) between slide and comp. if you are interested in going this route, i would be more than happy to discuss with you. Just send me a pm.

    As I agree with most of what you are saying the Clark package is as close to a drop in as I have seen.
    Also addressing the fact you might be a smith selling your work. Just saying.
     

    praff

    Sharpshooter
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    29   0   0
    Sep 26, 2009
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    As I agree with most of what you are saying the Clark package is as close to a drop in as I have seen.
    Also addressing the fact you might be a smith selling your work. Just saying.


    I have no experience with the clark and it probably is the cheapest option. I DO have a LOT of experience with open guns and comps. I really don't have time to take on the additional work right now and shortage of that isn't a problem. I was merely stating facts, nothing more. If you have a problem with the FACTS i have stated, that is your problem. This wasn't an advertisement, just facts....and thanks for addressing what your opinion is.

    Another option i forgot to mention is the STI trubore. It is a one piece barrel/comp unit and would be another option.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
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    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
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    I have no experience with the clark and it probably is the cheapest option. I DO have a LOT of experience with open guns and comps. I really don't have time to take on the additional work right now and shortage of that isn't a problem. I was merely stating facts, nothing more. If you have a problem with the FACTS i have stated, that is your problem. This wasn't an advertisement, just facts....and thanks for addressing what your opinion is.

    Another option i forgot to mention is the STI trubore. It is a one piece barrel/comp unit and would be another option.

    OK smart guy.......you realize I am staff yes. It is not my problem. It was a straight up question as to your intentions.
    Now, would you like to pursue this or just wise up and us the PM system in future.

    We have members that advertise here. They are protected in this. If you were I would afford you the same protection. These are the "Facts".

    I stated I agreed. You come off with sound knowledge. That was not what I was addressing.
     

    AllenM

    Diamond Collision Inc. Avon.
    Industry Partner
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    132   0   0
    Apr 20, 2008
    10,387
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    Avon
    Hi all - I own a Dan Wesson Specialist (5" railed 1911) and love it. I am considering adding a comp to the gun - this is for fun/range use, I'm not a hardcore competitor. I'm familiar with comps on rifles, but comps on handguns are new territory to me.
    I understand how bushing comps work - I don't want that. SO, I'm looking at hybrid or cone comps. PLease tell me if there are other options.

    So, to install these, does a gunsmith/machinist thread the barrel back behind the bushing? I also see that these styles seem to use the extended guide rod - correct me if I'm wrong.

    Also, I can find parts prices (<$150 for good offerings from EGW), but what would machining cost? Do many folks opt for using a 2nd barrel to be able to switch back to "stock" easily? Thanks.

    Barrel can be threaded and a cone comp added

    Having said that. when using a cone comp there is work to do to the end of the slide to make it mate at the proper angle
     

    Mgderf

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
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    43   0   0
    May 30, 2009
    17,877
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    Lafayette
    OK smart guy.......you realize I am staff yes. It is not my problem. It was a straight up question as to your intentions.
    Now, would you like to pursue this or just wise up and us the PM system in future.

    We have members that advertise here. They are protected in this. If you were I would afford you the same protection. These are the "Facts".

    I stated I agreed. You come off with sound knowledge. That was not what I was addressing.

    He's been around long enough to know better.
    That's just my opinion.
     

    praff

    Sharpshooter
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    29   0   0
    Sep 26, 2009
    585
    18
    Yes I have been around a while, and long before I was doing work on pistols. I was only trying offer advice and nothing more.
     

    Mgderf

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
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    43   0   0
    May 30, 2009
    17,877
    113
    Lafayette
    Yes I have been around a while, and long before I was doing work on pistols. I was only trying offer advice and nothing more.

    "It's all good".
    That's the trouble with communications by text.
    There is no voice inflection, or facial expressions with which we normally determine intent of a statement.
     
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