Anyone have any recommendations of a conpensator for a Springfield 1911? Just stepped into the 1911 world and was considering adding one. Thanks.
Check some of the web sites that cater to USPSA/IPSC shooters and you'll see an assortment that tend to be popular among people who actually use them.
Here is what Shooter's Connection has right now: Search Page | Shooters Connection
I'd call them and ask what they recommend.
In case you're not familiar with compensators, you'll need to use a caliber with enough gas volume and pressure to make it useful. For the most part, a compensator on a .45ACP is mostly a barrel weight. On the other hand, they make a big difference with .38 super, 9x23mm, and 9mm loaded to major power factor.
You'll need a new barrel that is long enough to thread or press fit & pin the comp on the end as well, which will require fitting to your gun.
Yup. A comp needs pressure to work. The .45 ACP is a low pressure cartridge (mostly). But like Rhino pointed out - it makes a nice weight. In .38 Super and 9X23 it works extremely well. You'll need better ear protection though.
I still remember the first time I had to R.O. a guy at a match who shot a REALLY HOT handloaded .38 Super. It was just totally obnoxious standing behind that comp. Muffs just don't do it. The pressure wave flattened your T shirt on your chest. But he could run it really fast. My experience is that running that hot of a cartridge in a 1911 pistol designed for a low pressure round will tend to shorten the life of the gun. But it does work extremely well for a while.
I still remember the first time I had to R.O. a guy at a match who shot a REALLY HOT handloaded .38 Super. It was just totally obnoxious standing behind that comp. Muffs just don't do it. The pressure wave flattened your T shirt on your chest. But he could run it really fast. My experience is that running that hot of a cartridge in a 1911 pistol designed for a low pressure round will tend to shorten the life of the gun. But it does work extremely well for a while.
My experience is that running that hot of a cartridge in a 1911 pistol designed for a low pressure round will tend to shorten the life of the gun. But it does work extremely well for a while.
I have pounded the ears back on the stop on the guide rod on a few. Then I figured out they do make stiffer recoil springs and dampners.
I also remember going to the Masters and seeing a young Doug Koenig wearing earplugs and a full face motorcycle helmet to shoot his "long range handgun" (sawed off bolt action rifle) from inside the fully baffled firing lines. He said he couldn't do it without the helmet.
My experience is that running that hot of a cartridge in a 1911 pistol designed for a low pressure round will tend to shorten the life of the gun. But it does work extremely well for a while.