I just purchased my first 1911, a Colt Defender 45acp. I am new to 1911's and would really appreciate some helpful advise, input and information.1) I plan to carry it daily as well as use it to shoot IDPA, so I need it to function flawlessly. What changes, upgrades etc should I have done?2) It comes with one 7round mag. I however need 3 mags for IDPA, I would like to use 8 round mags from Wilson Combat with X-grips on bottom of mag to fill the void created by longer mag as well as give my pinky more purchase. What magazine would be safe to use and work perfectly? Has anyone else done this and be able to provide info and pics?3).I would like to buy a nice holster and mag carrier for daily use as well as for IDPA! I am not a kydex fan, leather only suggestions please. OWB, good looking, excellent retention etc...I am new to 1911's and would appreciate any and all help and suggestions!!!! Thanks so much fellas.
Need help with new Colt Defender, please!!!!!!
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I would Use Wilson combats only. They seemed to be the ones that worked the best. They are easy to load out of the package and great for carry use because you can leave them loaded and the springs will almost never get tired. However I wouldn't use this as a carry gun until you polish the feed ramp and break it in pretty good. I have owned two of the defenders myself and feed issues were always a problem with both. Also most importantly WEAR A HELMET LOL. You will get hit in the head and face with most ejected casings, colts says it is our fault from the way we are firing the pistol but seems to me everyone has the same problem with the defender so not sure about it being " our fault ". Anyhow it is a fun little accurate gun but just make sure you get it running correct before you trust your life with it.
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As far as your first question, yes, nothing. Shoot the snot out of it. If it needs something, then make changes. Don't start changing things that don't need changed.
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My recommendation is to put 500 rounds through it to break it in. Use Wilson Combat magazines. In my opinion there are none better. After the 500 rounds you should be able to identify any symptoms that need to be corrected. If the gun cannot function flawlessly after the break-in...DO OT USE IT FOR A CARRY GUN!
I have read and heard that the ejected casings coming back at you is/was an extractor problem that Colt has fixed. So hopefully they did b/c I am not a fan of hot casings in my face. You say run it for 500 rounds, after about 500-600 shouldn't I replace the recoil spring? Seems like 500 45's on a spring in such a compact gun will take a whooping!? Any input on factory trigger pull?
I have NEVER been good at "leaving well enough alone". Always find myself tinkering, modifying, improving or simply just changing things. Wilson combat has a lot to choose from, any specific suggestions? Think I should heed everyone's advise to buy Wilson mags and run the snot out of it!!!
The point of IDPA is to learn and practice with a handgun you would carry in your daily travels. Purchasing a gun solely for IDPA really goes against what it's all about. Why would I buy a Glock to practice shooting in possible real life self defense scenarios and then never actually carry it. The point is to practice what you'd carry and meet and make friends with like minded people. Additionally I HATE black polymer guns, and can not wait until the fade passes.
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+1 on wilson mags. 47doxb is an 8rounder on sale right now. it should fit your compact sized frame. i use their 7 rounders in my compact1991.
i recommend shooting to diagnose and then find a local smith and talk to them about what you want to do with it.
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i recommend shooting to diagnose and then find a local smith and talk to them about what you want to do with it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
With the exception of maybe some high visibility sights I wouldn't change anything on the gun since that is the way you would normally carry it anyway and DON'T polish anything until you have shot it some. Most modern Colts run fine with no tuning at all. If there is an extractor issue it is an easy fix.
Great advice; no "polishing," and I wouldn't change anything, except maybe the grips.
I also wouldn't run eight round mags in any pistol with an Officer's length grip frame.
The standard mag capacity for your pistol is six rounds. Capacity for an extra capacity mag is seven rounds. Eight round 1911 mags are for a full sized grip frame 1911 (Gov't. Model or Commander).
Also; Colts don't require a "break-in" to run reliably, and should be good to go out of the box. If yours isn't; call Colt, and they'll make it right.
Rick
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The getting hit in the head with the spent case is easily solved by reversing the angle on the face of the ejector and putting a slight bevel on it to the right. Since I did that I haven't had the problem. Mine has been flawless through a couple of thousands of rounds.
I am going to "give it a go" as it is, but I do appreciate your input. Should I have any problems I will suggest your into to my local gunsmith.Thanks!
Could I bother you for a picture of full size mag with x-grip installed as well as the mag inserted into the gun? I would really appreciate it!!Thanks
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Makes you wonder why manufactures do the things they do. My Colt Series 70 Government Model I bought in the 80's had exactly the opposite angle on the ejector face than the Defender. The Government model never threw brass in my face so I duplicated the angle on the Defender. I could see brass marks on the edge of the Defender ejection port. It seemed the ejector on the Defender was throwing the case down and to the right where it would bounce off the edge of the ejection port up and left into my face. Now it throws them cleanly up and to the right.
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Fwiw: since this is your first 1911...shoot it without doing anything but clean, grease and oil..repeat. What the others are saying here is true and accurate. Especially today, Colts are coming out ready to go! My Wiley Clapp Commander flung brass at my head for about 100 or so rounds when I first shot it. Now they go right over my right shoulder into one neat pile! Avoid the urge to tinker with everything. Get to be proficient with it first. Then as you get more experience, you can figure out what may or may not work for you. Colts been in business for a long time. I think by now they know thier stuff.
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