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1911 Modification

4K views 31 replies 2 participants last post by  zipperzap 
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#1 ·
Hello good folks. My name is Barry Crowe from Canada and I am trying to share my invention with anyone who cares to modify their 1911 - there must a couple of million of us out there. This does not affect the safety or safeties of the gun or make it automatic. I am the sole owner of the invention. Ten years ago I configured my 1911 Colt to release the slide by pressing down on the thumb safety. All it took was to cut a ramp on the part of the slide stop that the plunger pushes against (picture in your mind a ramp that when pressure is applied, it pulls the slide stop down). I then cut an opposing ramp on the thumb safety (picture in your mind a ramp that when pressure is applied, pushes a bar into the slide stop, thus pulling it down). I then added a spacer in the slide stop/ thumb safety spring-plunger tube. This modification works fabulously and it gives the user the option of charging the gun when it's empty, with the slide held open. Just insert a fresh clip and then press down on the thumb safety to release the slide and put one "up the pipe". I have showed my invention to all the big guys, I won't mention names, but all big guys and a couple of magazine people know about my little modification. However, they all choose not to make it for a number of reasons like: cost, need to change the manual of arms, parts would need to be fitted by a gunsmith, etc. So I say to hell with all that. I would rather share this with the 1911 family out there, than have it adorn just my gun. I might have provided enough here for the technically minded types to do the job, but I will try to post my diagram that has been submitted to USA Disclosure Document Program in June 1995. And, for your information, each and every review has complimented me on my ingenuity - but still no takers or makers. This is what they call the "Not Invented Here Syndrome".

Happy shootin' and keep your powder dry.

Barry A. Crowe
 
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#5 ·
Yes, most interesting. Welcome to the forum.
 
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#10 ·
No, if your thumb is on the safety it would keep the slide from locking, but you have to press pretty hard and pressing down on the safety while firing is not a natural way to hold the tool. Just wait till my post after work.

Regards,
Super Crowe
 
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#13 ·
supercrowe said:
No, if your thumb is on the safety it would keep the slide from locking, but you have to press pretty hard and pressing down on the safety while firing is not a natural way to hold the tool. Just wait till my post after work.

Regards,
Super Crowe
the gun is designed so that during firing the thumb stays on top of the safety, controling recoil and forcing your hand into the best grip. not sure if id get one if it required me to change my grip.
 
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#16 ·
Here is the link to the pictures on Yahoo/ Flikr, again, they won't let me upload the PDF diagram.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10786629@N05/

The movie is on YouTube, search under Supercrowe and Colt .45 Auto Invention.

Now, a few things I must mention. First the invention is invisable, that is, you won't know it's there until you use it, and it does not in anyway alter the function of the gun. And, secondly, you can shoot with your thumb riding on the safety. In fact, the slide will only release with a full clip or with out a clip. The follower on the clip as it meets the slide stop over powers my configuration. You cannot release the slide when an empty clip is in the gun and the follower is pushing against the slide stop. Maybe if you have a really strong thumb, one could push the thumb safety hard enough to suck down the slide stop/ release and at the same time push down the mag follower as its pushing against the slide stop. I don't have the thumb strength to do that and i really didn't want to break something.

So, have a look and feel free to adapt your pistol.

send your e-mail and I'll email you the PDF diagram.

G'night
 
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#20 ·
Now, a few things I must mention. First the invention is invisable, that is, you won't know it's there until you use it, and it does not in anyway alter the function of the gun. And, secondly, you can shoot with your thumb riding on the safety. In fact, the slide will only release with a full clip or with out a clip. The follower on the clip as it meets the slide stop over powers my configuration. You cannot release the slide when an empty clip is in the gun and the follower is pushing against the slide stop. Maybe if you have a really strong thumb, one could push the thumb safety hard enough to suck down the slide stop/ release and at the same time push down the mag follower as its pushing against the slide stop. I don't have the thumb strength to do that and i really didn't want to break something.
I neglected to mention that the slide stop can still be used to release the slide by pushing down on it, even if an empty clip is in the gun and the mag follower is bearing against the slide stop. Just push the slide stop down as one would usually do. Again, a totally transparent invention, a philosophy I allways gravitate to in designing stuff.

Supercrowe
 
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#23 ·
I did the gunsmithing myself with a couple of gunsmith files. Heating up the pieces so they lose their temper makes the metal easier to file and quicker, just remember to heat treat the pieces again once your done and satisfied with the results. Cut a bunch of small nails for the spacers, to test fit and function. Also, I'm sure any capable gunsmith could do the conversion with the info I provided. I must admit though, I am a little more handy that the average Bear. Let me know if anyone converts their gun.

Regards, Supercrowe
 
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