Meet My New Little Friend...

[Yamaki]

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the holiday.

I did a little self-gifting this year.

My mid-70's era Government Model Colt 1911 A1 .45 ACP has fired its last round. After many thousands of rounds the original frame cracked near the slide stop orifice and it is no longer safe to fire. It may get rebuilt with some of the parts left over but it will never be original again. It will not leave my possession, however, as it has a certain sentimental value.

So it was time for a new carry piece and selecting one proved to be a challenge. There are so many new features, custom pieces and options available that it can become bewildering. However, after much research I found a piece the fits my needs and has some nice features.

Meet my new "leetle fren"... a Springfield Armory Champion Operator Lightweight .45ACP:





Can't wait to get to the range and put it through its paces.

I'll report back on various features, performance and accuracy once I've had the opportunity to put a few boxes of 230 gr FMJ, BJHP and JHP through it.

For now, I am just going to work the action, diassemble the piece to inspect the feed ramp and give it a good cleaning and light oiling in preparation for it's first firing.

I think I'll take my little .357 along with me...

[jdandy]

Michael.......Your new Springfield Armory Champion Operator Lightweight .45ACP looks superb. It is a great combination of weight and the ability to deploy accessories on the rail. The aluminum alloy frame reduces the weight and makes concealed carry more comfortable. The tritium sights are a nice extra, too. Very nice gift to one's self.

[Yamaki]

Dan... It was an exhaustive online and gunshop research project that led me to this particular piece.

I was fortunate to be able to compare it directly on the firing line with several other models and makes (Ruger SR1911, Colt Commander, Hi-Point JCP, Kimber TLE & a Glock G30S) and it came out on top based on price and features. I know mine won't perform as well, initially, as the shop piece but it will get there with a little break in.

[jdandy]

Michael.......Springfield makes some fine weapons. Once you've cycled a few hundred rounds through the .45 and cleaned it a number of times it will be in the groove. You may have to tap the rear sight one way or the other to suit your needs, then again it may be right on the money. Using it regularly is the best thing for the gun and you.

[Yamaki]

Dan... Absolutely. Break in is just as important with firearms as it is with audio gear.

It's just a bit noisier.

The sights appear to be spot on. Site acquisition is quick. I trust it will be accurate as well. The low profile sights are nice but only drift adjustable. Hopefully I won't have to knock them around too much.

I've not owned a short barreled .45 before and am curious about recoil and target re-acquisition. Since this is a match grade bull barrel the extra weight at the end in comparison with the heavier 5" barrel with a bushing should allow me to reacquire pretty quickly. Of course, using the right ammo has an effect as well. I don't need super hyper hot load fast bullets, just accurate ones so I can back off on the powder a bit.

I'll just have to spend the tedious hours at the range breaking it in and testing different loads for best results. Oh my...

[tweet]

Michael... Merry Christmas! Looks like Santa Michael was good to you. Very nice.

[Yamaki]

Thanks, Terry! Gotta protect that truck and trailer when we are on the road ya know.

[Formerly YB-2]

Nice pistol. Like your GP-100, as well. Have a 3" SP-101 for my CCW. Tried others, but keep coming back.

[Yamaki]

Today I swapped out the stock wood grips for some VZ Grips G10 Gatorbacks in black, along with their slimline bushings and "Blackout" grip screws.

I also added a bit of grip tape to the front strap. I'll be getting that area fixed up with some 20 LPI checkering.

Before:



After:



I gave it a quick 50 round test at the range today.The grip and sight re-acquisition are much better.

[jdandy]

Michael.......It looks meaner, too.