Ramped Barrels

[TMan]

Let me preface this by saying: I'm sick with a cold and not thinking too clearly.

I think I remember seeing a ramped barrel for a 1911 - not sure where, but might be in Brownell's catalog.

While cleaning the Colt, I noticed there was a little "ding" on the ramp. I'm sure with the Dremel and Flitz, I'll be able to get it out, but if I can't would it be a big deal to put in a ramped barrel? Wouldn't the frame have to have material removed in order to do so? Is this practical? Should I be in bed vs. on the computer?

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Depending on whether the ramp on your Colt has already been cut, depends on whether you need to go the extreme route of fitting a ramped barrel to the frame. Another thing is whether your Colt frame is aluminum alloy or steel.
Colts are known for having more metal between the ramp and chamber mouth; Try taking a feeler gauge and measure this, Do this with the barrel on the frame, slide stop installed, with the slide removed (Only The Barrel and Frame) having the barrel's chamber dropped on the feed ramp. You might have enough on the ramp to take some off and give it a polish. I would let a good 1911 smith do the job if you've never done this. Some of the books you have will be good reference material on this.
The ramped barrels are good on alloy frames and smaller calibers, like the 9mm and 38 super, on the 1911s.

[TMan]

Well, I went at it with the Dremel and Flitz and got the mark out, along with giving it a good shine.

I tried putting the barrel on the frame, and there is very little space between the top of the ramp and the chamber. (I didn't feel like going into the garage, which really needs cleaning, to try to find a feeler gauge. The only thing I use feeler gauges on anymore is the valves on the 325).

Since my magnetic screwdriver is attracted to the frame, I assume it is steel.

I remember looking at the Dan Wesson PTE-S when it failed to feed a couple of times. There was a lot of space between the top of the ramp and the chamber. I was kind of surprised. Also, the problem was the round was stuck with the head right on the ramp.

It just seemed to me that having the ramp part of the barrel would be a better idea than having it as part of the frame.

Incidentally, the thing I like about shooting the Colt vs. the Wilson is that the front strap on the Colt is the same rubber as the grips vs. the metal on the CQB. After 100 rounds in the CQB my fingers are a little tender. I know, I know, if I did real work vs. being a housewife. ;D

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Sounds like you good to go with the Colt. I know what your saying about the rubber wrap arounds, verses the checkered front strap. Wilson makes it better by going with 30 LPI rather than 20 LPI.
THe best all round rubber wrap around is the Packmayer Presentation Grips. These are very reasonable in price ( around $25 - $30 ), they feature a steel reinforced insert, and the grip pattern is like a small diamond waffle surface. I never realized how comforatble these were until after I had tried most others. Ajax Grips distributes the Packmayers for less than you can buy direct from the manufacturer. Nothing like a brand new pair for a positive grip with comfort. One other thing; Ajax carries the Packmayers with the Colt Emblems installed.

[TMan]

admin said:

... Ajax carries the Packmayers with the Colt Emblems installed.

Whoa, I really wasn't interested until you said that. The Colt isn't an expensive gun, but it isn't the cheapest either, and although I'll keep the original grips, I'll get the new ones to shoot with.

With the Python there wasn't a choice. If I had to shoot it with the original grips, I just wouldn't shoot it at all. They were that uncomfortable.

Okay, I was just looking at the Ajax website and can't find it. The Presentation Grips they list don't show the 1911. www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/pachmayr?set=12

Think they discontinued it?

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; I appologize, my goof, I confuse the standard presentation grips for the revolvers with the "Signature" model for the semi-autos. The semi-autos are the Signature Series of Pachmayer rubber grips. You want the ones with the wrap around front strap, not the grippers, and without backstrap. I ordered mine through the Ajax catalog which I recieved in the mail; I've seen these grips marked down in over six different models for $13.95 from Ajax.
I really prefer the Hogues on my revolvers because of the open backstrap.

www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/pachmayr?set=05

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; These are the grips I find most comfortable to shoot alot of rounds with. You can also find good deals on ebay by searching Colt 1911 Pachmayr Grips ( I keep forgetting how to spell their name too ).

["DoubleAction"]

One last thought; Since the Pachmayr grips are popular, you will probably find them at your gun dealer for around the same price. Another plus is your dealer will probably allow you to try a set on your pistol before purchasing.