R.E.Schoening
02-26-10, 20:43
Hi all!
I wanted to post an AAR for the Vickers Pistolsmith Course I hosted Feb 15-20, 2010 in Omaha. Here it goes…
Intro:
Goal: Build a functioning, firing Government Model 1911 in 45ACP using an oversized slide and frame, and oversized parts.
Time frame: 6 days.
Instructor: LAV
Students: 4 (2 of the students had performed some 1911 work to include fitting parts and trigger work, the 3rd student was familiar with disassembly and reassembly of 1911’s, and this was my 2nd Pistolsmith Course with Larry)
Parts: A mix of oversized parts from various manufacturers and an oversized Series 70 slide and frame from Caspian.
Tools: Files, emery cloth, and a variable speed Dremel. We also had a drill press, upright sander, parts washer, and air compressor on hand for some of the work.
Overview:
The list below is rather short and to the point as to what we did in class. Lots of little details have been left out of this AAR as there is just not enough time or room in this thread to post all of it. On average we spent 10 hours in class everyday fitting, cleaning, refitting, recleaning, checking and rechecking parts in order to gain the proper fit and function of each individual part…oh and in the end they all had to work together!
All the items listed below were covered in great depth and detail as to how to fit to the platform, why it is “tuned” a specific way and how to check for proper function. Every “task” began with time at the dry erase board, we then moved to the benches for “hands on” time with our own set of tools and parts or to watch Larry work on something. If you did not have a grasp on the task at hand…you could receive some special “tutoring” Larry Vickers style until you wrapped your head around it.
Topics covered:
a. How to fit an oversized slide and frame
b. How to fit a match grade barrel to your slide…
- Fitting the upper lugs
- Cutting lower lugs and fitting the barrel link
- Reaming the chamber
- Cut feed ramp on frame to proper depth and angle
- Cut feedramp on barrel
- Barrel bushings
c. Grip safeties
d. Plunger tubes
e. Fitting ejectors
f. Triggers and proper adjustment
g. Mag releases
h. Grip bushings and grips
i. Extractors
j. Firing pin stop
k. Springs
l. MSH
m. Slide stops
n. Sear, disconnector, hammer and hammer strut
o. S&A magwells
p. Sight installation and sight in
q. Carry bevel treatment
r. Lubrication
s. Routine maintenance
t. Function tests and test firing procedures
u. Peen Down method of slide to frame fit was explained and demonstrated on one of Larry’s 1911’s.
v. Other 1911 specific information discussed in class included:
- Finishes
- Magazine selection
- Mille work and modifications
- Checkering
- Various 1911 parts and tools specific to the 1911 Pistolsmith business.
Summary:
This course introduced and covered in great detail a incredable amount of information on the 1911 platform from original design to modern manufacturing and modifications, all aspects required to build a custom 1911, reliability and accuracy, and finally priceless tips on how to keep the 1911 platform running properly.
Hope this helps,
Rob
I wanted to post an AAR for the Vickers Pistolsmith Course I hosted Feb 15-20, 2010 in Omaha. Here it goes…
Intro:
Goal: Build a functioning, firing Government Model 1911 in 45ACP using an oversized slide and frame, and oversized parts.
Time frame: 6 days.
Instructor: LAV
Students: 4 (2 of the students had performed some 1911 work to include fitting parts and trigger work, the 3rd student was familiar with disassembly and reassembly of 1911’s, and this was my 2nd Pistolsmith Course with Larry)
Parts: A mix of oversized parts from various manufacturers and an oversized Series 70 slide and frame from Caspian.
Tools: Files, emery cloth, and a variable speed Dremel. We also had a drill press, upright sander, parts washer, and air compressor on hand for some of the work.
Overview:
The list below is rather short and to the point as to what we did in class. Lots of little details have been left out of this AAR as there is just not enough time or room in this thread to post all of it. On average we spent 10 hours in class everyday fitting, cleaning, refitting, recleaning, checking and rechecking parts in order to gain the proper fit and function of each individual part…oh and in the end they all had to work together!
All the items listed below were covered in great depth and detail as to how to fit to the platform, why it is “tuned” a specific way and how to check for proper function. Every “task” began with time at the dry erase board, we then moved to the benches for “hands on” time with our own set of tools and parts or to watch Larry work on something. If you did not have a grasp on the task at hand…you could receive some special “tutoring” Larry Vickers style until you wrapped your head around it.
Topics covered:
a. How to fit an oversized slide and frame
b. How to fit a match grade barrel to your slide…
- Fitting the upper lugs
- Cutting lower lugs and fitting the barrel link
- Reaming the chamber
- Cut feed ramp on frame to proper depth and angle
- Cut feedramp on barrel
- Barrel bushings
c. Grip safeties
d. Plunger tubes
e. Fitting ejectors
f. Triggers and proper adjustment
g. Mag releases
h. Grip bushings and grips
i. Extractors
j. Firing pin stop
k. Springs
l. MSH
m. Slide stops
n. Sear, disconnector, hammer and hammer strut
o. S&A magwells
p. Sight installation and sight in
q. Carry bevel treatment
r. Lubrication
s. Routine maintenance
t. Function tests and test firing procedures
u. Peen Down method of slide to frame fit was explained and demonstrated on one of Larry’s 1911’s.
v. Other 1911 specific information discussed in class included:
- Finishes
- Magazine selection
- Mille work and modifications
- Checkering
- Various 1911 parts and tools specific to the 1911 Pistolsmith business.
Summary:
This course introduced and covered in great detail a incredable amount of information on the 1911 platform from original design to modern manufacturing and modifications, all aspects required to build a custom 1911, reliability and accuracy, and finally priceless tips on how to keep the 1911 platform running properly.
Hope this helps,
Rob