Author Topic: Arched versus flat mainspring housing (Read 750 times)

while99 · « **on:** May 25, 2005, 06:55:30 PM »

I've got a question for you 1911 shooters. Is there any advantage to one type of mainspring housing over the other? I personally prefer the arched housing myself because it seems to fit my hand better but I wondered if there was some sort of advantage to the flat housing.

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2005, 02:18:08 AM »

while99: the only advantage I am aware of is the fit the flat housing gives some 1911 shooters, me included. All my 1911s wear a flat mainspring housing - they fit my hand better and give me better control in rapid fire. Those I have are made from bakelite (?sp) or plastic to reduce weight (one teeny bit).

If the arched mainspring housing from the 1911A1 configuration fits your hand better then you are one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to spend any $ for different parts (LOL). HTH. Mikey.

unclenick · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2005, 05:25:13 PM »

The flat mainspring housing has been a target shooting standard for a long time. I think the original idea was to allow the wrist to be slightly more vertical and the ring and small finger to wrap slightly further around the grip frame for better timed and rapid fire recovery. I prefer them myself in off-hand 3-gun match shooting.

However, when I attended the basic pistol school at Gunsite, I discovered in that environment I had a real preference for the arched housing. It did a distinctly better job of guiding the web between my thumb and index finger firmly up into the grip safety when speed was required. For two-hand shooting positions, I didn't find it had any disadvantage or effect on shot recovery.

Nick

williek · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2005, 02:30:49 AM »

When John Browning designed the 1911 it had a flat back grip. However, when the Army used it, they found most shooters had a tendency to shoot low. They consulted Mr. Browning and he designed the curved lower grip which made the gun shoot higher, particularly during rapid fire. Some prefer the feel and look of the flat back, and use it well.
To each his own.
williek

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2005, 01:28:10 AM »

I prefer the arched version because it fits my hand better.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2005, 06:34:01 AM »

WillieK summed it up. In the trnches of WWI, troops reported low shots. The arched mainspring housing raises the muzzle of the gun and provided better quick shot placement in trench warfare.

I shoot USPSA competition and found that my sights align quicker with an arched mainspring housing. Majority of my fellow competitors use flat mainsprings. My early Colts and other 1911s came from the factory(s) with arched housing, which probably contributes to my comfort and natural pointability with this style housing.