Paging Dr. 1911

[Questor]

I've got a problem with the take-up on a Kimber's trigger. Occasionally when taking up resistance for the trigger pull there will be a sudden short creep. After that the rest of the trigger pull is good. I've polished the trigger track, the side of the trigger, the mating surfaces of the disconnector and the trigger, and everything is lubed correctly. What do you think it could be?

Most of my trigger pulls are good, but I want to get it perfect every time.

Thanks for any ideas you might have on this.

[Mikey]

Ja, vas ist it you vant?  Hokay - take 2 aspirin unt call me in za mornink.  You vant to get za creep out - retorsion zee center leg of zee mainspring. 

It sounds like you have smoothed everything that needs to be smoothed and the only tension on the trigger that would create or result in the creep is from the mainspring.  Also, try re-adjusting the trigger take up screw, you may need to back it out a bit or turn it in a bit to get a better adjustment.  I think between the two you should be fine. 

[Questor]

Well spoil my britches! I didn't even think of the middle prong on the spring. I'll bet that's it. Thanks, Doc!

[Mikey]

Gazuntite!

[Questor]

Mikey:

The gun is in the ICU unit at J&S Custom Guns. I decided to have it gone over by a pro. I'm replacing whole fire control system with top quality gunsmith-fitted match parts and having an accessory long trigger fitted so I can install it and try it.

It's been a great gun and I've put a lot of rounds through it. I think it's time for a bit of professional attention. There was quite a bit of wear in the fire control system. It was time.

After I get it back it'll be a dedicated Marvel .22 Conversion gun for bullseye shooting.

[Mikey]

Questor:  My Lord, that's like a combined heart and lung transplant that you're going to install into a cross-country runner but does your Marvel conversion really run that well to justify it?

And the long trigger you are going to have installed sounds like it might help eliminate that little creep before let-off.  I would expect that a new mainspring, trigger (adjustable), sear and the other part (too early inna morning to remember) should resolve your problems.

While your 1911 is in the ICU, send it pictures of 22 lrs arranged in bouquet style.  It will give it a little tlc before you take it out ans wring the snot outta it. 

How's Quester?  Mikey.

[Questor]

Mikey:

Thanks for your deep and abiding concern. The heart/lungs transplant analogy is an appropriate one for that old 5-pack-a-day chain smoker of a Kimber Stainless Gold Match 1911.  It is a curious situation. The trigger has wear on it that I don't see on my other 1911s.  For example, the sides of the trigger bow have notches worn in them. The contact surface where the trigger meets the disconnector was bent, and grooves were worn in that area. Given that I've never monster mashed the trigger or used anything heavier than light target loads, it's odd that I'd be seeing these problems.

I've never liked the trigger pull on that gun and I thought it was time for radical action. I've polished everything there is to polish, and yet there is still creep after the grease has been on it for more than a couple of hundred shots. By the way, the 'smith told me about the same thing you're telling me but I've insisted that all parts need to be replaced because they've all been oddly worn or modified to some degree either by polishing, honing, or bending (in the case of 3-prong spring.)

This will be a good test of how good this local gunsmith is. He specializes in 1911s and I hope he can redeem the ol' Kimber. Its new life will likely be one of shooting the Marvel Conversion Unit for bullseye, and full power 230 grain ball ammo for fun.

As far as whether it's justified, I'd say yes. I use this stuff a lot and I want it to work perfectly and enjoyably.

All is well otherwise. Questor Jr., has to spend the winter learning to shoot his .308 so he can go on a hog hunt this spring.

[Mikey]

Questor my ol fren - be ever so glad I am not a licensed gunsmith or posses the sort of a license it would take to have you send me that Kimber, alla yor parts an mosta yer ammo so I cuud fixit guud fer ya.  Yor pal Mikey.