BHP + 1911: Transitioning Back and Forth

[Mister Coffee]

Recently, after spending a lot of time with my Browning Hi-Powers, I decided to give some attention to my Colt 1911 Government Model. The Colt feels "top heavy" compared to the Browning, like the bore axis is much higher and my grip is lower, and steadying the sights requires effort. I've had a Government Model and a Commander for a while, but, for some reason, I am only aware of this for the first time. Maybe it's just the Colt's heavier slide. With the BHP, I feel like I am on top of the gun and have good control. 

What are your experiences when switching from one platform to the other?

Cheers.

[warthogge]

I have a Commander, not a Government.  The Commander and P35 feel about equal.  So, I could see how the extra length of the Gov't could feel top heavy.  

[abninftr]

I have exactly one Colt 1911A1. I inherited it from a retired Navy intelligence officer I had known since the 1960s. I used to shoot it more frequently, and even carried it on two occasions. It has logged far more time in the safe than it has range or holster time. It doesn't 'balance' right, or more correctly to my liking. It feels barrel heavy, or as you said, 'top heavy' compared to my usual BHP.

Speaking of pistols that didn't, or don't feel right to me, The H&K USP is one I never liked. I worked for an organization back in the day that had USPs in 9 mm and .40 S&W as their standard. I tried both the 9 and the .40 and could feel a noticeable flex in the frames during recoil that was distracting.

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

A about year and a half ago, I started carrying my COLT 1911s more often and while they still had a very familiar feeling, it seemed different from the past. So, I just chalked the some what different feel up to years of carrying my Browning's and carried on - and then one day while out shooting, my daughter said dad, why don't you fire my Commander a bit, and I did.

After a bit of firing her Vintage 1971 Combat Commander - I really started liking the feel that the Arched MSH on it offered vs. the Flat MSH's on my COLT'S... and what's odd is, all my life I always preferred Flat MSH's over Arched to the point, that Flat ones was all I'd use.

Mister Coffee, if you don't have an Arched MSH on one of your 1911s, it might be worth while to get one and try it out. It certainly won't take any weight off the top-end of the gun, but it does change the overall feel.

FWIW: I have large, lean hands with long fingers and I might change all my Flat MSH's out for Arched ones - but, I'll probably always prefer the original, long trigger over the short version.

[Mister Coffee]

Hi Bob,

Good idea. I think off and on about getting an arched mainspring housing. Maybe I'll try one out on my Commander.

Thanks.

[gt40doc]

MC,

I have switched most all of my 1911 handgun(all models) over to the arched mainspring housing. It just feels "more better" to my hand, and MAYBE, allows me to be more accurate.......anyway, I am hoping so.

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

I've also noticed that some folks tend to shoot a little low with a Flat MSH, whereas they don't so much, when using an Arched MSH.

[abninftr]

If I remember my 1911 history correctly, that flat MSH/shooting low issue is precisely why the arched MSH was introduced with the advent of the 1911A1.

[craig]

NOT a 1911 authority, but have owned 7 by various makers. I began by firing my fathers completion 1911's as a youngster in the 1950's, which had arched MSH's, they made me tend to grip higher in order to feel secure in my grip (due to Kid Hands) I had to be especially careful of hammer bite - this was before beavertails were even on the market.
My hands did eventually grow in all directions - except length, so I am most comfortable with flat MSH & short triggers, & have changed out my 1911's which all came with arched MSH & long triggers.
Incidentally, I noticed my SR1911 shot low when I changed to a flat MSH, it later became perfect, when I changed the stock front sight for a fiber optic, which was lower. Guess I'm one of the few that choose this combination.
Biggest comparative shortcoming IMO of 1911 vs. HP is magazine capacity. Still love them both.