10-8 Pistol Test

The 10-8 Pistol Test is a drill set I came up with around 2005-6, and was developed as a training and assessment tool which was relatively simple to set up.  It only requires a single target at a fixed distance (7 yds), and was something that I could shoot at the indoor range where I frequently practiced.  It has been tried and tested by lots of folks, and you can find videos of various top level instructors like Jason Falla and Kyle Defoor shooting this drill on Youtube.  One of these days I will get around to posting a video as well.

Be mindful of the protocol when firing this, as your results may be a bit skewed if you are using an exposed open top holster or the wrong start position, etc.  I would suggest first dry firing all the sequences, especially the manipulation intensive strings, prior to hitting the range.  Find a par time that will allow you to complete all the strings within the time limit, and remember to use the same par time for all the strings.  Once you can break 58-60 points on a given par time, you are ready to move to the next par time.  You are doing quite well if you can break 60 points on the 5 second par, shooting per the protocol.  I haven't shot this one in a bit, but I recall that my personal best was 61 points using a Safariland 6004, open top Blade Tech mag pouches, and a 5" 1911 firing full power 230 grain ball.

(double click on the image below to print out a larger copy of the test)

Troubleshooting 1911 Ejection

If your 1911 is set up properly, it should eject the empty casings in a consistent pattern to your 3:00 to 5:00. The distance of ejection varies with each gun, but most guns will throw empties into a pattern about 10 feet away. If your gun is having issues with ejection, it is telling you something, and you need to know how to listen to it.


Ejecting too farIf the empties are flying out in a pattern about 20' away, it is likely an indicator of excessive slide velocity. This could be due to a light spring, worn spring, or hot ammo. If the spring is worn or weak, try putting in a new spring. A 5" Government Model should run a 16-18.5 lb spring with normal ammunition, and a 18.5 lb for +P velocity ammunition.


Empties dribble outIf the empties are barely rolling out of the gun and falling at your feet with every shot, your recoil spring is too stout or your ammo is too weak. This is a less common situation, and generally seen only if running 185gr SWC bullseye match loads or the equivalent. Even reduced velocity 230gr loads which meet USPSA/IDPA Major power factor will typically cycle with a 18.5 lb spring. A 14 or 15 lb recoil spring runs nicely with these various reduced power loads.


Ejection pattern is wide and randomIf your gun ejects to 3:00 for one shot, then to 5:00 for the next shot, and occasionally one to 12:00, 6:00, or 9:00, something is profoundly wrong with your extractor. The correct fix for this is to have the extractor properly profiled and tensioned by a skilled 1911 specialist. Some common home remedies are often thrown out for this ailment, and it is worth our time here to address why each one is not going to correct the problem.

• Change the recoil spring: As discussed above, the recoil spring affects the distance of ejection, not so much the consistency.
• Open up the ejection port: On GI pattern guns with small ejection ports, ejection patterns will be reasonably consistent if all else is correct, though the brass may eject high.  The brass is typically striking the slide on the way out, but should be striking every time, providing a pattern of ejection.
• Tune the ejector: The ejector tip affects the direction of ejection, but if it is affixed tightly in the frame, it is hitting the brass the same way each time so consistency is not affected by the shape. Loose ejectors can contribute to inconsistency, but not as much as you might expect. Ejector shaping in an optic sighted competition gun will help tune ejection to clear the optic and mount, but in an iron sighted gun with modern ejection port dimensions (ie. lowered) it is typically not that critical. As long as the brass makes it out every time, that will do the trick. 

The above points should hopefully give your eyes something else to look for at your next range session. Do not brush off extractor problems or try to blame them on something else. Recognize the early warning signs and get them fixed.

Golf Build Updates

Golf, in "the rough"...

The Golf build hit the range again, and is running great. This build was meant to explore the feasibility of making a "no frills" type working gun based on a Springfield GI as a base gun. It is the first to sport a Gen 2 10-8 grip safety. This all machined unit further refines the rear scoop which integrates with the 10-8 bobbed spur hammer. Both the hammer and beavertail are currently reserved for 10-8 builds only, and not available for sale.

The Golf build features a .140" rear notch sight and .125" wide brass bead insert front sight. An ambidextrous safety, Guncrafter lanyard MSH, and the usual suite of 10-8 small parts rounds out the build. The only original factory parts used in the build are the slide, frame, and firing pin. In keeping with the minimalist approach on this gun, the front strap is smooth, and ready for application of grip tape.

Golf is due for a few more range sessions to further evaluate the concept, after which it will receive its final cosmetic touches and a black parkerized finish. Stay tuned here and on our Facebook page for more range updates.

Each build is test fired with its own set of magazines.

Article on Police Magazine Blog

The Police Magazine blog features an article I wrote at their request, addressing issues of running a 1911 for duty use. Read the article at the Police Magazine website.

What Can Loctite Do For Your 1911?

Loctite thread locking compound has now been added to the web store lineup. It seems like I am always helping someone out who lost a screw, had a sight come loose, or had some other simple gun problem that was cured by Loctite. Rather than wonder why folks didn't have the right Loctite, we took a proactive approach instead.


These are genuine Loctite threadlocker products in .5 ml capsules. Each of the formulations has a specific use, which is outlined below as well as on the website.

242, Blue, Low strength: This is what you want to use for grip screws and sight set screws, things you want to stay put but be able to easily adjust later on. Blue Loctite is also good for doing installs on Glock front sight blades and dovetail rear sights, where you fill the gaps with the liquid and let it set. The Loctite fills the gaps when it cures, providing a tighter install, yet is easily defeated if you need to drift or remove the sight.

271, Red, High strength: For installation of 1911 grip screw bushings, 1911 front sight roll pins, dovetail front sights, ejectors, ejector pins. Anytime you want the installation to be pretty much permanent, 271 is the answer. It is easy to remove red Loctited parts with heat - even a lighter or heat gun will do the trick, but in most applications it will last the service cycle of the part.

290, Green, Wicking: "Green" Loctite has some kind of mythical aura about it, but there are actually a number of different formulations that are green. This particular variant is a medium strength formula which is very thin for wicking into gaps. It is ideal for improving the permanence of already installed components like 1911 plunger tubes, dovetail sights, and 1911 grip screw bushings. Just squirt a little into the cracks, wipe off the excess, and let cure. Be careful using this near the moving parts of your gun, you do not want to Loctite your firing pin safety or some small springs and plungers!

These .5 ml tubes are the perfect size for your range bag, and a little goes a very long way. There is no reason to be without some of this great stuff, and no reason to put up with headaches from your gun.

S&W 1911 Rear Sights

The much anticipated S&W 1911 Rear Sight is now in stock for immediate delivery! This rear sight is a direct replacement for the factory rear sight on all SW1911 fixed sight models as well as the new E Series 1911s. Older fixed sight Third Gen S&W Autos such as the 3913, 4506, etc. will also accept this sight. The sight is the same height as the factory rear sight, and will duplicate the existing point of impact as your current sight. The sight features a .140" wide x .125" deep U notch, and is easily user installable. Includes set screw and wrench.  Replacement front sights are not currently available, but we do have them planned for 2012.