If you ever watched the CSI: Miami TV series, you may remember an episode in which one of the main characters, Tim Speedle, was killed off. Speedle was shot by a suspect when his own sidearm failed to fire because he’d neglected to clean and maintain it.
I didn’t tune into the show regularly, nor do I own a Jericho 541, but I’ve never forgotten the cautionary tale.
The Springfield 1911 pistol I brought out to the range the other day is, believe it or not, still in its break-in period. (Over the years, I’ve shot my carry guns almost exclusively, and this one isn’t in my rotation.) Because that particular model is manufactured with very tight tolerances, naturally it’ll take awhile longer while to loosen up. That showed Monday, when twice in 56 rounds the slide failed to go completely into battery.
I wasn’t troubled by it, considering. It’s to be expected.
Still, I want to give this 1911 every chance to break-in successfully. Yesterday I field-stripped, cleaned, examined, lubricated and reassembled it at the kitchen table.
I don’t know if it looks dirty to you in the image above, but trust me, it is. The Magtech 230gr ball I was running is filthy stuff.
As usual, I took my time — there’s absolutely no reason to rush the ritual. I not only cleaned the pistol thoroughly, I took a good look at it while I had it taken down.
And then I lubed what needed lubing — sparingly. I’ve been doing this long enough to know how to put oil where it’ll do the most good. I also looked for telltale “shiny” spots and got those wet, too.
Last, reassembly and function check. Done.
I have no doubt that this 1911 will be just fine. It’s in the home stretch of break-in, and I’m looking for another 100 to 150 trouble-free rounds before I’ll call it good.
We’ll see. I’ll let you know.
. . .
“Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense —
pass the biscuits, please.”
. . .
. . .
. . .
Scenes from our Wednesday…
* * * * *
Our governor knows what to do when some misbegotten “pride month” rolls around. (Click on the image below to read her full proclamation.)
#HuckYeah #HuckMyLife
* * * * *
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable