Great assessment. It really helps for those of us that really want something that runs out of the box. Have done 1911 work in the past, but these days I value my time more. Hence why semi-custom/custom 1911s look to be more attractive as an option that doesn't require additional investment as far as money and DIY smithing
I love your very thorough pistol reviews, especially how you identify the MIM small parts. This is very helpful for viewers and potential buyers of these guns.
Thanks for all the helpful information you provide 1911 owners. I just completed this extractor test on my Kimber Custom II LW and it passed with no issues. It gives me peace of mind to know it is functioning the way it should.
Worth mentioning; my current personal everyday carry sidearm is an inexpensive 1911 platform gun, chambered in 9mm. I have spent 41 years shooting 1911s and 35 years carrying them. This particular gun has never had a mechanical issue, nor has it failed to perform with 100% reliability. I DID have issues that I chose to address regarding personal comfort (trigger weight, external smoothness, etc). I chose to do all of the work myself, as this made me and ONLY me responsible for the outcome I desired, and that is what was achieved. By the way, my gun still has EVERY SINGLE PART it came with except the front fiber optic (now green) and the four grip stock screws (now stainless). If someone is willing (like you) to learn and do the work, go do it.
Man what a great video. Very informative and real world knowledge. Love my 1911s but they require some love no matter the price point. But once that love is provided they’re a dream to shoot.
very nice and informative review. i have a les baer and had terry tussey make a stealth comp for it. it’s a commander so he made the cut for the slide come back farther to increase reliability. it works like a dream.
Another excellent video. I wanted the Springfield Range Officer for CMP matches but after waiting they stopped producing. But the continued the “Loaded”(similar to me to RO). Yet I didn’t know about the MIM or cast parts. Haven’t used it yet. Ironically, they stopped manufacturing the “Loaded” and that’s when “Garrison” was introduced. Thank you for another great video.
I 100% agree with you that there's no production 1911 maker on the market that makes one completely ready to go out of the box. They all need something. Truth be told, I've had much more trouble out of the so-called reputable brands like Colt and Springfield that I have out of Tisas or Rock Island armory. I'm not just talking about basics like extractor tension. I'm talking +$1000 guns that came out of the box with non-functional safeties because they weren't fitted properly, shallow and off-center feed ramps, and off-center cut magazine wells. I'm not sure I'll buy another domestic production grade 1911 again. The imports seem to have better quality control ironically.
Just found your channel and subscribed. Thanks for the 1911 knowledge share. After owning most of the popular wonder 9s..I bought my first 1911.. Ronin 4.25 9mm a few months ago. Minor feeding/ejection issues at first few hundred rounds but seems to run fine these days. Keep it cleaned and lubed and it works like most factory guns should. If I could only get rid of the idiot scratch 🤭. I like all my guns (Glocks, SIGs, S&W) etc..etc for different reasons and their intended purpose.
I bought the Ronin 4.25 9mm and had all new internals replaced by gunsmith John Harrison. He also did a basic 4lb trigger job. My gun out of the box shot 3.5 inches high. Replaced the front sight with a .215 Dawson fiber optic , and replaced the Rear with an adjustable Wilson combat sight. It’s now all dialed in and shoots great. The only problem is with Speer G2 Leo ammo and Wilson ETM mags. It runs that ammo fine with the Vickers tactical mag and the Tripp Cobra mags as well as the Springfield stock mag. It appears the takeoff angle out of the mag is less with the Wilson and won’t ride up the feed ramp.
Next maybe do the new “Operator.” Probably redundant since it’s so similar to a TRP, but curious if anything improved. How are Colt Govt production guns comparatively?
The Staccato guns and other similarly priced high end guns, especially where the manufacturer is also making the parts, tend to fare much better. It’s not in the same category as this $700 Ronin.
@@108Performance Much thanks. Mine eats everything, ejects like it should, and holds on a 3x5 card out to 25 yards with 147 HST all the time. I have run it w/out the mag (as you showed) several times (20+) and it's strong on ejection. It runs every bit as good as my Wilson so good to know... Enjoy your work on Ch. Keep up the good work!
Hi Hilton, I am new to your Channel and so far I am enjoying your content. I really enjoy 1911 pistols but only shot a gsg and a Ruger 22/45. Being Australian.45 ACP is a restricted round here and is only used in certain matches. I have to start with 22lr and build to 9mm, maybe .38 Super. That is why I am looking into 9mm 1911s. My purposes is more of a range gun.
Somebody said years ago on MSW “If you want a reliable 9MM 1911, get a Hi-Power.” Pretty funny, but also reminds me that the pistol was designed to be a .45
The gun was required, by contract, to be chambered in no less than .45 caliber for the US military. It was designed to be chambered in MANY different calibers. The gun just happens to work better in 9mm and 38 super.
@@pathenderson3470 I don’t understand. It happens to work better with 9MM and .38 Super? Isn’t a reliable 9MM 1911 something that’s come about in the last fifteen years?
I've purchased 2 SAs in the past 10 years: Compact Range Officer and a Ronin 4.25; both in 9mm. BOTH exhibited, at time of purchase, excessively tight chambers. Why?
Hilton, do you know what the deal is with the rear sight on the Ronin? Even after completely removing the set screw, it won’t drift. Did they red Loctite it down or something?
The factories push the sights in with a pneumatic press, so they typically won't move with anything less than a steel punch and an 8oz hammer while the slide is firmly fixtured in a vise.
@@108Performance thanks so much! I was using a brass punch on a table and all it was doing was leaving gold marks on the tape that I used to protect the sight. No matter how hard I whacked it (and I let another friend - a Green Beret Cmdr - try with no luck too). Does heat help? I'm concerned about marring with a steel punch
Springfield makes such pretty 1911s its a shame they need so much work. I've only got a couple to reference from. My Sig ES is pretty sweet but needs some trigger work, the pinned front sight is off center and the finish leaves some to be desired. Wish a $1300 gun didn't need another $150 of work but like you said that just seems to be how it goes.
I Owen 3 1911. All of them are my EDC- Colt rgz (commander), Magnum Research Commander "MRC," and Springfield ronin 4inch- The MRC, Colt, and Ronin all worked out the box. With hundreds of rounds of defense and range ammo. 'In my opinion, you are a gunsmith with an understanding of how you want your 1911 should work for you. For me, I know the basic knowledge and working of 1911. for example, the test you were doing removing the magazine is an Extractor Test- You And Larry Vickers are credited for this test. Brother, please take it down a notch- You have a responsibility to help new shooters start to learn about1911- in my humble opinion, you are freakin them out, and they will miss a chance to hold a piece of history in their hands. I am a guy who loves 1911, and your insight is on point for those versed in 1911- Yes, I did send my Ronin to Night Custom to get a redo, lol - I hope my comments are not outbounds.
As always your arguments on the need to tune 1911’s for serious work are incredibly sound. People just don’t want to except the truth that no production 1911 is “out of the box” good to go
My stainless Kimber ProCarry in 9mm, with the exception of swapping out the trigger for a short one, adding Ergo grips, and moding the OEM sights, has been 100% with multiple mags and a variety of bullet weights.
There’s a reason for that; we don’t have to. It’s been proven that a quality, modern 9mm can be just as reliable as any other handgun. I offer Dan Wesson as an example. I have one with over 7K that is mathematically 100% reliable and actually moreso than my Gen5 G19.
Okay, so since all of the current production 1911's are junk, which one would you start with to do all of the gunsmithing work on. Probably none of them? Okay, I'll just save my money and get a Wilson Combat. On second thought, I'll just get a Glock 30s for a fraction of the price. It'll probably function perfectly right out of box and they hold 10 rounds to boot. Problem solved! 👍😌
I know, right! Definitely a 1911 manufacturer that I would trust my life to. Out of the box. I have a box stock Valor with over 7K on. I changed the recoil spring at 5K as routine maintenance but 100% reliable before and after.
A properly set up 1911 will run and run and....... If one is serious about this platform and intends to shoot Production Guns, it is advisable to have a mentor (that is intimately familiar with 1911's), or deep pockets for "learning curve" mistakes. I suggest if one doesn't have the dedication to do this, or buy a properly set up Custom gun; get a Glock/CZ/Sig.
Hilton is a great guy and incredibly knowledgeable but he’s been a Negative Nancy since I started this journey in the late 90’s. Duty carry for the past 25 years, I’ve employed a couple Springfield Operators along with a Wilson CQB over these last few decades and they’ve been dead reliable. I did have a Springfield Loaded that had some issues that I identified before it satisfied me as duty ready so I sent it back to Springfield, and it came back perfect. I’ve worked with guys for decades carrying 1911’s and it just hasn’t been an issue as long as you go into it informed. He’s like that uncle who is going to find the flaw in just about any idea you have, after a while you learn to take what you can from him but also take it with a grain of salt.
You are a gunsmith who said, “feeding 9mm into a 1911 is not an easy task”. The 1911 platform lends itself PARTICULARLY well to the 9mm round. It may be difficult for you and Springfield but not because of some inherent issue with the 1911.
I have a Springfield Armory 1911 Ronin Operator 9mm 4.25" and has have no problem. Love it. Its my conceal carry gun.
Prolly just popped off bout 150 rounds through it!
Good to hear from you again. I've missed your videos.
Welcome back! Happy to see another upload
Duty tune DVD is worth its weight in gold! 👌🏻
I second the motion 7+ hours to make any 1911 run without stoppages 👍
Great assessment. It really helps for those of us that really want something that runs out of the box. Have done 1911 work in the past, but these days I value my time more. Hence why semi-custom/custom 1911s look to be more attractive as an option that doesn't require additional investment as far as money and DIY smithing
I love your very thorough pistol reviews, especially how you identify the MIM small parts. This is very helpful for viewers and potential buyers of these guns.
Welcome back! Always looking forward to your Videos and Knowledge!
Thanks for all the helpful information you provide 1911 owners. I just completed this extractor test on my Kimber Custom II LW and it passed with no issues. It gives me peace of mind to know it is functioning the way it should.
Your videos taught me a lot, and I applied that knowledge to tuning up my CCW Emissary (9mm variant). Great videos
Worth mentioning; my current personal everyday carry sidearm is an inexpensive 1911 platform gun, chambered in 9mm.
I have spent 41 years shooting 1911s and 35 years carrying them.
This particular gun has never had a mechanical issue, nor has it failed to perform with 100% reliability.
I DID have issues that I chose to address regarding personal comfort (trigger weight, external smoothness, etc).
I chose to do all of the work myself, as this made me and ONLY me responsible for the outcome I desired, and that is what was achieved.
By the way, my gun still has EVERY SINGLE PART it came with except the front fiber optic (now green) and the four grip stock screws (now stainless).
If someone is willing (like you) to learn and do the work, go do it.
Man what a great video. Very informative and real world knowledge. Love my 1911s but they require some love no matter the price point.
But once that love is provided they’re a dream to shoot.
very nice and informative review. i have a les baer and had terry tussey make a stealth comp for it. it’s a commander so he made the cut for the slide come back farther to increase reliability. it works like a dream.
Another excellent video. I wanted the Springfield Range Officer for CMP matches but after waiting they stopped producing. But the continued the “Loaded”(similar to me to RO). Yet I didn’t know about the MIM or cast parts. Haven’t used it yet. Ironically, they stopped manufacturing the “Loaded” and that’s when “Garrison” was introduced. Thank you for another great video.
I 100% agree with you that there's no production 1911 maker on the market that makes one completely ready to go out of the box. They all need something. Truth be told, I've had much more trouble out of the so-called reputable brands like Colt and Springfield that I have out of Tisas or Rock Island armory. I'm not just talking about basics like extractor tension. I'm talking +$1000 guns that came out of the box with non-functional safeties because they weren't fitted properly, shallow and off-center feed ramps, and off-center cut magazine wells.
I'm not sure I'll buy another domestic production grade 1911 again. The imports seem to have better quality control ironically.
I love how we have a channel that does slot of 1911,2011 .my favorite guns and channel..I have a ronnin.9... I love it
Just found your channel and subscribed. Thanks for the 1911 knowledge share. After owning most of the popular wonder 9s..I bought my first 1911.. Ronin 4.25 9mm a few months ago. Minor feeding/ejection issues at first few hundred rounds but seems to run fine these days. Keep it cleaned and lubed and it works like most factory guns should. If I could only get rid of the idiot scratch 🤭. I like all my guns (Glocks, SIGs, S&W) etc..etc for different reasons and their intended purpose.
I bought the Ronin 4.25 9mm and had all new internals replaced by gunsmith John Harrison. He also did a basic 4lb trigger job. My gun out of the box shot 3.5 inches high. Replaced the front sight with a .215 Dawson fiber optic , and replaced the Rear with an adjustable Wilson combat sight. It’s now all dialed in and shoots great. The only problem is with Speer G2 Leo ammo and Wilson ETM mags. It runs that ammo fine with the Vickers tactical mag and the Tripp Cobra mags as well as the Springfield stock mag. It appears the takeoff angle out of the mag is less with the Wilson and won’t ride up the feed ramp.
Next maybe do the new “Operator.” Probably redundant since it’s so similar to a TRP, but curious if anything improved. How are Colt Govt production guns comparatively?
Thanks much for your review/feedback. “All need work” - would you lump the Staccato c in that statement?
The Staccato guns and other similarly priced high end guns, especially where the manufacturer is also making the parts, tend to fare much better. It’s not in the same category as this $700 Ronin.
@@108Performance Much thanks. Mine eats everything, ejects like it should, and holds on a 3x5 card out to 25 yards with 147 HST all the time. I have run it w/out the mag (as you showed) several times (20+) and it's strong on ejection. It runs every bit as good as my Wilson so good to know... Enjoy your work on Ch. Keep up the good work!
I bought one of them when the first hit market...it's a pretty good gun...
Hi Hilton, I am new to your Channel and so far I am enjoying your content. I really enjoy 1911 pistols but only shot a gsg and a Ruger 22/45. Being Australian.45 ACP is a restricted round here and is only used in certain matches. I have to start with 22lr and build to 9mm, maybe .38 Super. That is why I am looking into 9mm 1911s. My purposes is more of a range gun.
Hilton kicks RONIN ass!
Love you content! Any chance of you reviewing the Colt Goverment model competition series 70 in 9mm?
Thanks
Your Content. Thanks
Would like to hear your thoughts on the Colt M45A1.
Somebody said years ago on MSW “If you want a reliable 9MM 1911, get a Hi-Power.” Pretty funny, but also reminds me that the pistol was designed to be a .45
The gun was required, by contract, to be chambered in no less than .45 caliber for the US military.
It was designed to be chambered in MANY different calibers.
The gun just happens to work better in 9mm and 38 super.
@@pathenderson3470 I don’t understand. It happens to work better with 9MM and .38 Super? Isn’t a reliable 9MM 1911 something that’s come about in the last fifteen years?
I've purchased 2 SAs in the past 10 years: Compact Range Officer and a Ronin 4.25; both in 9mm. BOTH exhibited, at time of purchase, excessively tight chambers. Why?
Hilton, do you know what the deal is with the rear sight on the Ronin? Even after completely removing the set screw, it won’t drift. Did they red Loctite it down or something?
The factories push the sights in with a pneumatic press, so they typically won't move with anything less than a steel punch and an 8oz hammer while the slide is firmly fixtured in a vise.
@@108Performance thanks so much! I was using a brass punch on a table and all it was doing was leaving gold marks on the tape that I used to protect the sight. No matter how hard I whacked it (and I let another friend - a Green Beret Cmdr - try with no luck too).
Does heat help?
I'm concerned about marring with a steel punch
@@ronmartblog Try a good vise, leather pad on the impact surface, steel punch
Those grips are really nice. What is the translation of the word inlayed?
Springfield makes such pretty 1911s its a shame they need so much work. I've only got a couple to reference from. My Sig ES is pretty sweet but needs some trigger work, the pinned front sight is off center and the finish leaves some to be desired. Wish a $1300 gun didn't need another $150 of work but like you said that just seems to be how it goes.
Great, I really want get one. Doubt it now
Have u made those grips available again?
Check website
Where can I get a pair of those grips.
Links in description
Why does my gen 3 glock 17 fail to eject when doing this extractor test?
Because it’s not a 1911 and you will never be firing it without a mag, so it doesn’t matter.
once in a while ,..ronin 9mm 4.25 wont go fully into battery.
got any advice ?
I Owen 3 1911. All of them are my EDC- Colt rgz (commander), Magnum Research Commander "MRC," and Springfield ronin 4inch- The MRC, Colt, and Ronin all worked out the box. With hundreds of rounds of defense and range ammo. 'In my opinion, you are a gunsmith with an understanding of how you want your 1911 should work for you. For me, I know the basic knowledge and working of 1911. for example, the test you were doing removing the magazine is an Extractor Test- You And Larry Vickers are credited for this test. Brother, please take it down a notch- You have a responsibility to help new shooters start to learn about1911- in my humble opinion, you are freakin them out, and they will miss a chance to hold a piece of history in their hands. I am a guy who loves 1911, and your insight is on point for those versed in 1911- Yes, I did send my Ronin to Night Custom to get a redo, lol - I hope my comments are not outbounds.
I have the 10mm it's my winter edc it's the pretty gun I own
Staccato all the way 😁
Sweet gun, I’d have to get that terrible blued finish cerakoted though
As always your arguments on the need to tune 1911’s for serious work are incredibly sound. People just don’t want to except the truth that no production 1911 is “out of the box” good to go
My stainless Kimber ProCarry in 9mm, with the exception of swapping out the trigger for a short one, adding Ergo grips, and moding the OEM sights, has been 100% with multiple mags and a variety of bullet weights.
@@jimhovater8755 then you have most likely the rarest kimber ever known to man. You should hold onto that. Commander sized 1911s are full of gremlins
There’s a reason for that; we don’t have to. It’s been proven that a quality, modern 9mm can be just as reliable as any other handgun. I offer Dan Wesson as an example. I have one with over 7K that is mathematically 100% reliable and actually moreso than my Gen5 G19.
Okay, so since all of the current production 1911's are junk, which one would you start with to do all of the gunsmithing work on. Probably none of them? Okay, I'll just save my money and get a Wilson Combat.
On second thought, I'll just get a Glock 30s for a fraction of the price. It'll probably function perfectly right out of box and they hold 10 rounds to boot. Problem solved! 👍😌
DAN WESSON 1911s !!
I know, right! Definitely a 1911 manufacturer that I would trust my life to. Out of the box. I have a box stock Valor with over 7K on. I changed the recoil spring at 5K as routine maintenance but 100% reliable before and after.
Mine has been glorious. But you have waaaaaaaaay, wayyyyyyy more refined tastes.
🇺🇸🍻🤠🧗♂️
I shot 180 gr flat nose and it did not like it
I can answer that question about what gun you can buy and just go with it.....Staccato P
A properly set up 1911 will run and run and.......
If one is serious about this platform and intends to shoot Production Guns, it is advisable to have a mentor (that is intimately familiar with 1911's), or deep pockets for "learning curve" mistakes.
I suggest if one doesn't have the dedication to do this, or buy a properly set up Custom gun; get a Glock/CZ/Sig.
Mine is not accurate
Hilton is a great guy and incredibly knowledgeable but he’s been a Negative Nancy since I started this journey in the late 90’s. Duty carry for the past 25 years, I’ve employed a couple Springfield Operators along with a Wilson CQB over these last few decades and they’ve been dead reliable. I did have a Springfield Loaded that had some issues that I identified before it satisfied me as duty ready so I sent it back to Springfield, and it came back perfect. I’ve worked with guys for decades carrying 1911’s and it just hasn’t been an issue as long as you go into it informed. He’s like that uncle who is going to find the flaw in just about any idea you have, after a while you learn to take what you can from him but also take it with a grain of salt.
that leaves you buying a Staccato.. just saying
You are a gunsmith who said, “feeding 9mm into a 1911 is not an easy task”.
The 1911 platform lends itself PARTICULARLY well to the 9mm round.
It may be difficult for you and Springfield but not because of some inherent issue with the 1911.
LOL just no.
🙄
Damn I hope you’re not that critical with your kids sports performances.
Don't buy this MIM mass-produced stuff.
Save up for a Les Baer: you'll thank me later.