There’s an old saying, “The Phoenix must burn to rise.” Anything built by man is flawed, how flawed is the real question. Preparation is a great way to mitigate failure. With its robust design and reliable performance, the M1911 is a popular choice for self-defense. However, to ensure it functions unfailingly, it is essential to perform regular reliability tests. These tests help identify potential issues before they become critical, ensuring your firearm is always ready for self-defense scenarios. Here are two reliability tests to maintain the M1911 firearm in optimal condition.
The most basic, yet a crucial test is the function test. This test should be performed after every cleaning and reassembly. For the entirety of this test, ensure the firearm is pointed in a safe direction and remains unloaded. The first part of this test is a safety check. Remove any magazine and rack the action, locking the slide to the rear. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure the firearm is unloaded. Next, perform a slide operation by racking the slide several times to ensure it moves smoothly without resistance. Lock the slide to the rear. Test the slide stop lever by depressing to ensure the slide moves forward and locks into battery. Pull the trigger and hold it back. Rack the slide again, then release the trigger to feel and hear the click, indicating the trigger reset. Check the safety mechanisms by engaging the thumb safety and attempt to pull the trigger. The hammer should not fall. Disengage the thumb safety, but not the grip safety. Attempt to pull the trigger. The hammer should not fall. Disengage the thumb and grip safety. Pull the trigger to ensure the hammer falls. Insert an empty magazine and rack the slide to the rear. The magazine follower should engage and lock the slide to the rear. Remove the magazine. The slide should remain locked to the rear. This completes the function test.
The most effective way to check reliability is a live fire test. There are three tests: basic functionality, ammunition compatibility, and magazine reliability. Basic functionality is firing several magazines to ensure the firearm cycles correctly. The total round count varies, but for a basic functionality test, consider 100 rounds at a minimum. Within 100 rounds, obvious problems such as failures to feed, extract, or eject should surface. Ammunition compatibility tests different brands and types of ammunition. Include self-defense rounds, typically hollow-point designs. While not always cost-effective, 100 rounds of defensive ammunition can combine basic functionality with ammunition compatibility. The final step would be to test all magazines. It is ideal to have a separate group of magazines for defense only. These magazines get less wear and tear after the initial reliability test. Randomly load the magazines. Then, fire each one to ensure the slide locks open after firing the last round. Repeat a couple of times with each magazine to confirm reliability. Mark these magazines using a paint pen on the bottom of the base pad to identify them for defensive purposes only.
Regular reliability tests are essential for maintaining the M1911's readiness for self-defense. By performing these tests, M1911 owners can identify and address potential issues, ensuring their firearm remains reliable and effective. Remember, a well-maintained M1911 is not just a tool but a lifeline in self-defense situations.