So I shot my first IDPA match at Prado Olympic shooting park in Chino Ca with my model 1917, a Simply rugged sourdough pancake and some CCW moon clip holders. I had a great time and everyone was helpful and nice but I thought I would throw out some "observations" (ok, excuses) from my first match.

1. A 15+ lb. double action trigger pull is not conducive to good shooting, especially if you are used to near match grade 3 lb. 1911 triggers.

2. There is no need to shoot reloads making 178 PF when you only need to meet 165 PF. (I just used the reloads I had on hand, the most accurate .45 load that I use in my 1911.)

3. Those sweet, "comfortable" grips I made from semi inletted wood from Numrich have some major hot spots, leaving them blistered in a few places.

4. That frosted bore that the gun had when I bought it was hiding some nasty pitting under the copper and lead fouling. Shining the light from the forcing cone to the muzzle of my 1917 makes the bore look lightly frosted but when I look at the forcing cone with the muzzle illuminated (something I didn't do when I bought it) I can see some pretty deep pitting.

So now on to the lessons learned and what I am going to do next time,

1. A new rebound spring is on its way from Midwayusa.

2. I will work up some reloads just for my revolver.

3. I bought some goodyear grips to use while I work out the wood grips.

4. I steel wooled the barrel to take out the remaining lead fouling (it was falling out in flakes from just a bronze brush and bore cleaner) and lightly polish the bore. I don't expect much from the barrel, given how bad it is.

Just keep shooting that gun in matches, and YOU will improve more than any mods you can do to your gun.

IDPA matches will humble well trained shooters.

__________________
Shoot fast & live long
Warren

IDPA is a great way to hone your skills. I was shooting monthly about 8-9 years back and had a job change.

I think the most important thing I learned, was I can do better with a Model 19 than I can a 1911. I ran both guns for a year and looked at the end to see what was what. I'm much more likely to make my 1st shot count with my Model 19, and overall when it came to speed regarding reloads I wasn't far behind.

That, and don't let yourself get into the 'Game Gun' mode. If it's just a game? It's not what it was intended to be then. It was developed so your average Joe could afford to get into the matches and play as well. While honing his skills with his everyday carry gun.

It really became a pet peeve of mine to see 'Gamers' showing up with S&W 610's, ammo that would barely get by and a holster that was on the very edge of a racegun holster. Sure, its nice to 'win' the overall match. But in the end, they only cheated themselves. Shoot what you carry with your daily gear. Load your ammo accordingly. Walk away after a match knowing you shot your best that day, its all you can do.

Murphy2000

I'd suggest using strands cut from a copper "Chore Boy" pot scrubber to clean leading from the barrel. It's much gentler than steel wool on the bore, and is unlikely to scratch your barrel. I also think you can safely use a lighter hammer spring in your 1917, since it would be one of the old "long action" guns, which have a longer hammer fall that the newer ones. That longer hammer travel adds momentum, which helps with reliable ignition. Good luck!

Honestly the bore is so pitted, scratches would be an improvement. I took it out today and rested, off a bench in single action mode the gun wouldn't keep my 200 gr SWC loads or standard 230 gr FMJ on a paper plate at 10 yards. I also switched out the rebound spring for a 14 lb, so much nicer. Oh well, it sure is fun to shoot though. I am keeping my eye out for another barrel for it.

I have a 28-2 I am picking up on Wednesday that is barely fired (I would guess under 500 rounds through it based on its light turn line and a spotless bore). We will see if I suck as bad with it, though I highly doubt I will, especially if I keep reminding my self "I can't miss fast enough to win".