Linkless and linked semiautomatic pistols

[Naphtali]

I have sort've linked questions.

Is there a significant difference in durability or reliability between Colt 1911 in 45 ACP and Browning High Power in 9x19 mm ammunitions, both cartridges being factory law enforcement or hunting loads.

Replies during another query mentioned that while soft armor successfully protected wearer from bullet penetration - that is saved the wearer when shot in thorax - when soft armor was current. But the facet that wasn't explored was significance of trauma from standard law enforcement level ammunition fired by "the bad guy" and differences among 9x19, 45 ACP, and 40 S&W.

As best you can, evaluate effects of these disparate cartridges on the "Shootee."

 

[Rock185]

I was in LE for a long time, have some experience at being the "shootee", but don't think I'm qualified to evaluate blunt force trauma in general.

As to durability and reliability of the Hi Power and Colt 1911, I've owned my share of both. Both are durable and reliable. But, if I had to rely on one or the other to be reliable from day 1 with LE type ammo, it would most assuredly have to be the Hi Power...

 

[minconrevo]

When the British Special Forces guys were running Radway Green through their BHP's they discovered the pistol wasn't built for high pressure submachine gun fodder.

Either of the two pistols you mention will run a long time, longer than the typical user can afford to feed them with factory LE ammo.

As far as reliability, it depends on who built the pistol and in what manufacturing era.

 

[stansdds]

I have sort've linked questions.

Is there a significant difference in durability or reliability between Colt 1911 in 45 ACP and Browning High Power in 9x19 mm ammunitions, both cartridges being factory law enforcement or hunting loads.

With standard pressure ammo and replacing recoil springs every 5000 rounds, I don't think there is any difference in durability between the M1911 in 45 ACP or the Hi-Power in 9x19mm. That is with well made M1911's and Hi-Power's, but if either are built with low quality parts, those low quality parts are likely to fail.

 

[BB57]

Link versus linkless, both work fine however the link in a 1911 must be properly fitted for both proper function and to avoid rounding off the shoulders on the locking lugs. Rounded shoulders are also the result of a weak recoil spring.

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Back face deformation and trauma is a standard for body armor rating and certification. If it is rated for a threat, back face deformation and trauma is covered.

That said, I have always preferred soft body armor that also incorporates a trauma plate over the sternum.

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Regarding spring replacement, 5000 rounds is too long for a 1911.

For colt and most other full size 1911s 1500-2000 rounds is the recommended interval. It’s the same for most commander sized models.

The 4” Kimber pro carry models recommend replacement after just 800 rounds.

With the 3” ultra carry it is every 1800 rounds.

That’s regardless of caliber and they are based on standard power recoil springs. If a 1911 starts stove piping it’s a sign that the recoil spring is too weak.

If you start getting a metallic feel in the recoil it’s battering the frame and you waited way too long.

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For the Hi Power and various clones the recoil spring should be replaced every 5000 rounds and every 2500 rounds for the compact models.

The CZ 75 has the same 5000 round schedule and I replace the springs every 2500 rounds on the compact models. It’s cheap insurance.

Regardless of a quoted schedule you need to replace the recoil spring on any pistol anytime the recoil starts to feel metallic and or the frame starts to be battered by the slide.

 

[stansdds]

Don't know why a M1911 in 45 ACP would need a more frequent recoil spring change. I go by the 5000 round rule of thumb and never an issue.

 

[LVSteve]

The Hi-Power is but one style of linkless action. S&W, Glock, Sig, and Ruger all have variations on that theme depending on model.

 

[Naphtali]

The Hi-Power is but one style of linkless action. S&W, Glock, Sig, and Ruger all have variations on that theme depending on model.

LVSteve: You are correct. When I used examples of linked and linkless, these were intended to be examples.