1911 Live-Fire Function Test

by
posted on June 24, 2016
bboyd-image.jpg

By default, after any work to the hammer, sear or trigger it’s a good safety practice to load the first few magazines with no more than two rounds. The reasoning is simple. If your pistol is faulty, there’s a chance you might experience a “double” where two or more shots are fired per trigger pull) rather than a seven- or eight-round burst, most of which would likely go skyward.

Since this is the first time firing live ammo in your 1911, only load two rounds in the magazine.


Fire several magazines, each containing two rounds, just to make sure everything functioning correctly, your pistol should pass the following test:

8 rounds, slow-fire (with the magazine removed before each shot)

8 rounds, strong-hand

8 rounds, weak-hand

8 rounds, limp-wristed

8 rounds, rapid-fire

Function should be your primary concern the first time you shoot your 1911. A target isn't needed at this stage.


When your pistol passes this test, congratulations are in order. Now it’s time to test it for accuracy. (With a little luck, you’ll have some itty-bitty, Facebook-worthy groups.) Afterward, feel free to reload all magazines and proceed to cut loose. Wring it out, like it owes you money—until it’s too hot to handle or you run out of ammo—whichever comes first.

When you’re finished, case it up (don’t forget to police your brass) take it home, give it a good cleaning and feel free to punctuate your post-shooting session with your celebratory adult beverage of choice. You’ve earned it.

In the next entry, I'll discuss some last-minute fixes that needed to be made before sending the pistol out for its final finish.

Latest

Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs
Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

First Look: Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

30 round magazine, 30 round packaging. Makes sense.

Skills Check: Near and Far

For us, “Drill Practice” is isolating an individual part of a skill and focusing intently on improving or mastering said skill. The goal with good drill practice is to maximize overall improvement while minimizing overall effort. Success equals consistency over time.

Roundup: Large Format 9mm Pistols

They're just like a full-size 9mm pistol, only more so.

First Look: Mossberg 990 Aftershock Firearm

Add a little semi-automatic action to your firearm.

Olin-Winchester Takes Ownership of an Ammunition Operation in Wisconsin

The plant was originally run by a subsidiary of Gunbroker.

2025 Golden Bullseye Awards

The best products introduced in the past year. 

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.