3-Jan-14 – 18:05 by ToddG

64,579 15 stoppages 0 malfunctions 5 parts breakages

And we’re done…

It’s been a long time since I’ve written an update and as you can see the gun has fired a lot of rounds since the last one. But alas the past couple of range sessions have led me to believe that the barrel wear has finally caught up. On average the test pistol (WTS 017) is shooting groups about twice the size of the backup gun (WTS 016). I’m certain it was the steady diet of +p lead-free ammunition which caused it and as such I feel guilty for calling the test over when the gun probably has so much more life left in it. But rules are rules and a failure of a major component (frame, barrel, slide) has always signaled the end of a test.

Nonetheless, my intention is to get the gun rebarreled by the Springfield Custom Shop and put it right back into everyday service until the 2014 test gun arrives.

I’ll write up a more comprehensive review later this month, probably after I’ve had a chance to talk to some folks at Springfield at the SHOT Show. But as I’ve said before, suffice to say that this gun has completely transformed my opinion of — and belief in — the 1911 as a dependable sidearm.

Train hard & stay safe! ToddG

You can also follow and discuss via the pistol-forum.com 2012-2013 Endurance Test thread.

Previous Springfield/Warren 9mm 1911 Endurance Test posts at pistol-training.com: