Anybody???????????????

[berettabone]

I am still waiting for a new firearm that I purchased. ( foolish waiting periods). Since it has a fiber optic front sight, I thought I'd get ahead of the ball game, and get some spare optics. I emailed Springfield to ask them what size the optic tubing is, in the front sight. Customer service said she went and asked a technician the size, and he said .059. I told her that I thought it was an odd size, considering everyone else uses .20, .40, .60 etc. She said if I gave her my address, she would send me some extra. I said that would be fine, but why the odd size, and did she know of anywhere I could purchase that size, considering all the places I've ever investigated have a more standard size selection. Still no answer on the why, but she said whenever I needed more fiber optic material, they would send me some. It's nice that I can get replacement rods whenever for free, but it still didn't answer my question as to the odd size. I also asked if I could use .060 if needed, the tech said no, it wouldn't squeeze in there. If I used something smaller, it would move around. The .059 thing has me boggled................any answers would be appreciated:confused:

[Harrylee]

I have a XDM compact 45 and really love the feel of the gun with over 3000 run thru it just keep on going but when I wanted to get an extra extractor the only place was Springfield they will NOT sell that to you. Come on that piece comes every cleaning I can buy 1911 extractors all day long, the New Springfield Armory is a real pain in the asz to deal with. Doesn’t surprise me they can’t give a straight answer but I have to say that is .060". Me think you got a XDS my buddy has one if you can’t get a answer let me know I’ll measure his for you

[berettabone]

I have the Range Officer Compact.........................

[Alfonse]

Picked up an XDs last week, with fiber optic sight, and it has several tubes in both red and green in the box. Looks like enough to rebuild the sight ten times or so. Maybe you should just wait and use what is in the box if you need it.

[Harrylee]

Still probably all the same size. I get a chance I'll check my buddys xds I would think they would stay with the same size but I'm still thinking .060" If nothing else could run a .060' drill bit thru it only taking very little out. But as for why can't answer that

[muggsy]

There is only .001" difference between .059 and .060. You're going to quibble over a thousandth of an inch? Could be that .060 is the nominal size and .059 is the actual size. The fiber optic is held in place by melting the ends and forming a bead, so the size of the fiber optic itself isn't that critical as long as it is able to pass through the holes in the sight.

[Harrylee]

tosha muggsy I agree as long as the tube goes thru that's all that counts. But why when you ask and the tech says no is the question

[berettabone]

I am wondering if they are pulling my/her proverbial leg??????????????????????????????????????????

[jeepster09]

Either use hair dryer and heat end of sight or put fiber optic in freezer for awhile after cutting length to correct size. Then it should slide in I would think.

[berettabone]

There is only .001" difference between .059 and .060. You're going to quibble over a thousandth of an inch? Could be that .060 is the nominal size and .059 is the actual size. The fiber optic is held in place by melting the ends and forming a bead, so the size of the fiber optic itself isn't that critical as long as it is able to pass through the holes in the sight.

No quibbling..........................I just question the answer..............I realize that one thousandth is smaller than a gnat's pubic hair. I also realize the melting procedure for installation.

[b4uqzme]

No quibbling..........................I just question the answer..............I realize that one thousandth is smaller than a gnat's pubic hair. I also realize the melting procedure for installation.

^^^ sorry but that is the definition of quibbling. Check Webster's. Honest. :cool:

[muggsy]

Actually .001 is about 1/4th the size of a gnats pubic hair, but I'm not one to quibble. I answered the question. You just don't want to accept it. :)

[berettabone]

You must be a joy to live with..........................:p

[b4uqzme]

I'd just like to see ol' muggsy trying to catch that gnat let alone measure its pubic hair. ;)

That's not quibbling...that's entertainment right there.....

[gb6491]

I am still waiting for a new firearm that I purchased. ( foolish waiting periods). Since it has a fiber optic front sight, I thought I'd get ahead of the ball game, and get some spare optics. I emailed Springfield to ask them what size the optic tubing is, in the front sight. Customer service said she went and asked a technician the size, and he said .059. I told her that I thought it was an odd size, considering everyone else uses .20, .40, .60 etc. She said if I gave her my address, she would send me some extra. I said that would be fine, but why the odd size, and did she know of anywhere I could purchase that size, considering all the places I've ever investigated have a more standard size selection. Still no answer on the why, but she said whenever I needed more fiber optic material, they would send me some. It's nice that I can get replacement rods whenever for free, but it still didn't answer my question as to the odd size. I also asked if I could use .060 if needed, the tech said no, it wouldn't squeeze in there. If I used something smaller, it would move around. The .059 thing has me boggled................any answers would be appreciated:confused:
I've gotten some screwy answers from Customer Service/Techs? at SA myself. On the other hand, the gal (Amanda) I've dealt with in the Custom Shop is top notch.
As to the FO rod: if you search for 1.5mm (..0590551") fiber optic rod, you'll find it listed as either .059" or .060".
I'd bet rod sold as .060" will work regardless of what the "tech" said.
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

I agree totally with Greg on this one. But I try to avoid quibbling. I work with violets.

[muggsy]

I'd just like to see ol' muggsy trying to catch that gnat let alone measure its pubic hair. ;)

That's not quibbling...that's entertainment right there.....

I can do it with chopsticks, Grasshopper. :)

[jeepster09]

I'd just like to see ol' muggsy trying to catch that gnat let alone measure its pubic hair. ;)

That's not quibbling...that's entertainment right there.....


I so agree.....he should set up video cam for that! :photo:

[muggsy]

Do you know what you have when there's one moth ball in your left hand and another in your right? One hellava big moth!!!

[Planedude]

I so agree.....he should set up video cam for that! :photo:

Would that be an "internet sensational" sex tape??

-OR-

Would it be evidence at muggsy's "gnat molestation trial"...??

[muggsy]

You must be a joy to live with..........................:p

Mrs. Muggsy says that I'm a laugh a minute, but I'm not sure exactly what she means by that. :)

[Armybrat]

Mrs. Muggsy says that I'm a laugh a minute, but I'm not sure exactly what she means by that. :)
Maybe that's a laugh of relief the minute's up?

Mrs. Brat has the same sense of humor.

[berettabone]

I picked up my new project on Sat. 9th. My first 1911, and I thought I'd give a little preview from a first timer perspective. Unfortunately, it's too %$&* cold outside to go to the range, and I refuse to pay those scandalous charges that the indoor ranges in my area charge, plus you have to purchase their cheap ammo for an arm and a leg. Springfield Range Officer compact. A nice case.........best one I have ever had with a firearm. Nice foam on the inside, the thick rigid type. Room for gun, 2 mag slots, a plastic holster(paddle) and a mag holder. I've never been much for plastic, or it's facsimile's, but the holster fits ok, holds the firearm well, and can be adjusted with a tension screw, and the mag holder is, well, a plastic 2 mag holder, also with adjustment. The case also has a couple of removable foam cutouts, that will hold a third mag, and a 20 box of ammo turned on it's side. I liked that setup actually. A couple of wrenches, barrel brush, and some fiber optic rods for the sight. It came really clean and oily. Breaking it down is easy with no barrel bushing. Putting it back together wasn't so easy. Possibly,due to the fact that I am the most familiar with da/sa firearms, this full length guide rod, with 2 spring setup, under pressure, is the strongest I've felt. It all went fine until I tried to line up the holes, to insert the slide release lever...........I could just not get that thing to pop into place. Had the witness marks lined up, and it just wouldn't snap in. I finally lined everything up, got the release lever in position, and had to use my knife to depress the safety plunger on that side...............it then snapped right into place. It was probably me, but I know that there has to be a better way.:o Sights are nice......fiber in the front, and fixed two dot ramp in the rear. Trigger felt nice. The grips are very nice, fits my hand well...could use some grippage on the front, smooth as silk. I may have to put some tape there. The grip safety feels good, has the " memory bump". The safety felt good, had that nice click, with just enough pressure. The finish is, well, the finish. One of the reason's that this was my choice for my first 1911 was partially because of the finish. This is going to be a shooter, not stored in the pamper hamper..............so I realize it's going to get beat up. I thought that the machining on the slide would/should have been a bit better, not so much in fit, but in appearance. The bull barrel was nicely polished, and the feed ramp was smooth and clean. The stock magazines are fair, I purchased some Wilson's. Now, there's only one thing left to do, the most important. The weather isn't cooperating.:2rolleyes:

[yqtszhj]

There is only .001" difference between .059 and .060.

Math whiz. I couldn't resist. ;)

[b4uqzme]

Berettabone,

Project? What's up with that? It should be a great shooter just as it is! Congrats on a very nice looking 1911.

[ltxi]

I picked up my new project on Sat. 9th. My first 1911, and I thought I'd give a little preview from a first timer perspective. Unfortunately, it's too %$&* cold outside to go to the range, and I refuse to pay those scandalous charges that the indoor ranges in my area charge, plus you have to purchase their cheap ammo for an arm and a leg. Springfield Range Officer compact. A nice case.........best one I have ever had with a firearm. Nice foam on the inside, the thick rigid type. Room for gun, 2 mag slots, a plastic holster(paddle) and a mag holder. I've never been much for plastic, or it's facsimile's, but the holster fits ok, holds the firearm well, and can be adjusted with a tension screw, and the mag holder is, well, a plastic 2 mag holder, also with adjustment. The case also has a couple of removable foam cutouts, that will hold a third mag, and a 20 box of ammo turned on it's side. I liked that setup actually. A couple of wrenches, barrel brush, and some fiber optic rods for the sight. It came really clean and oily. Breaking it down is easy with no barrel bushing. Putting it back together wasn't so easy. Possibly,due to the fact that I am the most familiar with da/sa firearms, this full length guide rod, with 2 spring setup, under pressure, is the strongest I've felt. It all went fine until I tried to line up the holes, to insert the slide release lever...........I could just not get that thing to pop into place. Had the witness marks lined up, and it just wouldn't snap in. I finally lined everything up, got the release lever in position, and had to use my knife to depress the safety plunger on that side...............it then snapped right into place. It was probably me, but I know that there has to be a better way.:o Sights are nice......fiber in the front, and fixed two dot ramp in the rear. Trigger felt nice. The grips are very nice, fits my hand well...could use some grippage on the front, smooth as silk. I may have to put some tape there. The grip safety feels good, has the " memory bump". The safety felt good, had that nice click, with just enough pressure. The finish is, well, the finish. One of the reason's that this was my choice for my first 1911 was partially because of the finish. This is going to be a shooter, not stored in the pamper hamper..............so I realize it's going to get beat up. I thought that the machining on the slide would/should have been a bit better, not so much in fit, but in appearance. The bull barrel was nicely polished, and the feed ramp was smooth and clean. The stock magazines are fair, I purchased some Wilson's. Now, there's only one thing left to do, the most important. The weather isn't cooperating.:2rolleyes:


Thanks for the write up. I was looking at one of these at our gun show this past weekend. Also been checking it out on-line. Like what I see and what I've heard so far. Springer makes good 1911s. I've owned a TRP for somewhere over 10 years and it's the only 1911 I never felt the need to do anything with other than just shoot.

Edit: In keeping with my newish think hard before you buy & no more guns policy, I decided I ain't gonna get one of these. First, it woulda just been a back-up compliment to my long time favorite working tool 1911, a customized Colt LW Officer's ACP, that doesn't need a back-up/replacing. Second, rummaging around in my 1911 drawer I realized I have a 15 year old Kimber Compact of the exact same weight and dimensions. Never did much other than clean up the trigger and polish the feed ramp and barrel throat but as I recall, it ran just fine. It doesn't have the one piece, fully supported feed ramp of the Springer, but duh who cares if it works like JB designed it. Third, it ain't gonna cost me no more than the RO Compact would to turn into a custom carry piece. So, there's circa $850 otd not spent fer no real good reason.

[berettabone]

Well, I am starting to jones a bit, with this new firearm, clean, lubed, and ready to be shot...........sitting in the safe. Unless I break down, and pay some excessive price to shoot indoors............looks like maybe March?????????????????:001_huh:

[muggsy]

So, did ya measure that fiber optic yet? I'm dying to know if it's .059 or .060. :)

[berettabone]

No....after all of the $#!T I took, I felt I would leave it alone. Did get a bunch of extras from Springfield though.............they said whenever you need them, we'll send some out for free. I heard that they get brittle from some cleaning agents, but that could be the same .059.......060 thing also.:o

[berettabone]

Well, after waiting since Nov. 9th to shoot my new toy, the weather just isn't cooperating. Then I get a call from a friend, who says he's got gift certificates to the indoor range near his home. Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? I usually prefer to shoot outdoors, but I wasn't waiting any longer. Without a technical type review, my thoughts. Put 100 rds. of WWB 230gr. fmj through, then 50 rds. of Fiocchi 230 gr. fmj., then 50 rounds of Lawman 230gr. fmj., and finished with 15 rds. of Hornady Zombiemax 185 gr. jhp's. The firearm worked flawlessly. Dumped the empties over my right shoulder, never touched me, and they dropped about 4 ft. away. Love the trigger. I could barely feel it, as I was squeezing one off. Couldn't be happier. I let my friend shoot about another 50 rds. through, and he basically said the same thing. Smooth, great trigger. His only complaint, and mine as well, is the front sight. The fiber optic is real nice in light, but in dimmer circumstances, not to be seen. I haven't decided the front sights fate yet. Otherwise, so far, great gun. I have to get some more practice with the trigger. I can get a good comfortable grip, even with it being a "compact". We finished off the day with my friend's Glock 20, and ran a few hundred rds. through that. Fun gun to shoot............wouldn't want one, but fun. Love the flames it throws, and we managed to make a few people on either side of us jump. The first time we shot, a younger guy looked at me with his eyes wide open and asked what the h#!! is that. I told him it was a man's gun:o Springfield Range Officer compact. If your looking for a 1911, take a look. I know there are a lot of choices out there. For my first, I'm a happy camper.

[Armybrat]

Nice to see a sweet gun and am glad you have a fun winner there!

[ltxi]

Please stop posting all that nice, I love it crap about the Springer Range Officer! It's tough enough transitioning into an I'm retired and can't just be running around randomly blowing more money on guns without your unsupportive help!

Despite what I wrote 'bout a month and a half back, I'm still thinkin' about buying the one I looked at. Two gun shows later, last yesterday, dealer still has it on the table and has dropped the price to $699. Feels way too good in my hand for me to pass it over again I be afraid. Now both hoping and fearing he'll sell it off before the next show at the end of January.

[berettabone]

I sold one to get one..................maybe you can do the same. I'm too old to have safe queens.................traded a safe queen for the Range Officer............if you got em, shoot em...........................

[ltxi]

Stop trying to sugar coat this.

"I hate you and my dog does too." -- Melissa Peterson

[CJB]

A number 53 drill is.0595. Maybe thats the drill size...?

[Ljutic]

I also asked if I could use .060 if needed, the tech said no, it wouldn't squeeze in there. If I used something smaller, it would move around. The .059 thing has me boggled................any answers would be appreciated:confused:

So far, I've been really lucky. All my FO sights use the same .060 rod. That includes Springfield XDs and STI 1911s. I picked up one pack of each color from http://www.1911store.com/0040diameterfiberopticrod.aspx aka Brazos Custom after reading good reports on the 1911 forum. Of the three, I like the yellow the best and have it in all 4 FO front sights. For me the yellow was best for a mix of indoor/outdoor shooting.

[berettabone]

I'm having a bit of trouble seeing the orange in dimmer light. Guess I try the green next. I've been through this color thing before with other firearms. I seem to always go back to white. Shows up the best for me in regular or low light conditions. Still debating...................................I haven't checked, but those XS big dots are intriguing. My luck, they don't make them for Springfield.

[berettabone]

So far, I've been really lucky. All my FO sights use the same .060 rod. That includes Springfield XDs and STI 1911s. I picked up one pack of each color from http://www.1911store.com/0040diameterfiberopticrod.aspx aka Brazos Custom after reading good reports on the 1911 forum. Of the three, I like the yellow the best and have it in all 4 FO front sights. For me the yellow was best for a mix of indoor/outdoor shooting.

I don't know whether you know or not, but you can get them for free from Springfield customer service.