Mag Extension for my Colt 1911

[OldLincoln]

Some here have followed my conditioning of Dad's Colt for carry. I cleaned out all the gunk from sitting a number of years, changed out the easy springs, bought new mags - twice, bought slim grips, and finally bought an extended mag release required by a bum thumb. This isn't just a taller button, but a paddle button. The paddle is not the one I really want but it does work. Here are pics.

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/ExtendedMagRelease1.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/ExtendedMagRelease2.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/ExtendedMagRelease3.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/ExtendedMagRelease4.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/ExtendedMagRelease5.jpg



This is the Paddle Button I REALLY want.
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STI-MAG_CATCH_BUTTON.png

[Bawanna]

I like the paddle that you really want better. Who makes it and where can I get you one?
Does it also follow the contour of the grip so you dont need to modify the grip? Never seen anything like that before.
The one you got there just looks out of place. The one you really want in blue would fit in better. I like the shorter reach though alot. I have to roll the gun a bit to reach mine or use the off hand.
I just now thought about holster interference too, that an issue so far?

[jocko]

have to agree, I really like the paddle that is skelontonized..

[Bawanna]

Well I just did a quick down and dirty search for that skeletonized button model with zero success. Figured it would be easy. Help.

[OldLincoln]

I'll buy it for my Christmas present, so no need to get it for me. It's available at Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24752/Product/MAG_CATCH_BUTTON) for $22.50. It doesn't specifically state for 1911 so I want to be able to return it if it doesn't work. The STI comes with a 4/40tpi screw but I don't know what the Wilson Combat is (Can you tell by looking?).

I believe the STI will work fine with my slims. The Wilson sticks way above and you can see how it sits on top of the post where the STI would go. The Wilsons do work well with the stock Colt grips as I tried them last night as an option. But I really need slim to get the leverage on the button.

The holster will kinda work in that the edge next to the mag release is right at the button. I need to figure out how to make the gun sit about 1/4" higher in the holster (stuff cloth in the end?). It does stick out a bit so it may rub my belly which won't work well, but I'll have to make a way IF it's a problem.

[OldLincoln]

Woke up with the brilliant idea to take my Wilson mag release with screw to Lowes and try a 4/40 screw to see if that the right size. It definitely is 4/40 so the STI will screw into the Wilson post, however.... The top of the Wilson post is half cut notched to match the underside of the paddle button keeping it from rotating on the gun. I can modify that to a degree if the STI is not too odd.

I need to see the underside of the button, and unless anybody here can give a reason why I should not join them together, let them speak now or forever hold their piece of choice; I will just buy it from Brownells as I can return it if it won't mate up - like a quickie LV Divorce.

[OldLincoln]

OK, saw the underside of the STI in another reply. As you can see it is flat with a raised rim to surround the mag post. There's nothing to lock it into place but another poster said just put some (blue) loctite on it and the screw and make it tight. Also warned against letting the locktite run into the release channel in case the screw hole goes all the way through.

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STIMagCatch-Underside.jpg

[OldLincoln]

The STI button arrived today!! It sure is pretty as you can see in the pics.

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/Wilson-STI.jpg



http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STI01.jpg


http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STI02.jpg

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STI03.jpg

These show how much better it looks. It works just aw well if not better than the Wilson.

[OldLincoln]

I promised Mr. B some closeups of the STI:

Top down: I thought I saw a pin of sorts in a pic by another poster. Glad I was wrong.
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STIClose1.jpg

Side
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/STIClose2.jpg

Underneath: Note cut from Wilson post which prevents it from rotating.
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/WilsonPostClose3.jpg

Wilson post: It's built up on pressure side.
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/WilsonPostClose2WEB.jpg

Post top down
http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/OldLincoln/Misc/WilsonPostClose1.jpg

[Bawanna]

That looks great Old Lincoln. Way better than that first one. I wrapping my mind around a set of handles that would semi wrap around that, still give you good reach and activation but blend it a bit.
Your thumb rest could be worked into the plan too. Dang I'd like to hold that and see what it feels like. Looks good.