Back in June of 2014, I did a review of the Rock Island Armory M1911A1 CS. Folks can find that review here: Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 CS -- A Nice Shooter!
I liked the pistol so much that I bought one. Well, here's an important update on my Rock Island M1911A1 CS. Two years have gone by and it's now June 2016. I've put more than 600 rounds through my Rock Island Armory M1911A1 CS without a single hiccup.
It wasn't too long ago that my friend Sean Hollingshead, a U.S. Navy Veteran, told me about a "potential problem" that he was concerned about with his full-size Rock Island M1911A1 pistol. He said he read where Rock Island M1911A1 pistols are having with their firing pin springs. So as to not have any problems, he replaced his factory firing pin spring with a stronger new one.
About that time, I had two readers write to inform me that their Rock Island M1911A1 Compacts have had problems with their firing-pin springs in that they needed much heavier duty springs.
The Problem: From what I was told, the Firing Pin Spring becomes less effective after a lot of use and it doesn't give the Firing Pin enough tension to keep the Firing Pin Stop in place during operation. The Firing Pin Stop actually comes loose because there isn't enough tension on the Firing Pin to keep it in place.
The Solution: A stronger Firing Pin Spring will take care of the problem. And frankly, it is a really cheap fix at about $5.
I bought a Firing Pin Spring from Wilson Combat and replaced my firing-pin spring just to be on the safe side. Since it is just a drop in procedure, and anyone can do it, there is no need to have a Gunsmith replace it for you if you do the same.
I bought my stronger Firing Pin Spring, also known as a firing pin return spring, from Brownells at WILSON COMBAT - 1911 FIRING PIN RETURN SPRING
To Remove & Replace the Firing Pin Spring
I love my Rock Island Armory M1911A1 CS compact pistol, but I wasn't a fan of the smooth wood grips that it came with. If you feel the same way, you can find factory-replacement checkered rubber grips at the Advanced Tactical 1911 CS Checkered Rubber Grips store page.
The Rock Island M1911A1 CS (Compact / Officer size) requires compact-specific M1911A1 grips with a shorter screw spacing (approx. 2-11/16 inches) compared to full-size Government models.
While I'm not advertising for anyone, I can say that I ordered a pair of 1911 - CS - Checkered Rubber Grips from Advanced Tactical 1911 CS Grips. They fit very well. They feel good, and they were inexpensive compared to other places online if that is important to you.
The Problem: From what I was told, the Firing Pin Spring becomes less effective after a lot of use and it doesn't give the Firing Pin enough tension to keep the Firing Pin Stop in place during operation. The Firing Pin Stop actually comes loose because there isn't enough tension on the Firing Pin to keep it in place.
The Solution: A stronger Firing Pin Spring will take care of the problem. And frankly, it is a really cheap fix at about $5.
I bought my stronger Firing Pin Spring, also known as a firing pin return spring, from Brownells at WILSON COMBAT - 1911 FIRING PIN RETURN SPRING
REMOVE the firing pin stop, the firing pin and the firing pin spring in this order:
1) Using a very small Phillips screwdriver or other small pointed object, push in on the firing pin to release the firing pin stop.
So now, someone might ask why I did this even though I haven't had a problem?
1) Using a very small Phillips screwdriver or other small pointed object, push in on the firing pin to release the firing pin stop.
2) Use your finger nail or a standard screwdriver to push the firing pin stop down to free the firing pin stop from its recess in the slide. Remove the firing pin stop by sliding it downward.
It is recommended that you use the tip of your thumb to keep the firing pin and firing pin spring under control and not allowing them to pop out while removing the firing pin stop.
Once the firing pin stop is removed, remove the firing pin and firing pin spring.
REPLACE the firing pin spring, the firing pin, and the firing pin stop in this order:
1) Now insert the new heavy duty firing pin spring and firing pin.
2) Push the firing pin in and slide the firing pin stop back into the recess. When the firing pin is centered and the firing pin stop is firming in position, you are done.
So now, someone might ask why I did this even though I haven't had a problem?
My reasoning goes back to my training as a U.S. Marine. I would rather know about a potential problem and take action on it now, rather then wait for a problem to occur later -- if it does. The absolute worse case scenario is that the problem with the firing pin spring doesn't show up on the range, but does when I need my pistol to operate proficiently during a life and death situation. That's why I would rather make the fix just in case.
Next, Let's Talk About New Grips
The Rock Island M1911A1 CS (Compact / Officer size) requires compact-specific M1911A1 grips with a shorter screw spacing (approx. 2-11/16 inches) compared to full-size Government models.
The fit is important. So yes, you'll need to ensure you select "Compact" or "Officer" size panels, as full-size (FS) or mid-size (MS) grips will be too long and will not line up with the screw bushings on your CS frame.
Also, while factory rubber checkered grips offer a secure, non-slip hold, there are places online that sell aftermarket alternatives with checkered wood, as well as all sorts of fancy grips out there, that will also provide a rigid, highly textured upgrade to the smooth grips that your pistol came with.
For some folks who want skulls and ivory, and so on, I'm sure they are out there for you to find. Just be prepared to pay a lot more than the ones that I ordered.
Tom Correa
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