Reducing weight on a 1911.

July 23, 2025, 10:41 PM

I have a Springfield Operator with the rail and I need to reduce the weight for IDPA.

I need to drop the weight by a full ounce to meet the rules.
It’s currently 42.8oz with an empty mag. Max is 43oz so I need a little more wiggle room for scale variance.

Currently it has 10-8 G10 grips and slide stop, flat aluminum Harrison trigger and 10-8 Stainless steel GI recoil spring assembly and a Stan Chen Magwell. I want to avoid changing any of these as it shoots and works well for me.

I’m thinking taking a bit of material from the back of the grips and possibly a little off the frame under the grip area.

Thoughts? I don’t want to damage the gun but a little lightening should be an issue.

Buying a new gun is not an option at this point do to timing constraints.

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July 26, 2025, 05:58 PM

Chuck Perry

Barrel flutes would shave bit of weight. A different mainspring housing and magwell would definitely do it. Looks like there are quality aluminum units available by reputable parts suppliers, but not Stan Chen.

July 28, 2025, 02:47 PM

Jim Watson

1. What level match? Level 1 club matches I have been to do not Box and weigh.

2. If you have time to change parts, you may be in love with all that steel but an aluminum, plastic, or short hollow GI recoil spring guide will take off a bit, as will an aluminum mag well funnel/mainspring housing.

I saw a guy blow his stack at the Nationals when his gun weighed too much, he was going to give that Les Baer fellow a piece of his mind. Not including FLGR and steel funnel, I bet.

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October 30, 2025, 08:42 PM

Riley

Thanks all! The rail stays. One of the primary reasons I bought the Operator model. I had t intended to shoot this in sanctioned matches. Haha.

The magwell is blended in nicely I’d hate to loose it but looks like it will be the easiest bet. I’ll try an AL magwell for now and work towards getting into a non railed gun for the future IDPA use.

USPSA is 45oz so I’m good there.

Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.

November 12, 2025, 02:17 PM

jimmy123x

Scales shouldn't have any variance. You're under 43 ounces, I wouldn't change anything. IF there is any issue, tell them they need to have their scale calibrated. .2 ounces is a lot for a scale to be off. Maybe change the mainspring housing, Colt used some plastic ones on some years/models that are pretty nice for what they are.