Bobtail..Flat..or Arched?

[dboy225]

Hey y'all,

I'm interested in converting my full size govt. RIA Tactical widebody to a Bobtail. Currently I've been using an Arched MSH, but I still have the stock Flat MSH. So I've got options, but want my Rock to serve more of a carry role, and the bobtail would obviously be a plus in the concealment dept.

My question is: do new grips have to be bobtail style..or will normal grips be compatible? What else would need to be replaced if anything?

I'd also like to hear some opinions on all three..why you like this..why you recommend that. Is it a irreversible modification? Is it a deal breaker for a magwell? What all does converting to bobtail entail??

Thanks as always!

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[Lane]

Originally Posted by dboy225

do new grips have to be bobtail style..or will normal grips be compatible?

You'll need Bob'd grips

Originally Posted by dboy225

What else would need to be replaced if anything?

You'll need a new bobtail MSH

Originally Posted by dboy225

I'd also like to hear some opinions on all three..why you like this..why you recommend that.

I like my Bobtailed Commander (CBOB) - but right now, I tend to prefer the arched MSH on my full size. I was originally toying with Bobbing it, but I don't think I will.

Originally Posted by dboy225

Is it a irreversible modification?

Nope. Well at least not without some major welding...

Originally Posted by dboy225

Is it a deal breaker for a magwell?

Not sure, but I think so.

Originally Posted by dboy225

What all does converting to bobtail entail??

Remove the MSH, cut the corner of the frame, blend and smooth the frame to fit the new MSH, install new grips.

Lane

[dboy225]

You da man, Lane.
That pretty much answers my questions! I'm torn between the bobtail and keeping the arched MSH..might have all the sharp edges dehorned. If the bobtail doesn't offer a dramatic increase in concealment, then I probably wont bother. Guess I'll sit back on some feedback for a few days and see what the rest of the gang says.

Thanks for your input brother!

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[sdmc530]

I am a purist...like the full size myself. Have you handeled a bob? Find somebody with one, holster it, hold, grip, draw and see how you like it.

[dboy225]

Thanks sdmc,

I actually chose the standard Govt. with the flat MSH over a Commander bobtail. As my first 1911, and due to the fact that it was bought on its 100th anniversary, I wanted it to scream "1911!!!"

Most importantly, I didn't feel as comfortable as with a standard frame 1911. And when I held one with an arched MSH it felt better still. In the end I guess comfort is what counts, but is it worth sacrificing for a bit more concealment?

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[AutoMag]

Dan, here is my RIA GI Model with an arched mainspring housing with a landyard loop!! I like a 1911 as is. I am not a big fan of bobtailed 1911's but then again that is my preference.


Here is the same GI Model but with the grips that I have on it now. I do not even know where those other grips came from!!


Here is my original Colt GI Model that my dad carried!!

[Lane]

Originally Posted by dboy225

If the bobtail doesn't offer a dramatic increase in concealment, then I probably wont bother.

I should have qualified my comments - I was referring to shooting comfort as I discussed arched vs bobbed. The bobbed grip DOES help to make it conceal a bit better. Not a huge amount, but some.

[RandallZ]

I have a bobtail commander, arched MSH full sized, and flat MSH with magwell on full sized. They all feel great. I carry the CBOB concealed. The bob eliminates the corner printing so badly under my shirt, and it's comfortable in my hand while shooting--sort of revolver-ish. The others are fine, too.

Another (non-reversible) option is to radius the MSH/frame corner as much as possible without going full bobtail (MSH pin stays where it is). That leaves more straight surface for your hand, if you like that, while helping in concealment mode. Sorry I don't have any links to show what I mean, but you should be able to visualize it.

Randall

[SemperFi1977m]

Originally Posted by RandallZ

I have a bobtail commander, arched MSH full sized, and flat MSH with magwell on full sized. They all feel great. I carry the CBOB concealed. The bob eliminates the corner printing so badly under my shirt, and it's comfortable in my hand while shooting--sort of revolver-ish. The others are fine, too.

Another (non-reversible) option is to radius the MSH/frame corner as much as possible without going full bobtail (MSH pin stays where it is). That leaves more straight surface for your hand, if you like that, while helping in concealment mode. Sorry I don't have any links to show what I mean, but you should be able to visualize it.

Randall

Like what I did to this officer frame:

[RandallZ]

Originally Posted by SemperFi1977m

Like what I did to this officer frame:

Exactly. Thanks.

Randall