Flat vs Arched Mainspring Housing on a 1911

[dadoody]

What's best?

I see that many of the rich man's 1911s out now come factory standard with a flat mainspring housing.

I bought my Kimber used from another member of this board and it come with a 20lpi arched mainspring housing. It's been good but not as comfortable as I think it could be.

I just ordered a 30lpi flat mainspring housing from Rock River Arms, so who knows what that'll arrive, but does anyone here have a preference?

[ojisan]

Depends on your hand shape.
I'm a flat-man, myself.
The arched can help lock the gun into your hand if your hand is the right shape.

20LPI can be rough on the skin...30 LPI is usually easier while still offering good grip.

[Sailormilan2]

The shape of the mainspring housing helps with the pointability of the 1911. When pointing at an object, without "aiming", does the gun tend to point low with a flat housing? If so, then install an arched housing. That forces the muzzle up.
By the same token, if the muzzle tends to point up, then install a flat housing to lower it.

[saki302]

I find the arched housings fit me best- ALL my 1911s run them, but I have big hands.

I also have rougher hands, so 20lip works fine for me. 30 lpi works better if you have velvety palms

-Dave

[NapaCountyShooter]

I prefer flat mainspring housing with medium trigger. Just works for me, but it all depends on your hand size/shape and grip.

[Merc1138]

Asking a question like this is pretty much the same as asking what the best pizza topping is. It's entirely a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer flat yet I have big hands.

[toby]

Asking a question like this is pretty much the same as asking what the best pizza topping is. It's entirely a matter of personal preference. Personally, I prefer flat yet I have big hands.

LOL, I was thinking it's like asking do you like flat breasts or arched ones......I prefer arched and I have medium size hands..

[holyhandgrenade]

My RIA came stock with a flat. I ended up putting an arched mainspring housing with the lanyard loop on it because I wanted it to have the WWII GI look to it. Turns out I like an arched one better anyway. I have fairly large hands but tend to like smaller grips for whatever reason, yet the arched feels better to me in the case of 1911s. Go figure.

Like everyone else said, try them both, see what feels best to you and go with that.

[smalev]

In Placer county, ccw guns may not be modified from stock factory as I read it. Can't change trigger, add lasers or lights, etc. Has anyone tested this law with the swapping out of main spring housings?

[Curtis]

I have flat on two 1911's and I also have a Ed Brown with CBOB. I like the CBOB better...but that is because I notice my hand doesn't hurt as much when I'm shooting several hundred rounds. Otherwise either one is fine.

[JagerDog]

Checkering looks nice, but I prefer the straight serrations on my Gold Cup.

[Snapping Twig]

On a full size I prefer arched. Like has been said, it's all a matter of personal preference.Trigger length too.

Taking it a step further, I like commander size with bob tail best.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

What's best?

Whichever one fits your hands and points more naturally. If you tend to shoot low with your 1911, try an arched housing. If you don't, leave the flat one in place.

[CHS]

In Placer county, ccw guns may not be modified from stock factory as I read it.

That's not the law.

[desert_dick]

Checkering looks nice, but I prefer the straight serrations on my Gold Cup.

Same with me...vertical serrated flat ms housing that came on my Gold Cup fit my hand well.

-Rich