My wife bought me a 450 Rowland conversion for my birthday. I was really looking forward to it. Now I'm thinking about sending it right back to Brownells.
I stripped the 1911 and installed the new barrel. Followed the instructions and got to putting in the heavy spring.
I could not get it to completely compress to save my life. It kept wanting to bow out no matter how I held the slide.
Now I can field strip a 1911 and put it back together with my eyes closed...but this just defied any effort.
I tried the second (lighter spring in the kit) took me about 20 seconds to install it.
When I compared the two springs, the heavier one, in addition to having heavier wire, was also 4 coils longer than the lighter one (which is the same length as stock).
I called Clarks to see if I had gotten the wrong spring and they said No, the heavier one was longer and was more difficult to get in.
Then the Smith (Paul I think) told me how he installed it and it was almost word for word what the instructions stated. (My first thought and it hasn't changed is Bulls^&t).
Anyway...after 4 hours of trying every way I can think of, the guide rod (Buffer end) slipped out and disappeared into the portal to hell I have in my shop.
I just ordered a new one from Clarks and if I can't get this figured out, am sending the kit back for a refund.
Anyone have any ideas?