I do know that Bill Laughridge was helping Colt with the Officers ACP probs. He wanted them to use
our recoil spring plug but they wouldn't pay what it cost to make, so they used a different design. We
even looked into substantial quantity investment casting, couldn't meet their
low ball price limit.
Then a certain big name gunsmithing company started stealing our
design, and we couldn't afford the huge costs to sue them into stopping, like many other
small part patent holders - this was part of their business model, stealing parts. NOT
Cyl and Slide or Wilson, both excellent companies, and totally ethical in the substantial sums
of money I have sent their ways.
Bill called us about it, I have known him a bit for decades - he used to set up shop at our Indoor
IPSC Championships back in the 80s. Good man, too bad they didn't listen to him more than they
did and keep him on payroll.
As far as accuracy, Officers ACPs are unusually accurate, for some reason. I did a lot
of shooting (500 rds per day for days) testing the durability of our recoil spring plug
design, and it was amazing how they would shoot. Often far better than a full sized
1911.
Bill
Went looking for a crimp die for a 480 Ruger to finish setting up a tool head for my 550C. Saw this used Lightweight Defender in 45 ACP sitting in the glass case looking sad and all alone. Managed to walk out the door with it for $675. Cleaned and lubed I ran some 185 grain and 220 grain jacketed self defense rounds through it. Only 50 rounds but it ate it all. I was surprised for a 3 inch 1911 at 15 yards it was more than accurate for defensive shooting. I believe the sights will be dead on with 230's. Need to order some Wilson mags and those Houge's have got to go. Will see how she does after I put several 100 rounds through her. Doesn't appear to have been fired a whole lot. And no, I didn't get a crimp die. Maybe next time.
