Let’s Dive into Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig
The Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig promises to be the essential tool for any 1911 enthusiast looking to fine-tune their trigger pull. The Ed Brown name carries a reputation for quality in the 1911 world, and this jig aims to simplify the often-intimidating process of sear stoning. With its stainless steel construction and included instructions, it appears to be a well-thought-out solution for achieving a crisp, clean trigger break.
My journey to finding this jig stemmed from a desire for greater control over my 1911 trigger. I had tinkered with trigger jobs before, but never felt confident in holding the sear at the correct angle. The promise of repeatable, precise sear stoning offered by the Ed Brown Sear Jig was incredibly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the stainless steel. It’s a simple tool, but it exudes quality, suggesting it can withstand years of use on the workbench. The larger, rounded design does indeed fit comfortably in the hand, hinting at the ease of use described in the product description.
Compared to other sear jigs I considered, the Ed Brown stands out for its simplicity and reputation. Some jigs offer more adjustability, but often at a significantly higher price point and with a steeper learning curve. I wanted a solution that was effective, yet relatively straightforward to use.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the jig lived up to the hype and could truly simplify the sear stoning process. The provided instructions seemed thorough, which further boosted my confidence in achieving a professional-quality trigger job.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig in my home workshop, using a spare 1911 sear I had on hand. I followed the included instructions meticulously, taking my time to understand the proper stoning technique. The rounded design did feel comfortable in my hand, allowing for a steady and controlled stoning motion.
While the jig worked as intended, the instructions were not quite as comprehensive as I had hoped. Determining the precise angle for stoning still required some experience and intuition. Despite this, the jig helped to maintain a consistent angle, which is crucial for achieving a good trigger pull.
After the first use, I was pleased with the results, but also aware that there was a learning curve. The jig alone won’t magically produce a perfect trigger; it’s a tool that requires skill and patience. However, it definitely simplified the process and increased my confidence in achieving repeatable results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig has proven to be a valuable addition to my workbench. The stainless steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion. More importantly, it has consistently allowed me to achieve crisp, clean trigger breaks on my 1911 pistols.
The durability of the jig is excellent; it shows no signs of wear and tear even after numerous trigger jobs. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed.
Compared to my previous freehand methods, the jig offers a significant improvement in consistency and control. While it still requires a degree of skill, it reduces the margin for error and allows me to produce more predictable results. It has become an indispensable tool for maintaining and improving the trigger pull on my 1911s.
Breaking Down the Features of Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig
Specifications
The Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig is specifically designed for use with 1911 pistol sears. It’s not a universal jig for all firearms.
The jig is constructed from stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes it a long-lasting tool for any gunsmith or 1911 enthusiast.
It’s packaged with a .020 shim, which can be used to adjust the sear angle. The inclusion of this shim is a nice touch, offering some flexibility in achieving the desired trigger pull.
The jig is designed for ease of use with a larger, rounded design to fit comfortably in the hand. This is important for maintaining control and precision during the stoning process.
Complete instructions are included, covering every detail of the 1911 trigger job. However, as noted earlier, some experience and intuition are still required.
Performance & Functionality
The Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig excels at holding the sear at a consistent angle during stoning. This is crucial for achieving a clean, crisp trigger break.
Its main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. It doesn’t offer a lot of adjustability, but it does what it’s designed to do very well.
However, a weakness is that the instructions are not as comprehensive as they could be. Novice gunsmiths may still struggle with understanding the proper stoning technique. It meets expectations as a sear jig, but a beginner may get frustrated with the stoning process.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig is excellent. The stainless steel is durable and well-machined.
The larger, rounded design is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of stoning. The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue.
The user-friendliness is generally good, although some experience with 1911 trigger jobs is recommended. There is a slight learning curve for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures that the Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig will last for many years. It’s designed to withstand regular use and exposure to cleaning solvents.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth is all that’s required to keep it in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig doesn’t come with a wide range of accessories. The most notable inclusion is the .020 shim, which allows for some adjustment of the sear angle.
While there are no specific customization options, the jig can be used with a variety of different stones and polishing compounds. It’s compatible with standard Arkansas stones and ceramic stones. The .020 shim is used to adjust the desired angle on the sear.
Pros and Cons of Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig
Pros
- Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures long-lasting durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Ergonomic Design: The rounded shape fits comfortably in the hand, reducing fatigue.
- Simplified Sear Stoning: Helps maintain a consistent angle for a cleaner trigger break.
- Ease of Use: Relatively simple to use, even for those with limited experience.
- Included Shim: Provides some flexibility in adjusting the sear angle.
Cons
- Instructions Not Comprehensive: Novice gunsmiths may need additional resources.
- Limited Adjustability: Doesn’t offer the same level of adjustment as more expensive jigs.
Who Should Buy Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig?
This jig is perfect for: Gunsmiths specializing in 1911 trigger jobs, hobbyists with some experience in 1911 maintenance, and 1911 enthusiasts seeking to improve their trigger pull. Anyone wanting a simple, reliable tool for sear stoning should look at this jig.
Who should skip this product? Absolute beginners with no prior experience in 1911 maintenance, and those seeking a highly adjustable jig for advanced trigger work should avoid this product.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality Arkansas stone or ceramic stone for stoning the sear.
Conclusion on Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig
The Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig is a solid and reliable tool for anyone looking to improve the trigger pull on their 1911. It simplifies the sear stoning process and helps to achieve consistent results.
At a price of $49.95, the value proposition is excellent. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who regularly works on 1911 triggers.
I would personally recommend this jig to anyone with some experience in 1911 maintenance. It’s a valuable addition to any gunsmith’s workbench. If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and durable sear jig, the Ed Brown Products 1911 Sear Jig is an excellent choice. Take control of your 1911 trigger today!