BOB MARVEL 1911 AUTO SEAR & HAMMER JIG Reviews & Ratings

Three-piece, dual purpose jig gives perfectly stoned surfaces with exact 90° cuts every time. Guides stone over all styles of 1911 hammers and sears for a clean-breaking, match-quality let-off. Combination jig/vise holds hammers at the correct height. Plus, locks sear in proper relationship to hammer to make sharp primary/secondary cuts on hammer engaging surfaces. Use 6" x ½" x ½" stone.

SPECS: Hardened, anodized aluminum. Approx. 4" (10.1cm) long, 2" (5cm) high, ѕ" (19cm) thick. Includes instructions.

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Reviews Summary

The BOB MARVEL 1911 AUTO SEAR & HAMMER JIG has generated mixed feelings from users. Many commend its design and functionality once set up correctly, but several reviewers report issues with the sear pin loosening, compromising its reliability. Although it requires modifications to function optimally, users find it effective for achieving precise hammer and sear alignment.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Sear Pin Issues

60%

A significant number of reviewers express frustration with the sear pin pulling out of the block, which hampers the tool's effectiveness. This issue appears to be a recurring problem that detracts from the user experience. Many suggest modifications to enhance stability and prevent the pin from loosening, indicating a design flaw.

Ease of Use

50%

Reviewers mention that while the jig requires careful setup and familiarity with its use, it becomes easier with practice. Some appreciate detailed instructions, although others find the setup complicated at first. Once users grasp its operation, they report successful use in achieving clean hammer and sear jobs.

Tool Design and Effectiveness

45%

Several users appreciate the thoughtful design of the jig, which allows for precise hammer hook squaring and sear application. Despite reported issues, many believe it has the potential to be a valuable addition to their tool kit, enabling them to perform their own precision work effectively.

Value for Money

40%

There is a divide among reviewers regarding the jig's price. Some view it as overpriced for its performance and issues, while others believe that, after making necessary modifications, it pays for itself with successful trigger jobs. This sentiment highlights the cost vs. quality debate prevalent in the reviews.

Customer Support Experience

30%

Users reflect on their experiences with customer support, particularly when dealing with sear pin issues. While some received timely responses and help from Brownells, others did not find their inquiries addressed, which impacts overall satisfaction with the purchase.

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pictures misleading

I bought this jig for the soul purpose of squaring up the hooks on a 1911 hammer, I have a grate sear jig that I use and very happy with it but I need a jig that is used for the squaring the hooks, well this jig is very complicated there is nothing to hold the stone guide fast onto the jig and it moves so that the hammer hooks are not able to be squared, and the hammer stays lose on the hammer vice, it wasn't for me.

Good Tool But !

I purchased this tool to use when I am not in the shop because it is small and compact and appears well made. However it is a bit touchy and requires some real understanding of the two engagement surfaces hammer and sear. My issue is that the tool makes assumptions about the hammer / sear dimensions and angles that may not be correct. As stated by others if you begin with a hammer not properly prepped you will get a perfectly mated sear at the wrong angle. I believe the Brownells' hammer file is still the best way to square the hammer hooks. Then just smooth the hammer surfaces with a suitable polishing stone removing as little material as needed to ensure they are level. The concept is great the execution is lacking. It has the potential to be a really good tool when the design is fixed.

versatile jig for the amateur

There is no other jig for squaring up hammer hooks and polishing. It would be wise to view the AGI video as it is very helpful. The problem is that darn sear jig post. I own a jewelry store and after reading the other posts I figured I had them beat because we own a laser welder. As soon as I got the jig I laser welded the back side. While lasering does not have a lot of depth it does fuse the surface. What is good about this jig is that once you get the hammer squared away, you can mate the sear angle to the hammer. The final job looked like a textbook example and coating the sear with dykem blue and dry firing it showed everything was parallel. So far, so good. The trouble comes when you tighten that sear nut. If you only get the nut finger tight the sear will move during grinding. It is almost impossible not to overtighten the nut unless you are an expert in which case you don't need this jig at all. On my second sear job the weld broke and the post pulled loose. I tried staking it but since it is hardened steel, I wasn't making a very big dent. Called Brownells. The tech said to use Locktite green and, of course, they would replace it with no hassle but what's the use? Instead I am going to try lasering again only this time I will bevel the mating surfaces on both sides, insert steel wire into the beveled area and fuse it. That way the weld will have depth and be done on both sides. If that doesn't work, neither will Locktite. Aside from the sear post challenge, it is a very cleverly designed jig and with some practice and possibly one or two ruined hammers, you can learn to do a very professional hammer and sear job. It may be an expensive and time consuming way to get things done, but it pays off in the satisfaction of learning how to repair you own 1911.

Needs one improvement

I had to add a pin to the sear jig to prevent the threaded rod from pulling out when tightening the nut to secure the sear. The instructions warn you about this happening but it's inevitable - you can't tighten the nut enough to keep the sear in position when stoning, without pinning this rod. I used an ejector roll-pin and cut it to length after installing.