[HMMurdock]

I've got a beautiful, all original Colt (pre-series 80) 1911 .45 lined up. The problem is, I'm considering "upgrading" it (changing the sights, trigger, hammer, beavertail, safety lever, etc.) to fit my personal taste.

This is not a collector's piece, for I work in law enforcement and this would be my off-duty pistol. So it will not be spending it's time in a safe, but be guarding my life on a daily (or nightly) basis.

Do you think, as a fellow high roader, it is acceptable for me to modify an original Colt to maximize it's defensive potential or is it blasphemy to touch that piece of art in such a manner?

[Walter]

IMHO, a Series'70 Colt is no "work of art", just a pretty good pistol
to work with. I bought one in 1972, had a trigger job and a throat
job done on it, put some decent rear sights on it, and it has served
me well for 30+ years. I have never shot anybody with it, but I
have used it to defuse a few tense situations, just by letting it
be seen.

I suggest you use the Colt, rather than allow it to become some
"decoration".
Just my opinion,

Walter

[The Lone Haranguer]

I don't think this one is so valuable that it would hurt anything to modify it as you see fit. Also, except for a fitted beavertail, none of the modifications are irreversible.

[Geno]

All of my firearms are factory original. That's just me. If you alter one, I suggest an alteration that can be quickly reversed in case you ever choose to, or need to sell it. JMHO.

Doc2005

[nalioth]

If you alter one, I suggest an alteration that can be quickly reversed in case you ever choose to, or need to sell it. JMHO. ... or choose alterations that would enhance the value (if you think you may sell down the road).

[MICHAEL T]

Fine but make no changes that can't be reversed and keep all the old parts. Just in case you want to sell or trade. Will be worth more orginal . Unless work done by well known smith.

[Powderman]

If this is one of the older Model 70's, I would think about keeping it original. These pistols fetch premium prices nowadays if they are in good shape.

On the other hand, I can tell you that it is an ideal platform for a starter custom carry gun. I bought a Colt Enhanced, Series 80, brand new, about 14 years ago. I have since had a Bo-Mar BMCS sight milled in, as well as a dovetailed front. I re-cut the sear for a clean 4.5 lb roll trigger, too. I still have the original safety and slide stop on--this way, if fits into the Safariland 6280 holster and the SS III 070. I carry it on and off duty, with Wilson 47D magazines.

Bottom line--if you want it done and you think it is the right thing, go for it!