Diving into the 1911-A1 game

[CAS700850]

After almost 2 decades of shooting a variety of handguns, I'm taking the leap wth my first 1911A1. I'm picking up a like-new Springfield Armory MilSpec 1911A1 in trade for a Sig Sauer 239 (9mm) that has been a resident in my safe more than it has seen use. I get the Springfield, a spare set of grips, a couple of magazines, and a box of 230 grain ball ammo.

So, to all of you 1911 afficianados, we'll see what you've been bragging about.

Now, assuming that the gun functions fine, I've got two questions for you 1911 types:

1. What modifications do you consider "must have"? Right now, after researching the issues, I'm thinking the "must have" changes for a serious pistol (CCW not out of the question if I like it...), grip safety/beavertail, hammer, thumb safety. Sights can come later, after saving some money.

2. Who is the choice for doig the work? Anyone know of a quality gunsmith in central Ohio?

3. What are the best magazines for the 1911, in terms of quality/reliability?

4. What other bells and whistles do you all recommend for a serious 1911?

All information appreciated.

 

[Whirlwind06]

http://www.sdmfabricating.com/ He is in Medina Ohio.

I would shoot about 500 rounds though it before you start thinking about changing anything.

I like Wolff and metal Form mags, 7 rounds flat follower with the dimple.



Off topic but this is my 100th post!

 

[Henry Bowman]

I had a Springfield milspec compact 1911 that I shot a lot and whated to upgrade. I decided that it was not worth the investment and bought a new one that already had the bells and whistles I wanted. Those were: nicer grip safety/beavertail, cut out hammer, ambi thumb safety, night sights (which would require milling for the front). I was also glad to get a different profile main spring housing (which shapes the backstrap, for those who don't know).

I have found Wilson Combat mags to be the best (most reliable) of several brands I've used.

 

[Preacherman]

Priorities:

1. 100% reliability, particularly in feeding suitable defensive ammo. This is a top priority. Magazines should be tuned as well, if necessary.

2. Decent sights (even more than the trigger): however, most 1911's come with at least reasonable sights these days.

3. Trigger job (4-5 pounds, "glass rod" break).

4. Everything else can come later; grip safety, thumb safety, etc. The hammer is more a cosmetic decision and/or one related to grip safety/beavertail dimensions than anything else.

 

[grislyatoms]

For me, a better / wider safety is a must.

Beavertail grip safety - I can take it or leave it. I don't get hammer bites, as a rule.

Mags: I am partial to Wilson Combat

Hammer: I like the appearance of the "delta" style hammers, but honestly I could care less about the hammer.

 

[Old Dog]

Just my personal opinion, but I kinda like the Mil-Spec's performance and more traditional looks as they come out of the box (well, gotta replace the plastic stocks with some good checkered cocobolo). Spur hammer is fine for the Mil-Spec, and no need to mess with the grip safety. Arched mainspring housing is a personal preference (you may find the arched MSH fits your hand better than a flat MSH). The GI safety may be an issue for some, but even that smallish safety works well enough for most uses. And for me, an ambi-safety on a 1911 is pretty useless (not to mention, just another thing to snag on clothing).

As for mags, Wilson 47Ds rule. Period.

 

[Technosavant]

Shoot it for a few hundred rounds, then decide what YOU want.

However, if I were given a Mil-Spec and had a free hand to customize it, I would do the following:
1) Sight upgrade, probably Novaks (either tritium or fiber optic)
2) Beavertail safety and commander-style hammer
2A) While I'm changing internal pieces that require fitting, I'd go to a tool-steel sear and disconnector.
3) Flat MSH, probably checkered
4) Checker frontstrap
5) Polish feed ramp, throat barrel
6) If not stainless steel, the whole thing gets Black T finish.

I MIGHT do the following:
7) Ambi safety
8) Adjustable aluminum trigger
9) Alumagrips, probably with the SA logo on them

I'd send the gun to Springfield Armory's Custom Shop for the work. They have a full order form with prices on their website.