1911 v 1991

[paul]

I was asked what the difference was between the Colt 1911 and the Colt 1991...
I actually own many 1911's and a single 1991 (My first!), and have never really thought about it...
Obviously it was designed or marketed in 1991, not 1911...
Grip safety hammer block, maybe..?
Any know-it-mostlies wanna help out..?
Thanks,
p

 

[lechiffre]

i'll give it a try.

starting with the real 1911 as a baseline

the 1991 has:

series 80 firing pin safety
the a1 scallops behind the trigger
bigger sights
bigger thumb safety
some plastic parts (trigger,main spring housing)
different shape hammer and grip safety

 

[paul]

Wow...
Sometimes it is good to search before posting...
Sorry guys...
The answer lies within.
P

 

[M16A2]

just picked up one the other day, the new roll mark 1991 has no plastic trigger, here is a good write up on it http://www.m1911.org/prodte27.htm

 

[BHP FAN]

Seems like a fellow could just swap out triggers and the mainspring housing and have a decent handgun...

 

[Steve C]

Seems like a fellow could just swap out triggers and the mainspring housing and have a decent handgun...

Plastic or as others say "high tech polymer" is not really an issue. These parts are not any less reliable than steel or aluminum that is often used. While swapping out the trigger and mainspring housing won't hurt anything its certainly won't make it any better a shooter or sturdier a pistol.

 

[krs]

I've got two of the 1991's that came black parkerized or something.

Even though they have the 80 series pieces I think that they're one of the best 1911's that Colt has built in many years. Change out the plastic trigger and mainspring housing and the gun is a solid reliable go-ahead-and-beat-on-it pistol that shoots good and works every time.

One of them is my go-to "what was that noise" gun with Crimson trace grips and ambisafeties for my lefthanded self.

I'd probably buy more of them if I run across any.

In light of Steve's post above I'll add that I change out plastic only because I don't like the look and feel of it. I'll agree that it's servicable stuff.