Best 1911 platform for learning the basics of 1911 "tuning"

[Jaim03]

After reading some of the amazing 1911 "sticky" threads above, one idea that caught my eye was the concept of buying a "gently used" 1911 to build on/ learn from. (With a theoretical future goal of building my own, or at least learning how to sensibly upgrade a used 1911.)

Specifically with the goal of a reliable defense weapon. Of the sort that 1911Tuner and Old Fluff have referenced in some of the old "sticky threads".

While "playing" in gun stores looking at 1911's I admit to having my head turned by shiny new whizbang features. After some reading here, I'm now thinking about just a basic, reliable 1911 that may sacrifice some "trophy" level acurracy & tightness of fit.

What manufacturers build "basic" 1911's that can be learned from, added too?

I await your comments.

 

[Dale Taylor]

Get a Colt Series 70. [email protected]

 

[orionengnr]

Maybe an Armscor/RIA/Daly 1911, brand new for $289 on classicarms.us?
Hard to go too far wrong for that kind of money.

I recently bought a Daly 1911 Officer's size, used, with the same goal in mind. Fortunately(?) it is cooperating in the experiment by both failing to extract and by failing to hold the slide open on an empty mag. So I will get my experience...

 

[Jaim03]

Dale: Thanks for the Colt tip. The sticky threads had some history on how the Colt factory training for gunsmiths used to work. Hard to go wrong with the "original"

orionengnr: I have heard of the RIAs, but have been afraid/snobbish of them. Saw a Charles Daly Commander at my local shop tonight. (They are usually at the high end). Price seemed reasonable $399. Came home did some online research. Found a Daly/RIA/Armsco thread on a 1911 site. Great word of mouth! Funny thing is they linked to a thread here at THR. Went on for 3 days or so. Lots of negative opinions, but the people who actually OWN them, spoke very highly of them. (And one of the site members is the RIA rep for the US. Seems like he takes great care of folks).

Now I know that 5in is the "standard" for 1911's, but I'm tempted by the Commander 4 in.... LOTS to think about.

I appreciate the input!

 

[ball3006]

You may have to really look.....

but if you can find one, a Norinco. They have quality construction and beg to be tuned....chris3

 

[Onmilo]

Rock Island or an Auto Ordinance is a great place to learn how to repair or fine tune a 1911 without spending a great deal of money to get started.

 

[olyeller]

You want to do exactly what Im doing.
I picked up a stainless mil-spec Springfield for $413 shipped(!!) off of that group buy deal in the trading post a few weeks ago.
Fitted a beavertail so far; looks good. The first time you clamp the frame in a vise and start filing it will freak you out!!
good luck.

 

[normbal]

"BEST" 1911 for beginning 'smithing?

Well, FWIW, here's my 2 cents:

Buy cheap. Inexpensive cheap, not materials cheap.

Thinking around $400 'cause the parts you'll need to accurize it and improve the trigger, put on a beavertail and all that will cost close to that price depending on tools you already have around. Make sure you have the Kuhnhausen books.

A mil-spec KAHR (auto ordnance) 1911 is a good platform to start from.

Springfield mil-spec too.

I'd look very carefully at Charles Daly guns; many were made in the Phillipines by presbyopes w/ dull cutting tools. Internal flash/fit/finish left much to be desired. More recent guns look better by much.

Sistema Colt, modelo 1927 is also a good start, because these often need small parts and internals replaced (plunger tube, safety plunger spring, pins, stock/grip screw bushing, ejector, hammer disconnector, sear and sear spring) and you can choose from a plethora of parts, parts mfrs, pre-fit kits, different trigger pull weights preset by mfr, etc. Same also applies to Daly and Kahr guns to some extent.

Another thing: 1911A1 pistols with the original sights, while better than the razor blade front sights and microscopic crack on the rear sight need good combat sights replaced.

You looking to improve barrel/slide fit/lockup, barrel bushing/barrel fit you'll invest in another several hundred dollars worth of tools/jigs.

All depends on what you learn, how much you want to change, how many guns you're likely to work on in the future if you're looking to get a return on your investment in tools, etc.

Have fun.

 

[Jaim03]

Update: I thank everyone for their contributions and suggestions. Now 2 weeks wiser, I have realized that I am better served by owning a mid-level 1911 that has some of the features I would eventually want on an entry-level pistol. I am now the proud owner of a Charles Daly SS Empire full size with adjustable sights, beavertail grip safety, ambi safety. I have fired 100 rounds thru it so far and realize I have a lot to learn and am looking forward to it.

I am hoping I have chosen the path of wisdom. Meaning I need to learn the "system" first and then think about modifications and adjustments. (Humbling thing, field stripping a 1911 for the first time... I've successfully done it twice now.)

I am filing away all of the suggestions given here and lok forward to knowing enough to begin putting them in place!

 

[Malapai]

what? No pictures of your new gun?

 

[pat86323]

good choice on the daly i bought a ria for my first one and i have learned alot from it so far, with the help of tuner and many others. I think i really understand the internals now, i did a trigger job on it a few weeks ago and probably took off less then a quarter pound of trigger weight (which is exactly what i wanted to do) but made the trigger feel a heck of alot better when it breaks.

Next up learning how to cut sight dovetails.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Now I know that 5in is the "standard" for 1911's, but I'm tempted by the Commander 4 in.... LOTS to think about.

Doesn't really matter, since you bought a full-size, but just to keep things in perspective for folks who might see this thread in the future I should mention that a 1911 with a 4" barrel is not a "Commander." I believe Colt still has a lock on the "Commander" moniker, but whether they do or not, Colt Commanders (and a couple of other brands as well) have 4-1/4" barrels. A great many other manufacturers are now offering "compact" models with 4" barrels. Dunno why. Personally, if I wanted less than a Government and more than an Officers, I would hold out for the real 4-1/4" Commander.

 

[Jaim03]

Hawkmoon,

Thank you for pointing out the detailed difference between the 5" full size/standard 1911 and the 4.25" Colt Commander sizing.
I am pretty new to guns and enjoy learning the proper terminology & history.