Colt 1991 Mods

[Averageman]

I bought myself this pistol as I was getting ready to retire, I still shoot it occasionally, but it is a more favorite due to sentiment rather than practicality.The Colt is strictly an old favorite, bought when I was leaving the Military and pretty much stone broke after the big D.
Let me state up front, "Yes I do own several Glocks and a HK USPC that I rotate through as EDC.
Well it is time to send this gun in to Wilson and have some mods done and tune it up. I have used Wilson parts in the past and have had great luck with them, so they are the first folks I thought of when going this route.
I've set aside a grand to upgrade this gun, I don't want to "Pimp" it out, merely make it more capable and something to pass on to someone in the future.
Where I am at;
This thing is bone stock except for the Wilson adjustable Trigger, the Wilson extended slide release, Houge finger grips(which I'm changing) and the GI arched main spring housing that came home with me somehow.
What I want;
I want the beavertail grip safety, the skeletonized hammer and a refinish, but that leaves me with several hundred dollars left in the budget, so where should it go?
Keep in mind, this gun has been totally reliable with good magazines and ammo.

 

[silicosys4]

sights, bushing, and barrel are what I'd consider next.

 

[Jimfern]

1991 mods

I have a Commander style 1991 that has a Wilson trigger. I took it down the road to Smith and Alexander and they added a beaver tail grip safety, curved MSH and grips.

 

[ulflyer]

Sounds like you're relatively happy with its performance now, but probably don't use it much anymore, but want to give it a spruce up mainly for looks and passing on. I'd do what you've suggested, and leave the rest alone.

I've got a fairly old 1991A1 also, pretty much box stock, used to shoot a lot but now just resides in the closet. Can't bear to let it go tho. ha.

 

[Skylerbone]

I bought a Colt XSE a few years back that I took in unfired condition to Rob at Alchemy Custom for much the same reason. That particular 1911 will go to my oldest when he is ready.

Started like this:

Now looks like this:

I've got more work I want Rob & Jim to do on it but like you was relieved of my hard earned by the big D. What I would suggest is:

Match barrel bushing. You might consider a new barrel if money permits.

Fit a new Wilson extractor. Never hurts to have a spare and nice to have them matched to the frame if you're refinishing.

New thumb safety. It's critical it doesn't fail and most factory installs aren't quite right to begin with.

New beaver tail. It really does improve the look and feel of things.

Since you want the beaver tail GS you'll need to swap out the spur hammer and you may as well go all out with the ignition system.

Because you're looking to refinish the frame and you're looking for heirloom quality, consider a high cut on the front strap to allow for a higher grip and perhaps serrations or checkering there as well. Again, because of refinishing, now's the time to even out the trigger guard area. All factory colts have an uneven transition above the trigger guard and that can be straightened.

Prices are available on Alchemy's website and they do top notch work at very reasonable prices. I've had two 1911s modified there and look to have more done when money permits. Remember things like barrel fitting can affect the relationship between slide and frame so all potential interactions should be sorted at once before refinish. A call to Rob to discuss budget and parts choice is well worth your time.