Curious about a custom 1911...

[G36-UK]

I've recently played Metal Gear Solid 3 (again), and I was interested to notice that his 1911 was customized in various ways. I quite liked the idea of a custom 1911, and I'd like to know if any of it's possible.

Below, I've listed the modifications to his 1911, with alleged benefits in brackets. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me what the real benefits of each modification, if it's just as described, different, or not benefit at all.

1) Feeding ramp polished to a mirror sheen (Apparently, it reduces feeding problems.)

2) Slide reinforced, meshes perfectly with frame (Not sure here.)

3) Frame Iron welded and scaraped down multiple times (Apparently for "maximum precision. See 2.)

4) Front Strap part of frame checkered to dig into hand (Prevents slipping)

5) 3-dot sight system with enlarged front sight (gives superior target sighting capability)

6) Regular hammer replaced with ring hammer (enhances cocking control and increases down-speed)

7) Removal of grip safety (Can't see what good this would do)

8) Extended slide stop and thumb safety (for more precise handling)

9) Base of trigger guard whittled down a bit (for higher grip)

10) Long type trigger (not sure here)

11) Trigger pull of 3.5 pounds (same)

12) Wider magazine well (easier to insert new magazine)

13) Slightly cut down mag catch button (Reduce chances of accidental use of button)

14) Mainspring housing changed to flat type (to increase grip)

15) Housing fitted with stepping (to avoid slipping from recoil (?))

16) Cocking serrations on front of slide (easier to cock?)

Okay, so the wordings are almost all taken from the game (conversation with SIGINT), so I don't know if it's all do-able or a load of crap.

Thanks in advance.

 

[zahc]

I didn't catch that conversation. I did notice the part where he says the trigger guard was filed down to allow a higher grip. Never heard of that being done IRL. Sounds like it would bite your finger.

 

[G36-UK]

It was if you talked to him with the 1911 that EVA gives you equipped.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Below, I've listed the modifications to his 1911, with alleged benefits in brackets. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me what the real benefits of each modification, if it's just as described, different, or not benefit at all.

1) Feeding ramp polished to a mirror sheen (Apparently, it reduces feeding problems.)

True, although usually accompanied by mildly radiusing the throat of the chamber where the feed ramp ends and the chamber begins.

2) Slide reinforced, meshes perfectly with frame (Not sure here.)

Tightness improves accuracy at the cost of making the pistol tempermental. Never heard of reinforcing a slide.

3) Frame Iron welded and scaraped down multiple times (Apparently for "maximum precision. See 2.)

See #2

4) Front Strap part of frame checkered to dig into hand (Prevents slipping)

Some folks like checkering, some like serrations, some use skateboard tape.

5) 3-dot sight system with enlarged front sight (gives superior target sighting capability)

Possible. Some systems use two colors, or two brightness levels.

6) Regular hammer replaced with ring hammer (enhances cocking control and increases down-speed)

The ring hammer is an old Commander hammer. The really light hammers, which are used on most of the high-end pistols, are loop-style hammers. Lighter than ring style.

7) Removal of grip safety (Can't see what good this would do)

It avoids problems sometimes encountered by folks who shoot with a "high thumb" grip on the pistol, leaving less than sufficient pressure on the palm to fully depress the grip safety. Actually, they aren't usually removed, but rather taped or pinned in place.

8) Extended slide stop and thumb safety (for more precise handling)

Common "enhancement." Sometimes causes inadvertent slide locking.

9) Base of trigger guard whittled down a bit (for higher grip)

Some manufacturers and custom 'smiths do this as a matter of course. I don't see the point.

10) Long type trigger (not sure here)

What works best is a function of hand size and finger length. Sounds impressive, though, doesn't it?

11) Trigger pull of 3.5 pounds (same)

Decent. Some experts don't recommend lighter than 4 pounds for a carry weapon.

12) Wider magazine well (easier to insert new magazine)

True. Also makes the gun bigger and less easy to conceal.

13) Slightly cut down mag catch button (Reduce chances of accidental use of button)

Most tactical packages extend the mag release, to ensure you don't miss a mag change under stress.

14) Mainspring housing changed to flat type (to increase grip)

Doesn't increase grip. Changes natural point of aim (arched MSH naturally point higher). Not an "improvement," just a matter of personal preference.

15) Housing fitted with stepping (to avoid slipping from recoil (?))

Stepping?

16) Cocking serrations on front of slide (easier to cock?)

Not easier. Used for conducting "press checks" to verify a loaded chamber. Personally, I find them aesthetically unacceptable. Some folks "need" them.

Okay, so the wordings are almost all taken from the game (conversation with SIGINT), so I don't know if it's all do-able or a load of crap.

Thanks in advance.

All in all, about 1/3 ordinary bells & whistles, 1/3 "enhancements," and 1/3 pure bovine excrement.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i think #2) and #3) refer to adding metal/weld to the frame/slide and then mating them together by adding an abrasive and working the slide and frame together (scraping). that's how it was done back in the days when you started with a stock colt ... before the advent of "fat rails"

#9) would actually be "undercut" which is now so common many 1911's come from the factory with it already done. it actually does allow you to get a higher grip under the trigger guard...especially if combined with a high cut grip safety.

#15) i think "stepping" should actually read stippling which serves the same purpose as checkering the frontstrap but is usually less abrasive

#16) as hawkmoon stated, they are really used to press check for a chambered round. i used to feel the same way until i took a class where the instuctor demonstrated the advantage, rather than using the rear serrations, when tired/stressed