First 1991 questions

[valnar]

I am considering a Colt NRM 1991 (basic), a Dan Wesson or a Springfield Loaded 1911 clone. I do not own a 1911 and am trying to figure out what the benefits are of the "extras" on modified 1911's. Why do you want these?


Beavertail grip safety
Bevel magazine well
Extended thumb safety
Front serrations
dovetail front sight
full length guide rod


I guess if I bought a basic Colt, what of the above mods (or others) would you have done? Is it better to start that way, or just buy a clone with it all done already?

I do know that if I buy a non Colt, it'll be stainless. If I buy a Colt, I'll intend to get a couple mods done (dunno which ones, or why yet), so I'll end up refinishing it in Hard chrome later on.

-Robert

 

[Frenchy]

Hey Valnar,

These additions are subjective, and depends on what you want.
I just purchased my first ever 1911 (used ORM Commander) that is box stock, and the only mechanical change that I'm looking to make is an ambi-safety (left handed).

 

[Quintin Likely]

My daily carry gun is a plain jane NRM 1991A1 Commander. If/when I ever do anything to it, I'd consider a beavertail grip safety for a higher hold on it and maybe some different sights further on down the road, like Heinies or Novaks. I'm sort of a "less is more" kinda person. I'm looking towards adding a full size NRM Colt to my collection soon, only thing I'll prolly do to it is bob the hammer and shoot it 'till it falls apart.

 

[Jim Watson]

Beavertail grip safety
*Eliminates hammer bite, spreads recoil, helps get a firing grip quickly. I have some with, some without. I am not subject to hammer bite but it does distribute the recoil if you are shooting a lot in one session and it does kind of guide the hand to the right grip in a belt holster.

Bevel magazine well
*Easier quick reload. Helpful short of a full blown mag well funnel.

Extended thumb safety
*More certain to disengage quickly, some people rest their thumb on the lever and a bigger one is more support. I have long and plain, don't have any trouble hitting the GI and don't ride it. I can use or live without.

Front serrations
*More grip to let you check the chamber from underneath instead of the "press check." I have a couple because they came that way but would not pay extra or go to any trouble for them. Not a big help except to load a lightly sprung racegun under the scope.

dovetail front sight
*More secure than a cheaply staked GI installation but not really better than a good stakeon. Less likely to crush a Tritium vial during installation of night sights. I have both, they make no difference in aiming the gun and that is all that counts.

full length guide rod
*Adds an ounce or so in front, makes disassembly more complicated. Not shown to improve accuracy or reliability. OK on a range gun, but I want GI on a carry or duty weapon.

Any such modifications, accessories or options will cost less from the factory, if available. But in the popularly priced models they will not be as neatly installed as a real gunsmith will do.

 

[valnar]

Thank you for that great explanation.

So what are the most common mods people get to their 1911's?

-Robert

 

[Quintin Likely]

So what are the most common mods people get to their 1911's?

I'd say sights, grips, grip safeties, checkering and finishes. And maybe a trigger job thrown in somewhere for good measure.

 

[gyp_c2]

Good trigger, good sights, good ammo, good mags...