Just Bought My First 1911...upgrades?

[Pictures]

I just got my American Classic Trophy 1911 and was curious as to what upgrades I should perform. This is my first 1911 so I'm not sure what's good and what's not so good. See specs below. I'm not looking to change anything that needs major smithing, just some easy plug and play type stuff. Any suggestions?



This model is highlighted by the following features:

Caliber: .45 ACP
Overall Length: 8.375”
Barrel Length: 5”
Height: 5.5”
Width: 1.25”
Weight (empty): 37.28 oz.
Frame: 4140 Steel
Slide: 4140 Hammer Forged Steel
Single Action
Dovetail Front Sight w/ Fiber Optic
Adjustable Novak-Style Rear Sight
Flared and Lowered Ejection Port
Ambidextrous Thumb Safety
Reverse Plug Recoil System w/ Full
Length Guide Rod
Slim-Cut Beavertail Grip Safety
Beveled Magazine Well
Checkered Mainspring Housing
Standard Slide Stop
Combat Hammer
Combat Trigger
Throated FORGED STEEL Barrel
Front & Rear Slide Serration
8-Rd Magazine w/ Bumper Pad
Checkered Mahogany Wood Grip w/ Diamond Cut
Finish: Hard Chrome

 

[Magoo]

I'd upgrade it with many hundreds of rounds downrange and then rethink what I might want.

 

[Pictures]

Hahahah, ok, that's a start! I'll get on that this Saturday.

 

[skipsan]

Looks like it has most of the common "upgrades". One exception would be a magwell, which is pretty much a drop-in. Aftermarket grips might be tailored to the magwell.

One gunsmithing issue that most 1911s could use is a basic trigger job to smooth it out, and get the pull in the 4-5 lb range (or a bit lower). To have that done professionally would probably set you back at least $100. After that, accuracy tune-ups, with fit bushing and barrel might be worthy of consideration depending on how its doing out-of-box.

 

[MICHAEL T]

That is the top of the line American classic It really doesn't need any thing except cleaned lubed and shot.. One of the troubles with 1911 is people got to upgrade or change. Leave it alone shoot it and enjoy . By way my AC deluxe will shoot right with my Colts Only 1911 I have that out shoots it is my Dan Wesson and that beats all my 1911's


come here and join other AC owners http://bersachat.com

 

[steel609]

I have the ACII Deluxe in hard chrome. Other than grips, I have changed nothing. I may be replacing the extended slide release, as I'm not a big fan of the extended releases.

Other than that, just enjoy shooting it.

Then you can give us a nice detailed range report. Too bad we won't see the silly grin you will have, just like the rest of us did, when you realize how good of a pistol you own.

 

[DasFriek]

I think alot was already mentioned and would be things id do also.
Trigger job never hurts and hopefully the stock firing group is high enough quality for a tight fit which makes doing a trigger job worth it. A trigger job on a low end gun with sloppy parts is a waste of money imo. If the gunsmith says the parts arent worth a trigger job id buy a complete Cylinder and slide firing group that should drop right in and is a bit over $100 for the parts. And another $100 or so for the trigger job.
New grips that you like.
Ammo and lots of it and shoot the daylights out of it.
Id drop in an 18 lb Wolff or Wilson recoil spring.
A few Wilson 47D mags will help make the gun much more reliable in most cases.
Holsters if you plan to ccw with the gun.

 

[Joe Demko]

If the trigger is rough and/or heavy, I'd get that seen to. The trigger is the main thing that the 1911 brings to the table, so if that isn't up to snuff you might as well have got something else.
Otherwise, I'd just shoot it for a while. There's no good reason to spend money that could go for decent carry gear and ammo on switching out parts until you know what, if anything, you need.

 

[stork]

#1. Trigger job.
#2. Checker front strap or install aggressive skate board tape. (keeps the pistol from torquing loose in your grip under recoil, and will help recovery time)
#3. Lots of practice ammo.
#4. Productive practice. IE: Don't just blast ammo, concentrate on each shot on moving the trigger to the rear smoothly. The shot should come as a suprise.

ENJOY

 

[Pictures]

Good info. Thanks guys!

 

[foghornl]

At this point, the only thing needed is a LARGE mound of empty .45ACP brass....


empty courtesy of firing said {loaded} brass through gun.. GRIN!

Just me, but I prefer to run A BUNCH of ammo through any gun before trying any add-ons, except for perhaps different grips.

 

[Russ Jackson]

Only upgrade would be a nice idiot scratch.....Russ

 

[Greg528iT]

It looks like it has all the goodies. Maybe a new set of grips, but that's a very personal choice. I like the existing, I LOVE others I've seen. I'm in the middle of applying an oil finsih to my new grips. Ebony, Maple, and Cocobolo, they're HOT.

I'd suggest putting several hundred rounds thru her before getting too far into the trigger group. UNLESS it's nasty rough.

 

[alde]

I would replace the grip screws with allen screws as you are less likely to slip and cause a scratch. Other than that just shoot the heck out of it to see if you really do need to "upgrade" anything.

 

[Pictures]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9IKtgilWw&feature=player_embedded

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Ammo, Hogue finger groove grips, and extended slide release. Thats about all I would do.......Well thats what I'm going to do to my new RIA Tactical. I pick it up next week and it too will be my first 1911.

 

[BCRider]

Maybe that trigger job if it needs it?

From the sounds of it other than that the only things would be;

• A reloading setup so you can reload for cheaper than buying factory.
• More mags to put the reloaded bullets into and so you can enter some local club competitions or enter USPSA, IPSC or IDPA with it.
• A nice holster suitable for the competitions of your choice or just because a naked gun is sexy but you don't need to have it on display ALL the time . It's also the safest place to keep it when it's not in your hands while at the range.