1991a1
Yes, you can remove FP safety without much trouble if you wish. You will need a drop in part, available from Brownells last I bought one, to replace the parts in the frame. (Srs 70 wedge I believe its' called...not sure where else you might get one, Heinie comes to mind).
I think you could come out cheaper than starting out ground up with Caspian, but if you're going the custom route it might be easier in the long run to go all the way (start from Caspian).
Figure; what you'll pretty much start with for $600 with base gun is barrel, slide and frame. Mag catch & mainspring housing in 1991a1 are plastic.
Sight cuts and beavertail cut will push that up another 2 0r three (may as well have them installed too).
Now you're roughly even with what Caspian with those detail cuts done as extras from the factory would cost. (And you could have had SS to boot: why? Because SS doesnt' need plating or bluing after cuts, so its' the way to go if you want to avoid refinishing costs).
Right about here is where this proposition gets interesting; because cost at this point is close, about the only thing that makes the modstock vs total aftermarket thing work is you can have the modstock gun done in a series of separate operations (read spread out the money outlay over time) actually having the gun in your possession in between. Also gives ops to experience several different gunsmiths who have specific specialties. Novak for sights, Bar Sto for barrel, etc, etc.
Of course you'll have to fit slide to frame; but a matched set from Caspian with detail cuts is still pretty close. (Wilson or Baer also, but Cas is least expensive I think: no ill reflection on Caspian quality).
Most 1991a1's I have seen were pretty tight; one was atrocious; How's yours? That would be a deal breaker on the Colt; I'd rather start from new aftermarket than try to fix (rather, pay for gunsmith to fix) poor Slide to Frame fit. (Maybe a older, golder Colt, but not a 1991a1).
Then there is the barrel; IMHO the 1991a1 barrels were as good as anybodys factory/commercial barrels at the time and some were excellent; Yes there are better, and IMHO a better barrel fit and installed by a better gunsmith is worth paying a premium for (Bar Sto, Kart). If I liked the way the Colt barrel shot, I might leave it untouched, or limit nyself to having a match bushing fitted and do custom barrel later.
This is one of the most subjective areas of our discussions here. Most of all have fun with the process of customization (did I mention this will be a learning experience as well?) and looking forward to hearing about yours and seeing the finished product.
Cheers, TF
2 Paras built from kits; one a Commander
4 customized SA Mil Specs; Kings and EGW
Caspian Officers model with Kings comp barrel built by Novaks
Currently 2 Custom Combat Commanders from EGW
1991a1 Compact built by Kings.
P-13 customized by Novaks', Kings, Robar
Colt Recon Customized and plated by Robar
