Springfield 1911 & aftermarket (non-SA) parts

[Quoheleth]

I had a Springer GI that I was considering upgrading with an ambi thumb safety, beavertail, and combat-style hammer. After several phone calls, I determined it was cost prohibitive - I could buy a "Loaded" model for the same or less money than the cost of the GI + these extras (no - I don't know how to do it myself, and don't want to risk ADs due to my negligence).

I've been shopping and found two slightly used, slightly older Loaded models, before they started doing the ambi safety as a stock feature. Both guns show SN's to be in the early 2000's. One is stainless; one is blue. I would put the stainless at 85-90%; the blue at a solid 90%+

My question is, would an aftermarket blue or stainless ambi (like Wilson or Ed Brown) approximately match Springfield's blue or stainless, or would they stick out like Rudolph's nose?

When I called Springfield about the GI, they would have re-Parkerized the frame to blend the safety & slide. I tried to call today, but they were closed already. Would they do any "beauty" work on either a blue or stainless gun to blend a new safety?

Edit to add: I forgot to ask...one has a 1-piece GR; one a 2-piece. Benefit of one vs the other?

Thanks,
Q

 

[nicholst55]

The blue of the aftermarket part probably will not be an exact match. The question is - can you live with that? Yes, Springfield probably would do cosmetic work, but you will most certainly pay for it.

IMHO, the extended guide rod is a solution in search of a problem. One-piece makes it more difficult to disassemble and reassemble the gun. Were I to buy one, it would have to be a 2-piece.

 

[Oro]

Are you a lefty?

Unless you are left handed, or competing in a discipline that requires weak-hand fire, I would not worry about changing the slide stop to ambi right away. Keep the gun a while and shoot it and see if it actually matters to you.

I switched my "better" 1911s to ambi safeties years ago, when it was the "fad" to be ambi even if you were a righty - and it appears it's still a raging fad. Over time I discovered I liked handling and carrying the non-coverted ones better. They hang up a little more in cc, and the "tactical" versions are even worse. Practice makes using the stock safety on 1911s quite natural.

Yes, there's the "my right hand is cut off and I need to shoot back" school of thought. To me now, after decades of use, it seems an added complexity, with little pay off. You can, if you are worried about this, practice offing the slide stop with your left thumb before transitioning over the back strap.

 

[Quoheleth]

Yep - I'm a southpaw - thus the need.

I know Springfield would refinish the gun; that adds $100 to the job.

I talked to a local gunsmith this afternoon. His answer reminded me of what Dad used to say: to not refinish the gun would make it look like a half-a$$ed job.

Gotta love Dad.

So, I guess I'll wait and see what else comes down the pike.

Q