Springfield GI 1911 parts compatibility question

[trbon8r]

I recently picked up a new in box Springfield GI 1911 pistol. This is the bare bones model with plastic grips. I bought this gun as a project pistol to build it up, but the gun is just so nice and simple as is I think I'm going to leave it alone and keep it in basic GI configuration. Having been used to other 1911s like my Les Baer, I began to appreciate the simplicity and aesthetics of the basic GI gun.

As much as I like the gun, there are a few things I might like to improve upon to make the Springfield look more "original".

I would like to replace the thumb safety with an original GI unit with the small shelf. I'd also like to replace the hammer, trigger, and slide stop with original GI pieces for a bit more authentic look. My question is, are original GI pieces still available, and will they fit the newer Springfield? My concern in particular is whether the thumb safety and hammer will fit.

 

[trbon8r]

Oh, I forgot to ask.......

It seems there are some bogus reproduction parts that look like original. How does one determine if they are looking at an original GI thumb safety, hammer, trigger, or slide stop?

 

[1911 guy]

I don't know how to tell originals from copies, but I do know that parts will fit the S/A frames. I'm also not a gunsmith, so I don't know what would be involved in putting previously fitted parts into a new frame.

 

[citizen510]

http://forum.m1911.org/

There are lots of helpful folks on this forum and a section just for Springfield owners.

 

[1911Tuner]

I think that Dave Berryhill has been in touch with a vendor who is casting...or maybe will cast...some GI repro thumb safeties for him. If they're anything like the cast repro hammers that he has, the quality will be very good to excellent. If you've got your heart set on the real deal, be prepared to shop around. They're out there, but the prices are high for nice ones...and there are some that were rejected for being out of spec. That could range from the finish to the dimensions...and there's really no way to tell except to measure carefully and compare with the original blueprints, until you try one and see if it works.

Then, there's the issue of maybe not fitting correctly in a Springfield, even with a good one. The gun's specs come into play, as well as tolerance stacking maybe going the wrong way. If it's too large in key areas, it can be fitted. If it's too small, it either has to be welded up and recut...or, if you're lucky...the sear blocking tip can be peened slightly to stretch it. I consider the latter approach a field expedient repair...or something to do on a safety that's original to a collectible gun...but would much rather use one that fits, or requires light fitting.

The way to know the difference is to look on the gun side of the safety and see if you see machine marks or casting lines...or the MIM sprue mark, which will appear to be a small, depressed circle.