Need opinions on new parts for a Springfield A1

I got this gun used in pretty good condition for $400 so I wanted to maybe mod it a little. I am sending it off next week to be cerekoted in burnt bronze. Its my first 1911 and was thinking of changing the barrel, trigger and spring. I have been looking at several different barrels including the Nighthawk and Wilson combat ones. Was wondering you guys thoughts on these and are they worth the $$$?

I own quite a few guns but this will be my first "build" I guess you could say. Any other opinions on things I may want to change would be appreciated.

I recommend getting all the parts/mods done first prior to refinishing. Wilson, Ed Brown, Storm Lake and Kart are all good to go. Even a Colt National Match barrel is good. I have a Kart in my GI and am very happy with it. Parts wise, Wilson and Harrison Custom have both served me well.

Yeah I was kind of thinking about waiting on the Cerakote. Because I'm sure I will scratch it at some point trying to do this. I was going to try and get most of my parts while I'm offshore and have them there when I get home. That way I can install them and then send it off for the Cerakote. I am really just getting the Cerakote done so I can see the color in person before I do it to my LaRue PredatAR I have on order.

The Wilson's are out of stock right now so I may look into some of the others you mentioned.

Kart or Bar-sto

Honestly, if you are not going for a full blown custom and not sending the gun off to be basically 'balanced and blueprinted' you will be served very well with a drop-in barrel from Ed Brown and a hand fit bushing from EGW. The burnt bronze looks pretty cool. Myself, I really like parkarizing, standard bluing, or Robar's NP3. The burnt bronze would look very cool on a rifle. I really like Wilson, Colt and Harrison Custom small parts because they are quality parts that usually require little to no fitting.

Wilson: thumb safety, extractor and ejector

Harrison: ignition components, trigger, retro sights

Colt: magazine release (great part), NM barrel

EGW: barrel bushing, flat firing pin stop (Fitted with a slight bevel)

Ed Brown: Barrel and firing pin

Brownell's: factory Colt G.I. guide rod plug

Slide stop/release: EGW, Ed Brown, Wilson and Harrison Custom

Springs: Wolff; 16lb recoil and 23lb mainspring (Basically a factory re-build kit)

Sights: On a G.I. I like Harrison Custom's retro sight and I always prefer a night sight up front with the vial surrounded by a white grommet (Novaks or Trijicon). Dovetail: Novak or 10-8 rear.

Grips: VZ; Tactical Diamonds, double diamonds, Gunners or the Pachmayer checked 45C grips.

Magazines: Wilson 47Ds, Chip McCormick Power Mag and Checkmate 7rnd dimpled follower with hybrid feedlips, even the factory Springfield Armory mags work pretty darn well.

These are just my suggestions based on my preferences and experiences. I would also put a couple of hundred rounds down range with your G.I. before doing anything. Trust me you will have your parts list revised several times as you continue to search and do your research. Then when you shoot the gun, your 'finalized list' will probably change again. Good luck and by all means send us some picks along with a range report when done.

OP, since this is your first 1911, I suggest shooting it first and seeing if there is anything that YOU find is lacking or is problematic

Thanks for all the tips and giving me more stuff to look at while im on standby out here offshore!! I have only put about 20 rounds through it and had one feed issue. I think it may have been a mag issue. It shot fairly good though. Once I get back to land I'll probably sling a whole box or two through it and see what else I run into. I know I want to change the trigger. It was a little rough. I just figured I would put some other goodies on it while I was at it. I'm going to get a few small things right now. May hold off on the barrel for now. But if I don't go ahead and get it I know when my PredatAR gets here in 3-4 weeks all my attention will switch back to it.

I'll for sure let you guys know how it does. Because there is beautiful girl that works at a range near where I live for work and I see myself makeing a few more trips there now.

Dropping a C&S matched hammer set in there would make a dramatic difference. I put the 4.5lb 5 piece set in my Mil Spec & it made an amazing difference. Tool steel parts that you can install yourself.

New to 1911 and do it yourself mods. Not a good idea.

Grips and springs are about it for my suggestions.

Before cerakoting have beavertail grip safety fit for you and slide dovetailed for sights you might want. Factory Springfield barrel will outshoot most drop in barrels regardless of brand unless lucky enough for fit to be within ordinance spec.

One of my son's friends wanted his barrel replaced last year. Barrel produced quarter size groups at 15 yards from standing, nonsupported stance. We fit an EGW bushing and left barrel alone.

I may hold off on the barrel and just try some smaller mechanical pieces and the springs for now. It seemed a little rough on the trigger pull and hammer. I have no idea how many rounds have been put through this thing. I may have to look into having that dovetail work done. I will probably have to send it off though because I don't think there is anyone near me that does gunsmith work that involved.

shoot it first ...a lot.....then decide what you want to address...resist the temptation until you have a clear understanding of what you are trying to fix/resolve/enhance/improve......

I took you guys' advice and put some rounds through it. Only about 125 but it was enough for me to see what I liked/don't like about it. I really think the barrel is ok for me right now. I have always been pretty good with a rifle but handguns I am hit or miss. And even with my handgun shooting I managed an 8" group even fast shooting it. I also was pretty good on the 10" steel plates once i figured out a rhythm. I figure with more practice I could shave it down. i would like to change out the hammer/trigger and and the small parts in between to smooth it out a little. So I guess I'll be looking at some of those parts you guys suggested.

Also the guide rod is the style that you have to use a screw driver to get it out. I noticed it got loose once. What should I replace this with to make it easier to disassemble and make it not come loose?

here is a link to Ed Brown...you can replace your full length guide rod with standard "recoil spring guide" listed....Ed Brown

I got these parts for my Springfield SS Loaded, and so far I love it. I can field strip it in seconds now, verses minutes due to needing a tool. I have a hundred or so rounds down range with the new guide rod setup. I honestly think it "feels" smoother when manipulating the slide now.

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