Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Site Notices
Posted: 12/17/2010 6:04:31 AM EDT
I have a Colt 1991A1 that I used in my first few IDPA matches.  I've found a few things I'd like to modify, but being a relative newbie to the 1911, while I'm working the pistol, I was wonder what else I might look at doing.

Why I want to work on this gun? It feeds everything so far.  From what I understand, having a reliable 1911 is an excellent starting point, so I'd like to keep this one

First off what I noticed:
Need better sights––typically I'm shooting indoors/low light.  stock sights are horrible.  Going 3-dot or the like
Hammer bite.  I can man up and just take it, or put an extended beavertail on. (plus hammer of course).

Any other suggestions for common modifications (for IDPA/carry).  I'm  not interested in a "race gun" at this point.  Focus is really on realiability, functionailty, and usability.  I'mnot beyond a trigger job or accuracy improvement, but at this point a stock 1911 performs better than me aiming wise, so I have other concerns/

/ALso want pearl handled grips
Link Posted: 12/17/2010 6:30:27 AM EDT
[#1]
Sights you can see and a trigger you can use.
Link Posted: 12/17/2010 8:56:08 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Sights you can see and a trigger you can use.


To build on this:

Better sights, either bomar cut target sights or Novak cut sights
Trigger job with a trigger size you like
Grips that are "grippy" like some VZs
Either a bob-tail hammer or a spur style hammer with an extended beavertail (since you already see this as an issue)
Skateboard tape on the front strap
Wolff springs throughout
Good magazines
Lots of practice

These would probably net you the most for the least money.  After this I'd get an EGW bushing for the barrel and consider an all new ignition system from someone like Cylinder and Slide.  Maybe a magazine well too from S&A.
Link Posted: 12/17/2010 9:56:46 AM EDT
[#3]
Il like these guns as is with;
A light dressing of sharp areas around the left side of the grip safety and right side of the bottom rear of the trigger guard. - For my hands.
Novack installed low mount sights. A trittium with white outline is nice on the front. Black rear.
Just a thought for you.
Link Posted: 12/17/2010 4:38:31 PM EDT
[#4]
depending on your hand size a wider thumb safety helps as well
Link Posted: 12/18/2010 8:59:17 AM EDT
[#5]
do as little as you need to get the gun better for you- if it functions well limited mods. bigger sights are fine- novak will install for a fair price and fast turn around asnd you only have to send the slide
I think rather than geting a beavertail which requires fitting and can induce problems if done wrong and will send you down the path of needing a new hammer etc, why don't you just trim or grind 1/3 f the hammer spur off to shorten it and call it a day? it seems the beavertail is a complicated solution to an easy problem- it is not like you use the spur to cock the gun so shortening will not affect anything.
Link Posted: 12/18/2010 9:40:59 AM EDT
[#6]




Quoted:

Need better sights––typically I'm shooting indoors/low light. stock sights are horrible. Going 3-dot or the like

Hammer bite. I can man up and just take it, or put an extended beavertail on. (plus hammer of course).



Any other suggestions for common modifications (for IDPA/carry). I'm not interested in a "race gun" at this point. Focus is really on realiability, functionailty, and usability. I'mnot beyond a trigger job or accuracy improvement, but at this point a stock 1911 performs better than me aiming wise, so I have other concerns/



/ALso want pearl handled grips


When you change out the sights, keep in mind what cut you're using, especially for the rear sight.  Once you take metal off, you can't put it back on.  I would highly recommend looking at a plain black rear and a tritium dot front.  IMO, if you're shooting a timed evolution or wanting to get on the sights as fast as possible, lining up 3 dots is the last thing I'd want.  I want to see the front sight on the target and stay on the front sight.



The beavertail is a good idea, especially since you want to get up on the gun as far as possible.  You may want to also look at relieving the trigger guard at the same time.



Other suggestions would be a checkered front strap.



Since the gun runs, I'd leave it be and not screw around with the barrel or bushing.  When's the last time you saw a pretty one hole grouping in an IDPA match?



Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top