Well I just got my new S/A G.I. (parkerized) on a trade.  I took a Hit, but this is what I wanted and I know that I am much happier with another 1911.  No pics until after the 10 days (good old Cali).  After a couple thousand rounds I'll send it off to Yost-Bonitz or Novak.  I am wondering if I should start buying parts here and there that I want to replace or just wait until I send it off to a Smith.  What say you?  As far as the G.I.'s go what stock parts are good enough to keep?  Thanks.

WAIT.

Most smiths have preferred parts they work with.  You need to talk the details over with them before you send in the gun or buy anything.

Most times, they can get better price on the part than you can (unless you know how to decode Brownell's prices   )

In the meantime, shoot the snot out of it.  Buy some Wilson mags, though.

Yep, That's basically what I am going to do.  I am also going to call the shop that might be working on it and see what they say as far as price and prefered or accepted parts.  I started a wish-list last night as I was thumbing through thw Brownells catalog.  Thanks for your reply.

Look over some of the guns on these sites - pure gun porn!

http://www.yostbonitz.com/

http://www.rogersprecision.com/

http://www.burnscustom.com/

I like mine just the way it is.

I am going to go through Wilson Combat.  They have always treated me great, I can't say enough about them.  I just got of the phone with Matt and we went over my wish-list, which included some non-Wilson parts.  He said everything would work and they would be happy to do it.  Some of the parts I will order on my own as I get a discount through Brownell's and send with gun, as this will save me a little cash overall.  I like those guns too stangleonthedangle.  This build will not happen for at least a year due to me transfering to Rhode Island.  Plus, I want to shoot this gun the way it is for a while and feel all of its style. Thanks again for your guy's relpys.