I'm sure this has been discussed somewhere in the past, but for the new and uninitiated (me), what does fluff and buff mean and what does in entail?  Is it "breaking in" the gun, and/or is it some gunsmithing (e.g., polishing the feed ramp, etc)?  How are folks accomplishing these tasks?  Equipment, etc?  Thanks for your responses and patience with a newbie!

You've got the right idea. Many would probably think most quality 1911's don't need a fluff & buff. Many would also say it will be self performed by shooting the weapon several hundred times.

One interesting detailed report of an f&b can be seen in a link in the Kel Tec forum (the P3AT is a prime example of a weapon that benefits tremendously from a f&b).

Was going to link an article on F&B on a 1911 for you, but I only end up with their home page. Try a google search "fluff and buff 1911" and you should come up with the right thing....

I've done at least a minor "fluff" on every pistol I've bought.

Most of the time a Detail strip and cleaning will reveal numerous rough edges , burrs ,
and nicks on moving parts or internal frame edges.

A very light touch with needle files , emery cloth and steel wool does a LOT to
smooth things up.

Generally , this does not mean working on the trigger group, just other parts
which move or bear on moving parts.

I DONT use power tools.