Posted: 12/16/2006 9:55:31 PM EDT
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Well, the time has come, and I've decided to quit being a 9mm apologist. I want a decent, affordable 1911 to round out my handgun collection. I know almost nothing about 1911's, so I apologize ahead of time if some of my suggestions aren't possible, but hey, that's what ARFCOM is here for, right?  Basically I want to take a stainless Springfield GI model (http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62529026) and switch the standard stuff out with an extended beavertail safety, a new hammer (Is a commander style hammer possible in this gun?), a new trigger, some alumagrips, and eventually some different sights. So, is all this possible? Am I retarded? What brands do I need to look at for the different parts? Will someone learn me about guiderods? One piece vs. Whatever? Help?!? I've got an extremely competent 1911 gunsmith around here, but before I talk to him I'd like to know at least a little bit of what I'm talking about. Thanks guys.  |
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Just buy the Taurus PT1911. It has everything you want already included with exception of the grips. Not to mention it will save you a few hundred. The reviews have been great and every article i've read about them has had nothing but great things to say. If I didn't get such a deal on my Springer Mil Spec, I would have a PT1911. |
What did you pay for the Mil-spec? I have been quoted 487.00 plus 25.00 for the dealers fees. I think this sounds like a fair price. |
+1
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The Springfield is a good pistol, I cannot speak for the Taurus having never personally owned one, shot one or worked on one. I have worked on and shot several GIs and they are good solid pistols. If you go with a beavertail grips safety you should go with the Smith & Alexander that is made specifically for the Springfield. Once this is done, you will have to use a Commander type hammer. The trigger and grips should not be much of an issue to install. Depending on the type of sights you decide to go with you may have to have the slide machined to fit the new sights. As far as fire control parts are concerned, I really like Ed Brown Hardcore stuff, they have performed very well for me. As far as recoil systems are concerned, I personally prefer the short GI style recoil guide and plug with a 18.5# spring. Good luck, 1911 are great, however, you can become obsessed quick. I started with them when I was 14 and it has not gotten any easier. |
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Why buy a basic pistol and then get that stuff. If you like SA just get a Loaded model and it will already have all the good stuff on it. Match grade barrel Match Trigger Beavertail Grip Safety Extended Safety Novak Night Sights Dehorned for Carry duty probably some stuff I'm forgetting. If you must have a gun smith do all that for you I'd consider buying an older used pistol since you will be rebuilding most of it anyway. I have a SA Loaded as well as a Colt 1911 and the SA beats it out hands down |
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I bought an SA GI, after about a week, I wanted all the stuff the loaded model has on it. I ended up adding a BT and some different grips. With that said, I would go with the Taurus PT1911. I am waiting on the SS version, hopefully when it comes out I will have the monies saved up! It has everything I would want to add, all I will need to do is change the grips to whatever I want. |
There are quite a few people that do not want a cookie cutter pistol that someone they have never met before spec' d. I usually advise people to start out with a basic pistol shoot it and then decide what THEY want to do to the pistol. They may find that they do not like a certain aspect of the loaded pistol and then where do they go? A good basic pistol is a great platform for someone to learn the 1911 on, yes, there is a learning curve to keeping a 1911 running well and reliably. After they have it modified to suit their particular tastes, it truly becomes theirs. I know this is not the cheapest way for someone to go, however, it is the best in my opinion. |