Posted: 10/14/2008 8:25:51 PM EDT
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I have a Springfield GI Champion and I am considering carrying it as my CCW. (I usually carry a S&W model 60 or a Sig P232 for their small size and concealability; if I carry a bigger gun it is my Sig P229.) But, lately I have had the desire to go to the 1911. I am very familiar with the 1911 series pistol since it was my first issue weapon in the military and I currently own three of them (2 SA GI series and a Sistema-1927). My question is: should I have the Champion upgraded a bit for carry? Things like changing the beaver-tail and sights. Trigger pull is decent and it has some nice features already, that my more traditional full size 1911 does not (better barrel and return spring system). I don't mind the GI sights and features on the range, but they are not the easiest to pick up in a hurry. The beaver tail change obviously to avoid hammer bite and perhaps a better grip safety. Or, should I just leave it alone and try carrying it as is? Could anyone recommend a good gunsmith in the Sarasota area of Florida? I looked at the list here, but none are near me. I'd prefer to take the gun in myself and talk to the gunsmith about the job, rather than mailing it away. |
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For a local-ish pistol smith, you might want to try posting in your HTF. For me, sights are paramount. They don't need to be anything fancy, just something that you are comfortable with and can use fairly quickly. If you're going to be replacing the sights, you might as well go for some tritium night sights to make sure your bases are covered. I myself prefer either a Heinie-like two-dot configuration, or just a tritium front. The safeties are a personal preference thing. If you are perfectly comfortable with the factory grip safety, great. If you feel it leaves something to be desired, consider having it swapped out. Don't go overboard on the thumb safety - overly extended safeties may make it easier for something to inadvertantly de-activate it; I myself am a fan of the Ed Brown "tactical" extended safeties; they provide me with a good platform for my shooting thumb while maintaining a slim enough profile with no excess to ensure it stays where I put it. If you're not a lefty, an ambi safety may also be more of a liability, as now your safety is exposed on your non-body side. |