Posted: 11/27/2008 6:54:32 PM EDT
I bought an old Mark IV Series 70 Colt with the express intent of going full custom. Possibly retro, I had some ideas of what I want. But after having it sitting around for months without shooting it (?!), I took it to the range to wring out with some other new acquisitions (non 1911, and so will not be discussed here  ).
This it turns out, may (or may not!) have been a huge mistake. The pistol ROCKS, and I'm now tempted to leave it almost exactly as it is. I'd like to work it into my carry rotation. I'm a lefty, so I need an ambi safety. I've got a nice set of Ed Brown extended combat safeties, they'll do nicely. But they need to be fitted, so while it goes to the 'smith, how much further should I go? Things I'd planned (during full custom). Checkering front strap. Flat mainspring housing. Beaver tail (maybe). Heine sights (tritium, rear sight "the ledge").The stock sights work fine for me at the range, but I do have a preference for night sights on a combat pistol. And the standard internals (probably a Kart barrel with fitted bushing, and whatever other high quality internal components normally used by the builder). And a high polish blue job. Already got a set of stag grips that will stay, but they need to be milled for the safeties. So now I've gotta make some decisions, Do I have the safeties installed, milling the grips, and call it a day? Do I still go with the sights I wanted? This would require milling the slide. So it'll need refinishing. Maybe I get the front strap checkered too, and get the high polish blue? I actually think I want to keep the stock hammer, grip safety and rounded mainspring housing. But with the rest of the mods, should I go further? I know it's up to me, but it's sitting waiting and I'd like a bit of input to help me decide. Any thoughts? |
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1. beaver tail- need
2. good sights-need (heinies would be great) 3. checkering frontstrap and MSH- need for carry use 4. Trigger and trigger group modification- I didn't see a comment about this, it's a must do if not up to snuff.. other options are just addition if you want to do them, probably need a refinish after the sights so send it to Glenrock Blueing for a great bluing job.. http://www.gunbluing.com/ |
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Now where have I seen that picture before?????? 
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Thanks guys. SGB, that picture is certainly worth a thousand words! And Jason's advice is sage also.
Thing is, I've actually considered getting another Series 70 to customize, just to keep this one near stock. It feels that right. And as for needing the beaver tail, I'm not so certain. All my other 1911's have them, but it shot great as is. Still, I did buy it to go the custom route.... Think I'll have a talk with Marianne Carniak and see what she's got to say... |
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Think I'll have a talk with Marianne Carniak and see what she's got to say... Marianne will give you what you want. She'll point out options that you'll have. She may even know someone that is selling one of her dad's worked on 1911's and you could go that route. So basically the decision is your to make, then Marianne will work her magic on it. I missed living close enouph to go to see Marianne for my 1911 work. She is still working magic on one of my springfield full railed 1911's. I almost can't wait until she is done, but I know that magic touch can't be rushed. |
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Quoted:
1. beaver tail- need 2. good sights-need (heinies would be great) 3. checkering frontstrap and MSH- need for carry use 4. Trigger and trigger group modification- I didn't see a comment about this, it's a must do if not up to snuff.. other options are just addition if you want to do them, probably need a refinish after the sights so send it to Glenrock Blueing for a great bluing job.. http://www.gunbluing.com/ Not everyone NEEDS a beaver tail and checkering. Some people even get by quite nicely with stock sights. I started in on a Springfield GI and I found out I NEEDED very little and actually got by on about $100 worth of stuff. After you get it handling and shooting to your satisfaction, everything else is just bling. |
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Quoted:
I bought an old Mark IV Series 70 Colt with the express intent of going full custom. Possibly retro, I had some ideas of what I want. But after having it sitting around for months without shooting it (?!), I took it to the range to wring out with some other new acquisitions (non 1911, and so will not be discussed here  ).
This it turns out, may (or may not!) have been a huge mistake. The pistol ROCKS, and I'm now tempted to leave it almost exactly as it is. I'd like to work it into my carry rotation. I'm a lefty, so I need an ambi safety. I've got a nice set of Ed Brown extended combat safeties, they'll do nicely. But they need to be fitted, so while it goes to the 'smith, how much further should I go? Things I'd planned (during full custom). Checkering front strap. Flat mainspring housing. Beaver tail (maybe). Heine sights (tritium, rear sight "the ledge").The stock sights work fine for me at the range, but I do have a preference for night sights on a combat pistol. And the standard internals (probably a Kart barrel with fitted bushing, and whatever other high quality internal components normally used by the builder). And a high polish blue job. Already got a set of stag grips that will stay, but they need to be milled for the safeties. So now I've gotta make some decisions, Do I have the safeties installed, milling the grips, and call it a day? Do I still go with the sights I wanted? This would require milling the slide. So it'll need refinishing. Maybe I get the front strap checkered too, and get the high polish blue? I actually think I want to keep the stock hammer, grip safety and rounded mainspring housing. But with the rest of the mods, should I go further? I know it's up to me, but it's sitting waiting and I'd like a bit of input to help me decide. Any thoughts? I think you should go with your gut and go the more "retro" route. You've shot it and state that she's damn near perfect now. Keep what works; improve those features in the way of comfort and personal ergonomics. I would treat the gun to better sights with a night sight up front only. Treat the front strap to 25 or 30lpi checkering with the front strap recontoured. Keep the barrel and see about a refit and crown with a King's or EGW bushing. Possibly tighten the slid to frame fit. Clean and straighten all lines. As for the hammer and grip safety, what about geting a traditional wide spur hammer and having a reduction/treatment performed to reduce the chance of hammer-bite, but maintain the original clean and classic lines? Get a nice deep blue finish and some quality wood stocks. |
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Quoted:
1. beaver tail- need 2. good sights-need (heinies would be great) 3. checkering frontstrap and MSH- need for carry use 4. Trigger and trigger group modification- I didn't see a comment about this, it's a must do if not up to snuff.. other options are just addition if you want to do them, probably need a refinish after the sights so send it to Glenrock Blueing for a great bluing job.. http://www.gunbluing.com/ Not everyone NEEDS a beaver tail and checkering. Some people even get by quite nicely with stock sights. I started in on a Springfield GI and I found out I NEEDED very little and actually got by on about $100 worth of stuff. After you get it handling and shooting to your satisfaction, everything else is just bling. If he's going to the trouble to send it to a smith for the ambi safety, he might as well have some work done to make it easier to handle and pick up the sight picture. Beaver tail and checkering for sure( unless he wants the retro skateboard tape) Handling, trigger and sights make all the difference. |
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Repeated for the uninformed. "... We have long maintained that the only accessories that a 1911 needs are a trigger you can manage, sights that you can see, and a dehorning job. That still goes." ~Jeff Cooper While technically in it's purest form (defensive shooting) it may not be necessary, I would also add a beavertail to that. I know it's not a necessity for everyone, but for those that do need them, it is most definitely a necessity for extended range sessions. Oh, and ...... 
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