Posted: 1/25/2009 8:00:58 PM EDT
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Well I took the plunge Saturday and purchased my first 1911. My local FFL had a Rock Island full size base model for a good price, so I thought it was a decent place to start and learn about JMB's work of art.
I have a few questions (as I have to wait eight days for Maryland to approve my purchase before I pick it up): I've already heard the Armscor standard magazines have issues, what are some good magazines that will work? I've heard a lot of people say Chip McCormick, and others Wilson Combat. Which ones should I look for? How hard is doing modifications to the 1911 at home? I was thinking really easy stuff like a new trigger, hammer, some sights. Do I have to be a die-hard gunsmith, or is it relatively simple? Any tools I should have to service and dis / re-assemble? Any other random tips? Thanks guys. |
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Mags and 1911s are like a man and a woman. Certain ones like certain ones and others just don't. I'd suggest trying one/some of each and finding a specific model your gun likes and then stick to it as best you can. Chip and Wilson both are great mags.
As far as mods go, well, fit at your own risk, don't blame the gun if you mess it up. The 1911's bad rep as of late is due to manufacturing practices that are not copacetic with the design of the pistol, and people messing with them and being to macho to admit that they could have done something wrong. |
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From Hilton Yam's website:
Magazines 1911 User's Guide Parts and Features 1911 Tool Kit Enjoy. |
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For inexpensive mags Chip McCormick's are good, Wilson Combat mags cost a little more and work well, of course my favs are Tripp Research. I even know people who buy Chip McCormick mags and then later upgrade them with Tripp Research rebuild kits.
As for working on 1911's, they are somewhat simple. The tricky part is that parts have to be fitted to work with each other. For instance if you replace your trigger and hammer, then your old thumb and grip safety may no longer work and will need to be replaced with new parts and fitted to work with your new parts. Of course this is not always the case. Hammer and punches, screwdrivers, dremel tool, gunsmith book. Those are some nice things to have when working on 1911's. |