Well, this was my first experience at tearing a 1911 down. Normally I jus field strip it and clean it and be done with it. I never got into taking the slide apart and the lower b4. So, I know the guys that have done this for years , its pretty elementary to them. This was a first for me, so keep that in mind. Although after doin this, it IS elementary. lol.
Anyways, I decided to take my New in the Box Springfield GI .45 and upgrade a few of the parts.
Here is the list of parts that were replaced:
ILS backstrap - replaced with flat, none lanyard, non ILS one
Firing pin block - replaced with WIlson
Fire pin - Wilson
Sear spring - wilson
Slide release - wilson extended release
Thumb safety - wilson extended safety.
Ill replace the extractor at another date. I liked the USGI look of the hammer and the shorter trigger. I wanted to kinda keep to the theme of the .45 for what it is, the old WWII replica.
Well taking the .45 apart was easy enuff. The only issue I had was with the Wilson Extended Thumb Safety, It wouldnt go in the last lil 1/4 inch or so. After inspecting it carefully, I had to "FIT" it jus a hair with small fine file. This did the trick. Part went in like it was suppose to. The extended slide release is a nice piece as well. Makes dropping slide so much easier. It did not require any fitting.
The extended thumb safety sticks out to the side jus a hair more than id like. Its lenght was fine. If I ever get the gun refinished, ill grind jus a centimeter off the width of it. It is also a "purple" finish to it. Doesnt match the matte finish all that well. I can notice it, but someone else may or may not. No biggie.
Function:
The gun functions flawlessly. The trigger is more crisp , i think this had alot to do with the sear spring being replaced. The slide seems to be easier to pull back, dunno why this is, I didnt touch the recoil spring or anything in the slide except firepin and firepin stop. But im not complaining. lol.
Like I said this is elementary for some ppl, but for me it was a new experience. Ive built ARs plenty of times and it carries over the same principals. Jus gotta take the time and do it right. Anyways, that was my experience. I wont get to the range til sat. so ill see how it shoots , if any difference at all.
Here is pic. The trigger looks shiny, its not its the same finish as rest of .45 jus the flash brightened it up alot.
The extended slide release matches fine, but ya can see the thumbs saftey is purple. lol