1991A1 Project

H

HankL

New member
Ok, I was holding on to one of these
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and have held it NIB not even racked the slide as I thought it might make a nice gift etc. later on but after reading here and other places about the low opinion that is held for this pistol I picked up this
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bag of parts.

I'm not planning to do any external metal work on the pistol. Is there any reason not to proceed with this??? Future collector value, sloppy internal dimensions etc.

The bags of parts consist of, in no particular order: Wilson's Bullet Proof series 80 extractor, safety, slide release ,Speed Chute and mag release. Novak low mount rear sight that is supposed to be cool with the stock front.
:rolleyes: Some very nice looking trigger and series 80 parts from Cyl. & Slide. Finishing up are a trigger that is not plastic, some grip screws ,a Kings drop in grip safety which I have already figured out that needs a little work to mate with the hammer and as purty a set of "RED RASBERRY" Ahrends grips as you would ever like to see.
 
Can't figure out why people have a low opinion of the 1991A1. Mine is as good as any for the price-of course, I got mine when they first came out for $390.00. Did a few tune-up tricks, similar to what you have, with the addition of a Chip McCormick matched combat hammer/sear set. The gun is a pretty good shooter-sure did shut up my friend with the Norinco who bragged about his gun "outgrouping any Colt series 80 made". Also sorta embarassed him on about the 3rd magazine, when my Colt was merrily popping off rounds while he cussed and pulled at his slide, trying to clear a jam. Build your gun, man-you'll like it.
 
I hear ya, Rocklobster. I bought a matte stainless 1991a1 about a year ago. It's been an excellent pistol and the price was very reasonable.
 
I doubt the 1991 series will have much collector value. They were Colt's attempt to compete with the low cost clones. That being said, customize all you want, you are not destroying a valuable antique.
 
You were correct in assuming that the 1991 would make a good gift. Gee, I sure wish I had one like that ;)

Have fun with your project.

--Todd Dow
 
Here is where I am at this point.
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One observation, Drop In grip safety was drop in only due to not having to radius the frame. I'm still tweeking. Having fun so far.
 
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HankL,

Your image did not appear on the post regarding where you were so far. Your original post with image are viewable. Could be a glitch on my end??? Sounds like a cool project.

For those in search of optics, S.W.F.A. has some open box specials from the latest Shot Show at http://www.samplelist.com/.

Rigby
 
Rigby, The problem wasn't on your end, I think that I have it right now.

I finished up my little project just now. The pistol looks the same as above except I cold blued the grip safety. The grip safety was the only part that took more than a few minutes to fit. First, it did not fit in the frame smoothly so that took some time with files and an ink marker and secondly the relief for the hammer was too small for the hammer I had chosen. I made pretty short work of that with a Dremel and Heatless wheel.

The Cylinder & Slide Tactical Match trigger pull kit and Series 80
pull reduction kit were a big HIT! While costing some bucks, they enabled an average home gun tinkerer to get a 4 1/2 lb. trigger pull that is very crisp and also passed all of the safety checks, on the first try. :)

The next installment will be in Range Reports soon, I hope
 
I've put about 4000rds threw My Colt 1991A1 and haven't had a "Gun" malfunction or breakage. Ever since I started using Wilsons Combat mags I haven't seen a jam in 2000rds.

Hey... It's a Colt 45!:D
 
I got a new/used '91, and used it as a basis for a full custom. I couldn't be happier with the results, and don't think you could go wrong by customizing your '91 to your heart's content.
 
the fun thing

Is the "before and after"....and if someone asks "why"....the answer is " because I can".....no other explanation is necessary...have fun and keep us abreast of the piece when your'e finished.....
 
I forgot that Range Reports is now Lock and Load .
I made a short post over there about how well pleased I am with the outcome of this project.

To sum it up, I fired 30 magazines full with zero malfunctions. I feel sure that the stock in the box 1991 would have done the same with good magazines. The trick is that the little pistol performed to perfection after I dropped in all of the drop in parts :D and I now have a fine Colt pistol that does not have a plastic trigger or mainspring housing. It only cost a few bucks ;) to create a "one of a kind" pistol.

Thank you all for indulging my ramblings and your support of my carrying out this little project.

edited to add shameless parting shot
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Instead of starting a new thread on this issue, I decided to dig this thread up.

I just got done putting new sights on my Colt 1991A1 and did my first complete disassemble.:D After about 6000rds I thought it would be a good idea to learn how to take it ALL apart. These guns are easier to take apart than I thought.

Have any of you reduced trigger pull on your Colt 1991A1? I think the trigger is the next thing to get replaced.

What is actually done to a 1911 to reduce trigger pull? I'd like to get mine down to about 4.5lbs. Other than that I'm going to keep this plain vanilla.
 
Sodapop, you can buy one of those kits like Hank did. I haven't tried them but they sound pretty good. I don't give trigger advice so I'd recommend that you get Pistolsmithing by George Nonte or Hallock's .45 Handbook. Both cover 1911 trigger work very well. George
 
SodaPop, You could get George or another good pistolsmith to do what you want done to your pistol for less than I paid for the 2
C&S kits. From Brownell's the Tactical Match trigger pull kit was
$116.50, the Series 80 trigger pull reduction kit was $46.00 and the trigger itself was $19.95. Add in around $55.00 for Kuhnhausen's shop manuals and you are up to $237.45.

BTW, the Novak rear did work with the stock front. Shoots to point of aim at 25 ft.

HTH
 
I know I could "replace" the trigger, but I don't "trust" myself with doing any trigger pull reduction.

I've been dealing with one gunsmith for years now but I've finally decided to move on. I found out (after taking my Colt 1991A1 to another gunsmith) that the last guy accidentally polished the mag catch on my pistol, and not just the feed ramp.:mad: He took a good junk out of the thing.:mad: And now I find out a year later.


I heard there is a pretty good smith up near Doylestown, PA. I may call them and just drive up. I kinda don't like dealing with people without talking to them face to face. Except you guys.:D
 
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