It's time for revive my 1911

[mlk18]

I have a bastard 1911 .45 created for me by the U.S. Army and a gunsmith back in the early '70s. From sending off serial numbers and proof marks, this is what I know. The frame is 1918 Colt and was military issue, the slide is 194X Ithaca and was also military issue. The gun in it's present form was made from parts by some U.S. Army armorer. It was "brought home" by a veteran who had it hot blued. My Dad acquired it in the early '70s and had a gunsmith install Bomar adjustable rear sights, with a staked and silver soldered front sight. He touched up the blue and installed a new barrel. I got it from my Dad in the late '80s and all I have done is put on a set of Pachmayer grips and replace the magazines. But I think it's due to be revived or rebuilt. I have an extended safety lever and mag release that I am going to install. But also want a beaver tail grip safety, commander hammer and matching sear, adjustable trigger, match grade barrel bushing and full length guide rod. I have some experience working on handguns and am confident that I can do some, if not all, of the work myself (an armorers video is on the way). Which parts should I avoid installing myself? Which companies make the best drop in parts for the money? Chip McCormick parts seems like the best value, good? Bad? Also what other small parts, pieces, springs should I replace? All said and done I am planning on sending it in to Mac's Gunkote. Thanks for your advice.

mlk18

 

[blades67]

Replace all the pins with Ed Brown parts, which I prefer over all others for their durability. Replace the mainspring with an 18 pound spring when you replace the hammer and sear. This will give you a better trigger feel and add to the life of the sear.

 

[Art Eatman]

First, personal opinion: I like Hallock's book on the 1911. It shows the angles for the sear and hammer, when you stone them. It shows the shape of the leaves of the sear spring. Plus lots of other stuff with photos and drawings on the "how to".

I don't like the full length guide rod. I've never had a bit of trouble with the standard deal, back when I was quite active in IPSC, years ago.

The only "file and fit" of your deal is the beavertail grip safety. My personal preference is the flat-tailed Colt piece, but that's just me. It is a drop-in, however.

I have a grooved adjustable trigger on one of my pets, but I've taken a Dremel to the front of it, reducing the grooving.

If your magazines feed okay, you don't need to replace them. I have everything from unused WW II stuff to very-well-used IPSC homemade 8-round magazines.

Best luck,

Art