Plain Jane 1911's
- Thread starter IanS
- Start date
Mil-Spec 1911: Long Live the King
Thanks for all your replies. Let's keep'em coming.
Plain 1911's don't get the attention here on this forum and others compared to more glamourous/high tech autos. But fact is fact. After all these years, a bone stock 1911 is still a top choice for any defense/combat situation you could get into. More than 90 years of service is a testament to its quality and reliability and I doubt any other auto will come close to touching that crown. (But for me it has to bear Sam Colt's name)
I plan to acquire a Colt 1991A1 model (the 1911 re-issue is too pricey and rare) and I tell ya I'm more excited about this one than any Sig, Glock, HK, or fancy Colt 1911 I ever got.
*I'll come back in a few weeks and submit a range report after I get it. Oh-boy Oh boy Oh boy!
Thanks for all your replies. Let's keep'em coming.
Plain 1911's don't get the attention here on this forum and others compared to more glamourous/high tech autos. But fact is fact. After all these years, a bone stock 1911 is still a top choice for any defense/combat situation you could get into. More than 90 years of service is a testament to its quality and reliability and I doubt any other auto will come close to touching that crown. (But for me it has to bear Sam Colt's name)
I plan to acquire a Colt 1991A1 model (the 1911 re-issue is too pricey and rare) and I tell ya I'm more excited about this one than any Sig, Glock, HK, or fancy Colt 1911 I ever got.
*I'll come back in a few weeks and submit a range report after I get it. Oh-boy Oh boy Oh boy!
blades67,
It depends. Being a 1911 what plastic parts are you talking about? If its sights, grips, or even safeties it would be more cosmetic, so no.
dsk,
Yeah, I think there really does seem to be a resurgence in mil-spec 1911's. Why do you think that is? Maybe because there's also been a renewed interest in WWII and all the movies, books, and media events combined with the resurgence in patriotism lately?
A mil-spec* 1911 being a great American symbol like apple pie, a baseball mitt, or a Harley Davidson?
*Let me correct that mil-spec or mil-spec type/looking 1911's.
I got the 1991A1 model (new roll marked 1991's "Gov't Model" not yet available in Calif. anyways) I prefer it since its parkerized and the new ones are blued on the slide.
It depends. Being a 1911 what plastic parts are you talking about?
If its sights, grips, or even safeties it would be more cosmetic, so no.dsk,
Yeah, I think there really does seem to be a resurgence in mil-spec 1911's. Why do you think that is? Maybe because there's also been a renewed interest in WWII and all the movies, books, and media events combined with the resurgence in patriotism lately?
A mil-spec* 1911 being a great American symbol like apple pie, a baseball mitt, or a Harley Davidson?
*Let me correct that mil-spec or mil-spec type/looking 1911's.
I got the 1991A1 model (new roll marked 1991's "Gov't Model" not yet available in Calif. anyways) I prefer it since its parkerized and the new ones are blued on the slide.
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I'll tell you why I suddenly decided I needed one. I've been reading the Mike Hammer novels by Mickey Spillane. Hammer uses his to shoot or pistol-whip somebody on just about every page. After a while, I couldn't resist. I had to have one. Next step is to find a broad like Velda...
Golgo-13, just don't carry the 1911 like Hammer does, hammer at half cock. Not the safest way to pack a 1911. To many chances to slip getting to that condition or getting it cocked.
Piece of advise that I was given once by a retired Texas Ranger, if you are going to swat someone with a 1911 make sure you hit them with everything in front of the trigger guard. When you do, pull the trigger because the pistol is going to go off anyway and you might as well do it on purpose. This advise predated the invention of the Colt Series 80 firing pin safety. It is presented here for intertainment purposes only. Do not try this at home. Striking someone with a 1911 may void any warrentees in effect at the time of the incident. OVWP, YMMV, NLIAS, CCBS, LS/MFT
Piece of advise that I was given once by a retired Texas Ranger, if you are going to swat someone with a 1911 make sure you hit them with everything in front of the trigger guard. When you do, pull the trigger because the pistol is going to go off anyway and you might as well do it on purpose. This advise predated the invention of the Colt Series 80 firing pin safety. It is presented here for intertainment purposes only. Do not try this at home. Striking someone with a 1911 may void any warrentees in effect at the time of the incident. OVWP, YMMV, NLIAS, CCBS, LS/MFT
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
Have 2 in the house, one is an early Series 80 with which I have added a two piece guide rod, extended slide stop, tall front sight and an adjustable rear, plus Pach wraparound grips. Item two is a 1991A1 with Pach wraparounds, arched steel mainspring housing, long steel adjustable trigger and hex screws. Both do well. Also have a 1991A1 Compact which is the only one to have been cut on to add a Kings barrel bushing and dual spring conversion, a Videcki aluminum long trigger, and a Kings beavertail safety. That was for the wife and it fits her well. It seems as reliable as the Government models, but I still prefer the weight and balance on the GM's, and have had at least one around the house for over 30 years.
David and anyone else who's got a 1991A1,
I'll be able to pick up my Colt 1991A1 soon and I'd like to keep modifications to a minimum. Here are the things I'm considering and I'd like your thoughts on them.
1. Paint front sight with hobby paint. What color works best in broad daylight and dim light? White? Red? Orange?
2. Arched mainspring housing
3. Ebony checkered diamond grips (maybe)
4. Bevel mag well
5. Shooting Star 8 round mags
I'll be able to pick up my Colt 1991A1 soon and I'd like to keep modifications to a minimum. Here are the things I'm considering and I'd like your thoughts on them.
1. Paint front sight with hobby paint. What color works best in broad daylight and dim light? White? Red? Orange?
2. Arched mainspring housing
3. Ebony checkered diamond grips (maybe)
4. Bevel mag well
5. Shooting Star 8 round mags
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
Ian11, my newest Series 80 is set up to my own personal preferences, and nothing wrong with what you are wanting to try, either. Some folks get themselves frustrated when they start cutting into the slide or frame, or "polish" parts to the point where they are seriously out of specifications for good function. Drop in parts are nice because if you don't like them, you can put the old part back! I personally like steel arched mainspring housings because they tend to balance a bit better in my hand, and I have long fingers, so the long trigger works well for me. I have used the Pach wraparounds for so long that a 45 feels funny to me with standard grips. I've had one set for so long that the diamonds molded into them are nearly worn smooth.
I have a couple of shooting star 8-round mags which stay loaded and have been that way for 10+ years, and they still work as they should. I have not tried the bevelled mag wells, but once again, I would think about the add on style, rather than having the frame sawed on. If your 1991 is of fairly recent manufacture, you will have the grooved feed ramp on the barrel. It seems to really help feeding lead loads, particularly the light 155 grain semi wadcutters. My older Series 80 needed some polishing to achieve reliability. The strides Colt has made to tighten their product is commendable!
I have a couple of shooting star 8-round mags which stay loaded and have been that way for 10+ years, and they still work as they should. I have not tried the bevelled mag wells, but once again, I would think about the add on style, rather than having the frame sawed on. If your 1991 is of fairly recent manufacture, you will have the grooved feed ramp on the barrel. It seems to really help feeding lead loads, particularly the light 155 grain semi wadcutters. My older Series 80 needed some polishing to achieve reliability. The strides Colt has made to tighten their product is commendable!
Ian11
If your current mainspring housing is steel, have I got a deal for you. I have an add on beveled mag well that also replaces your mainspring housing with an arched steel one (all this is one piece) that I will trade you for yours. I won this part at an IPSC shoot, put it on one of my guns, realized that a beveled mag well was BS and now I don't remember what I did with my factory mainspring housing. It has been on my gun for 10 years. Get back to me.
One more thing. In my never opionion, painting your sights is a mistake. This will cause glare on your sights preventing you from getting a sharp, clear sight picture.
My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it, but I think you should scrap all the ideas except possibly the grips and leave the gun alone.
If your current mainspring housing is steel, have I got a deal for you. I have an add on beveled mag well that also replaces your mainspring housing with an arched steel one (all this is one piece) that I will trade you for yours. I won this part at an IPSC shoot, put it on one of my guns, realized that a beveled mag well was BS and now I don't remember what I did with my factory mainspring housing. It has been on my gun for 10 years. Get back to me.
One more thing. In my never opionion, painting your sights is a mistake. This will cause glare on your sights preventing you from getting a sharp, clear sight picture.
My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it, but I think you should scrap all the ideas except possibly the grips and leave the gun alone.
David,
Yeah, Let's hear it for Colt! I didn't think I'd go back to 1911's but Colt's recent productions has brought me back. No Kimber or Springfield could have done that. I know its silly to a lot of others but for me a 1911 has to be a Colt. Good things are happening at Hartford and its about time! Maybe the phoenix is about to rise out of its ashes? Lets hope so for this American Icon.
As for the mag well... tack on parts that take away from its plain looks isn't part of the game plan so I'll modify if its REALLY needed. I may do the steel/aluminum trigger and MSH but I'm a Glock fan too so plastic doesn't bother me THAT much
444,
The less mods I feel I will need to make on my 1991A1 the more I will love my Colt. I do hope to retain its plain good looks for this is my "mil-spec" 1911.
When the new rollmarked Gov't Model 1991A1 becomes available in California that will my "Project Gun" to which I will slowly tack on those bells and whistles.
Thanks
Yeah, Let's hear it for Colt! I didn't think I'd go back to 1911's but Colt's recent productions has brought me back. No Kimber or Springfield could have done that. I know its silly to a lot of others but for me a 1911 has to be a Colt. Good things are happening at Hartford and its about time! Maybe the phoenix is about to rise out of its ashes? Lets hope so for this American Icon.
As for the mag well... tack on parts that take away from its plain looks isn't part of the game plan so I'll modify if its REALLY needed. I may do the steel/aluminum trigger and MSH but I'm a Glock fan too so plastic doesn't bother me THAT much
444,
The less mods I feel I will need to make on my 1991A1 the more I will love my Colt. I do hope to retain its plain good looks for this is my "mil-spec" 1911.
When the new rollmarked Gov't Model 1991A1 becomes available in California that will my "Project Gun" to which I will slowly tack on those bells and whistles.
Thanks
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
I tell you true, Ian11, the difference between my Colts is like night and day. The tightness of the slide and frame, the fit of the barrel and general fit of the parts is as it should have been. I know this is a reason people went to Kimber, so I think it was a good thing to have the competition in the end. Just for the record, I did get a Kings oversized bushing and fitted it to my old 1911, and it made a world of difference in the accuracy. I have replaced the bushing every 20K or so, and it has really served me well. I'd like to see what it would take to really wear it out, but I think I might have to have my son do that-just don't have enough years in my life left! I do wish that Colt would make a plain Jane 1911 with a good blue job on it, but might just have to treat my new guy to a major polishing job and a royal blue finish.
AC's & 45's
New member
I used to like plain pickup trucks and fancy guns.
These days I am going the other way, plain guns and fancier pickup trucks. Two things ain't changed though, Ford Trucks and 1911's in .45ACP.
These days I am going the other way, plain guns and fancier pickup trucks. Two things ain't changed though, Ford Trucks and 1911's in .45ACP.