I just bought a springfield 1911 A1 mil spec and have been thinking about some upgrades for it. It is advertised as having a match grade barrel on it from the factory. One of the upgrades I was thinking about was a wilson combat barrel but was wondering if that would be a waste of money if the gun already has a match grade barrel. Im new to 1911s and this is my first 1911. I also plan on a trigger job and polishing the feed ramp. Just wondering if the wilson combat barrel will be worth the investment. Let me know what you all think and if there are any other mods you would recommend. I dont want to change the appearance at all as I want to keep the mil spec look so im just interested in upgrades to the internals of the gun
Springfield 1911 A1 mil spec barrel
- Thread starter Kingcuda
- Start date
g.willikers
New member
Just ignore all those advertisements wanting to sell you stuff for your 1911.
It shoots just fine as it is.
Probably far better than most people could do with every modification in the catalogs.
Spend your dough on ammo and get yerself to the range and enjoy your new shooter.
If ever you actually need a better shooter, be prepared to spend from three to five times as much for a little better accuracy.
It shoots just fine as it is.
Probably far better than most people could do with every modification in the catalogs.
Spend your dough on ammo and get yerself to the range and enjoy your new shooter.
If ever you actually need a better shooter, be prepared to spend from three to five times as much for a little better accuracy.
Last edited:
Jim Watson
New member
I notice when they advertise a "match grade barrel" they don't claim it is a "match WINNING grade barrel." If you want that, it is around $350 from Springfield Custom.
But it is good enough for duty, defense, or IDPA and USPSA competition.
Do not just attack the feed ramps with polish.
An unpracticed hand with a Dremel can ruin the gun in a hurry.
But it is good enough for duty, defense, or IDPA and USPSA competition.
Do not just attack the feed ramps with polish.
An unpracticed hand with a Dremel can ruin the gun in a hurry.
A pointless and potentially harmful exercise if the gun functions without any modification to the feed ramp. If there is no symptom that would suggest the feed ramp needs polishing, the only reason a person should do it is to demonstrate that they are impulsive and lack self control.
Obviously one of the joys of a 1911 is sort of making it your own. However, as some have mentioned, without some level of knowledge many of those upgrades can cause problems. Also, be aware that 1911s aren’t like GLOCKs where most parts fit exactly. I’ve heard of several “drop in” parts that had to be fitted to the gun. So, bottom line it’s your gun, but I would suspect the general consensus is to shoot it for awhile and then reevaluate.
Jim Watson
New member
FIRST, I would shoot it enough to see if it had any flaws or faults that might call for warranty work. Get them fixed before you tinker with it.
Then I would have a qualified gunsmith do a trigger job on it.
I have a SA with a 3.75 lb trigger pull on the factory parts. That is light enough for me. Some instructors recommend nothing under 4 but that is still lighter than most factory trigger.
If you are shooting some oddball bullet that needs ramp work for reliable feeding, leave it to the gunsmith.
polyphemus
New member
Yes of course,but whatever you do keep off that feed ramp.
Kreyzhorse
New member
If you aren't having any issues with it and find the trigger to your liking, I'd spend my money on ammo and shoot the hell out of it.
Upgrading on the magazines is one thing, since there's no downside to feeding your 1911 with quality mags.
But a mere 50-rds fired tells you ZERO about the gun's accuracy or reliability. Run at least 400-rds of decent factory ball ammo thru it first, and then start figuring out what it needs (or doesn't need).
You knew sight were small Because it a mil spec So why buy the mil spec. A simple step up would probably been cheaper . I hope you had a custom barrel bushing made . Not just bought another over counter . Slide stop I will replace if comes with a extended one . I like the original size not some longer one.
I see no real reason to change a lot If a carry pistol. All of them more than accurate enough for self defense . I have a 1911 Colt USGI made 1941. Set up for carry late 1980's . Larger fixed sights . Had a shot out barrel. Replaced barrel . Trigger was to my liking .So left pistol alone other than the sights and barrel . I have a DW and several Colts. But I still like to carry that old Colt . KISS works
I see no real reason to change a lot If a carry pistol. All of them more than accurate enough for self defense . I have a 1911 Colt USGI made 1941. Set up for carry late 1980's . Larger fixed sights . Had a shot out barrel. Replaced barrel . Trigger was to my liking .So left pistol alone other than the sights and barrel . I have a DW and several Colts. But I still like to carry that old Colt . KISS works
When/before I bought my SA mil-spec I had Huge plans to upgrade . Then I shot it .
10 yards off hand and for me this is pretty good , not sure what your expectations are .
It's very tough for me to justify spending money on upgrades when I shoot the firearm that well . I can't imagine any upgrades will show a noticeable difference . That said The sights are not all that great and the trigger could be a bit crisper but hell compared to a Glock or XD the trigger is fantastic
I agree with others that you should shoot it more before any upgrades . The pic above was only the 2nd mag ever shot from the firearm so maybe I got a good one . The other thing to consider is if you can shoot well enough to notice if upgrades are needed . I have found it's much harder to buy your way to accuracy then just learning how to shoot accurately .
10 yards off hand and for me this is pretty good , not sure what your expectations are .
It's very tough for me to justify spending money on upgrades when I shoot the firearm that well . I can't imagine any upgrades will show a noticeable difference . That said The sights are not all that great and the trigger could be a bit crisper but hell compared to a Glock or XD the trigger is fantastic
I agree with others that you should shoot it more before any upgrades . The pic above was only the 2nd mag ever shot from the firearm so maybe I got a good one . The other thing to consider is if you can shoot well enough to notice if upgrades are needed . I have found it's much harder to buy your way to accuracy then just learning how to shoot accurately .
