1911 Project ideas/cost question

[bluelund79]

I have a Rock Island 1911 that I've enjoyed shooting since I picked it up from here. It's had 750 trouble free rounds through it. However, its the GI model, and I've been collecting parts for awhile with the idea of making it my own, just don't have the guts to start. Any ideas on what else I can add to the "to do" list, besides the parts listed that I already have below? I have already had the stock sights replaced with 3 dot sights (not milled, stock replacements) and replaced the grips. I'm already planning on a trigger upgrade. Any ideas on cost estimates? Besides the obvious big name places to send it off to, are there any TX based 'smiths that are recommended. I'm not opposed to driving the gun a few hours to see the shop and talk to the person/persons who would be doing the work. Thank you in advance.

Wilson Combat Commander Hammer
Wilson Combat Beavertail
Wilson Combat Spring Kit

[hully1029]

get some sweet grips. have it cerakoted some wicked color/pattern. If you plan on keeping it, make it your own. Go crazy with imagination and make it to where you have the only one in the world like it.

[Cajun Blake]

Ambi safety - $60
Extended slide release - $35
Oversize safety - $35
Skeleton lightweight hammer - $55
Skeleton trigger - $30

No clue on GS costs

[dclifton]

I'd add a magwell while you there. Be sure to polish up the trigger internals, along with the spring kit. Night sights?

[bm22]

I gutted a llama 1911 clone, the only parts that are stock are the slide, frame, barrel and firing pin/spring.

How loose is the barrel to barrel bushing fit?

If there is some play that is a very easy upgrad that will help accuracy. Just buy an over sized bushing and take some sand paper to it. Sand on it then try to fit it, keep sanding until you can just get it to fit with a bushing wrench.

Full length two piece guide rod took some of the rattle out of my gun and seemed to make it shoot much better. Thats a drop in part.

U can buy new sear and disconnectors. I dropped some in my gun and it breaks right at 3 lbs.
Another drop in part is a new trigger that has the barbs for taking out the pre-travel.

Skys are endless with a 1911.

[rar15usa1]

Pm sent.

[Coach W]

Eric you've had some very good suggestions so far.

All I'd add is say to install them yourself. Familiarize yourself with your weapon, watch some YouTube vids, phone a friend... Whatever it takes but learning to work on your own guns is not only satisfying its also cost efficient. You are going to take more time and fit things more precisely than most GS... Plus if S ever does really Hit The Fan, your on your own and it would pay ten fold to know how to fix a problem should it occur.

Just a thought. I can't find a good GS in my neck of the woods so I was forced to figure out my own. Just yesterday a friend brought me a bolt action that he had a GS install a timney trigger on... Tons of sear engagement made for a gritty pull, the safety wouldn't work, and the bolt release/catch wouldn't catch the bolt when you pulled it back... GS sent it home with him ready to go... These are very simple things to do and can be done on your own... Without having to pay some boob to mess it up for you. I fixed his rifle in under 10 minutes and he was on his way.

[Tommyh]

Ambi safety - $60
Extended slide release - $35
Oversize safety - $35
Skeleton lightweight hammer - $55
Skeleton trigger - $30

No clue on GS costs

Beavertail grip safety! Slide cuts hurt .

[rar15usa1]

Eric you've had some very good suggestions so far.

All I'd add is say to install them yourself. Familiarize yourself with your weapon, watch some YouTube vids, phone a friend... Whatever it takes but learning to work on your own guns is not only satisfying its also cost efficient. You are going to take more time and fit things more precisely than most GS... Plus if S ever does really Hit The Fan, your on your own and it would pay ten fold to know how to fix a problem should it occur.

Just a thought. I can't find a good GS in my neck of the woods so I was forced to figure out my own. Just yesterday a friend brought me a bolt action that he had a GS install a timney trigger on... Tons of sear engagement made for a gritty pull, the safety wouldn't work, and the bolt release/catch wouldn't catch the bolt when you pulled it back... GS sent it home with him ready to go... These are very simple things to do and can be done on your own... Without having to pay some boob to mess it up for you. I fixed his rifle in under 10 minutes and he was on his way.

Be careful of youtube videos. There is alot of good info and just as much bad info. I fix a lot of guns that people try to do their self. I am not saying that you can't do it. I am saying be careful of the info. There is a lot of people that claim to be an expert and are truly a hack.

[Coach W]

Be careful of youtube videos. There is alot of good info and just as much bad info. I fix a lot of guns that people try to do their self. I am not saying that you can't do it. I am saying be careful of the info. There is a lot of people that claim to be an expert and are truly a hack.

Very true... And kind of my point.. But In reverse some of those gun Smith "experts" are hacks too.

What i hate worse about those you tube videos is the dood talking for 3 minutes before he even picks up the gun... Hey you tube video makers: shut up and show me how to do it already... Your just wasting my time.

[rar15usa1]

I like your thinking Coach.

[bluelund79]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. I had forgotten about the oversize safety. I personally like the bushing and barrel fit, accuracy is good, and that gun feeds/chambers/extracts EVERYTHING. Looks like I need to find a trigger and oversize safety and get started. Only part I'll probably ask for help on will be fitting the beavertail. Much appreciated green screen. rar15usa1, I'll be giving you a holler soon Sir.