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Upgrading a Springfield 1911 A1

peahi2​

The only thing I will be adding is LOK grips. So, far with the addition of the grips I have $280 for everything. Not sure may add bull barrel after shooting it for a while and if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. This will be my first real outing with a 1911, I have been a striker fired handgun enthusiast for many years.
Now take the following as adding a little levity to my post:
“I looked around this thread and realized I’m the only sane man not trying to buy a 1911 that comes with its own payment plan.”
 

peahi2​

The only thing I will be adding is LOK grips.
So, far with the addition of the grips I have $280 for everything.
Not sure may add bull barrel after shooting it for a while and if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Ouch!
$280 for grips?
Or was that for the gun and the grips?

This will be my first real outing with a 1911, I have been a striker fired handgun enthusiast for many years.
1911 is different in that parts normally have to be fitted to work correctly.
For example, you can't just "drop-in" a fire control parts set and expect it to work like you can in most striker fired polymer pistols.
If you change the sear/hammer, figure on a new safety or re-fitting the existing safety as well.
The safety should hold the sear solid so it can not move when the safety is engaged.
New safeties come oversized and will not fit into the frame with the sear in the frame until fitted to the frame and the sear.
 
I’m all for putting the big bucks coming ahead for your customized loaded target into an off the shelf Les Baer.
 
Had fun upgrading two of my 1911's.

Springfield GI and RIA 9mm. Both have the original frame, slide and barrel. Everything else was replaced. Extreme Engineering ignition sets and mostly EGW bits. The GI also went out for a Novak gold bead front sight and gunkote over parkerizing finish.

bKviaf8h.jpg


XwYVVPih.jpg
 
Ouch!
$280 for grips?
Or was that for the gun and the grips?


1911 is different in that parts normally have to be fitted to work correctly.
For example, you can't just "drop-in" a fire control parts set and expect it to work like you can in most striker fired polymer pistols.
If you change the sear/hammer, figure on a new safety or re-fitting the existing safety as well.
The safety should hold the sear solid so it can not move when the safety is engaged.
New safeties come oversized and will not fit into the frame with the sear in the frame until fitted to the frame and the sear.
Like we are discovering with my 1911a1 9mm we were fitting thursday
 
This is mine as it sits now. All the work was done by me and the Springfield Custom shop. I installed a Cyl&slide ignition set, hammer, STI trigger, Chain Link MSH with magwell and extended mag release. Springfield flush cut and crowned barrel, chain link cut front strap, FO front sight, blended magwell and did the coating. I've had this gun for over ten years and 10k rounds and still enjoy shooting it.
SA91.webp
 
I did a bit of stuff to my Mil-spec. Started off by fitting an EB concealment grip safety, EB MS housing, C&S ignition kit, EB thumb safety, Colt forged slide stop and Harrison Design smooth faced trigger. Gave it a slight carry bevel, polished the feed ramp and barrel and had my local smith bead blast it. Sent the slide to John Harrison for his gold bead front sight and retro "U" notch rear. Barrel fit is excellent and the slide to frame has only a small amount of play. Gun shoots great and has been 100% reliable.

JzRhH3z.jpg
 
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