Let's build a 1911

[P89]

Looking for input from all the people who have hot rodded there 1911's.
What parts did you use and why?

Here's where I'm getting at with this.
I recently sold a 1911 that I had put together from parts years ago. So I have some cash on hand, but I don't want to blow the bundle. The one that is left is a bone stock Colt series 80. Help me tweek it.

[d90king]

Looking for input from all the people who have hot rodded there 1911's.
What parts did you use and why?

Here's where I'm getting at with this.
I recently sold a 1911 that I had put together from parts years ago. So I have some cash on hand, but I don't want to blow the bundle. The one that is left is a bone stock Colt series 80. Help me tweek it.

What is your definition of "tweek" ? Do you want to do it yourself or send it to a master smith?


Here is my definition of "tweek"

[Lucas]

I can understand where you're coming from on this one. I'd love to build a hot rod 1911 from a bare frame, but I lack the knowledge of parts fitment to have it be reliable. The 1911 is so simple that it is complicated to the inexperienced.

Starting with a complete gun in definitely an easier route. "Drop in" or very easily fit parts can completely change the feel of a gun.

[P-11 shooter]

Personally, if it were me I'd just buy an STI and call it a day.

[pred]

It depends what you want to do with it, They are like tinker toys, Most parts will fint into a good frame with little or no custom work, But other parts will need a bit of Smithing.
A good frame can be got for about 200, as far as what parts you want to use is all up to your liking.

Just Parts,
5 min later it goes bang!

These parts were from a few 1911s, they all fit well, if you want to tune it have a Smith do it for you or be prepared to toss a few parts into the recycle bin.
FUNFUNFUN

Peter.

[Suburban]

Need more information.

For competition? Single Stack, Limited 10, Bullseye, ESP, CDP, or a combination? The rules are all different on what you can use.

Defense pistol?

Do you prefer single or double-stack mags?

[P89]

King,
Definition of tweeked: Trigger, compensator (maybe), and to cure the minor issues I've read about the series 80...what those are right at the moment escapes me, I'll have to go find my big book of 1911's.

Lucas,
I hear you loud and clear. The one I got rid of was built from a bare Elite frame with parts bought, given to me, swapped, scrounged from sources unknown...it worked but not very well. Then I got a smith involved and he basically told me tear it back down and rebuild frame up. Didn't have the $$ to start replacing things so he did the best he could.

P-11,
If I had the $$ right now that wouldn't be a bad route to go.

Pred,
That's just too damn cool.

Suburban,
It's basically a target, defense piece...I already have a ton of single stack mags.

I'd like to do all the work myself. I've torn them down but fumble with parts.
If minor smithing is needed that's not a problem...I have a bridgeport and know how to use it.
Thanks for the input guys...keep it coming.

[Lycanthrope]

I wouldn't comp a .45 ACP. Not really enough pressure to run it.

Avoid the series 80 altogether.......

As for the other parts...the Kart EZ fit barrel and tool kit works well and looks pretty easy.

Here is the best drop in trigger group you can get:

http://www.1911store.com/tunedtrigge...proseries.aspx

I like Ed Brown or Wilson safeties and the SVI triggers with changeable inserts.

Lycandoeseverythingbutbarrelsthrope

[pred]

P89,
With what I have tinkered with I can tell you the most important part is the frame, If you can find a nice used Colt frame with good straight holes, Nearly any good quality part will drop right in, The issues begin with ovaled holes in old frames, or worn pins.
I have swapped 5" Govt slides and barrrels with onto 3 1/2" officers frames with no issues at all, Taken shooting in all kinds of combos, They all ran fine,
BUT I WILL MENTION that the slickest 1911 I have is a Gold cup National Match, , Tuned by who knows who, 2 1/2lb trigger with 0 overtravel in trigger.
I cant seem to duplicate the feel of that gun no matter how I try with used Colt parts, There is an art here that I havent figured out in the past couple of years tinkering with the Colt 1911s.
Here is the GCNM

And here is a well tuned Lightweight Commander frame with an Officers slide and barrel.
It is a Hybrid, and I keep it as the two colts, But I ran this to show a pal of mine that it's all okay!

Peter

[Lycanthrope]

You can get a sub 2.5lb pull with the kit I posted....but you need GOOD pins and the frame better be right.

Lycaneverytimethrope