Customize a Loaded Springfield 1911?

[Johnny Lightning]

I have a loaded parkerized Springfield 1911 that needs to have a couple of things fixed and while it is in the shop I was considering having some custom work done to get it to the next level. First here are the problems:

1. With the slide locked back and w/ a full mag, when the slide is released it will not go fully into battery.
2. When riding the slide into battery unloaded there is a "bump" that can hold the slide back to the point that it will need a little shove to get it to go into battery.
3. I have noticed that the spent casings have a dent a third of the way down the casing.
4. I installed an adjustable Springfield Armory Novac rear sight that now has a loose sight blade.

Keep in mind that this 1911 has been 100% reliable but has a couple of quirks I would like to have worked out. What customizations would you have done to increase accuracy and functionality if being used for range work and an occasional IDPA competition or two. I will definately have a gold bead front sight installed while there but am not sure if I will go further or not. I have also been considering saving my $$$ for a new Les Baer PremierII or used Ed Brown/Wilson. Is the extra custom work worth it or should I just fix what needs to be fixed and save up for a higher end 1911?

 

[skipsan]

Re: the gold bead. I've become a convert to a gold bead front sight and all new acquisitions either come equipped, or get the bead added. All gold beads are not created equal however.

My preference is a hemispherical bead with the bead being the full width of the front sight. Also, the top of the bead must be flush with the top of the sight post. I favor the bead because my old eyes can't see the top of the post, and if the bead isn't at the top of the post, there's a built-in error to the sight set-up. Not all mfgrs agree with me. One mfgr in Arkansas installs the bead a third of the way down the post. They insist their installation is "correct". I can't shoot this pistol for crap. The other mfgr in Arkansas installs the bead at the top of post, to my liking, and in my hands, this pistol shoots just fine.

Jist make sure you know what you want, and make sure you're getting it that way.

 

[boricua9mm]

If you don't have any burrs or other roughness on the frame,slide rails, and underside of the slide, and the disconnector head isn't mangled, I'd guess you need a new recoil spring. Is the slide really easy to retract?

We gun folk tend to over-think these things.

 

[WC145]

Who's doing the work on it? My parkeraized Loaded had a few issues, I contacted Springfield and they sent me a return tag and fixed everything on my list and then some.

 

[Johnny Lightning]

Im having Springfield Armory do the work since it is a full warrenty and like you said WC145 they even pay for shipping and often do some extras. I havnt called yet since I want to see what everyone thinks about either having more work done to it or just having it fixed and saving up for another higher end 1911 and accepting the Springfield the way it is.

 

[bdb benzino]

1 and 2 don't seem like issues at all if I'm understanding it correctly. 1- you are supposed to sling shot a 1911 as far as I know, and 2 your not supposed to ride the slide forward. Not trying to be rude but if the gun works like its supposed to, it seems you are looking for problems that are not there. Also the pistol will probably smooth out with use. Either way good luck.

 

[Johnny Lightning]

Ok maybe #2 is being a little bit finicky but as far as #1 goes I think I should be able to drop the slide without the "slingshot" method and have it go into battery...all my other pistols do. I don't know about everyone else but I like it when my firearms are running 100% and if they are not they get fixed.

 

[Zerodefect]

I overhand rack 1911's unless I'm down 1 hand/arm or I'm stuck in an improvised position and can't get my support hand over the slide quickly. Overhand racking is just a bit more reliable, especially with a ramp intensive gun like a 1911.

But your problem could be:
-recoil spring, get a Wolff 18.5 and 16 spring.
-dirt
-magazine, get a Tripp
-extractor (especially with a Springy), I have no advice here, need a pro to check the extractor or install a Wilson extractor
-ammo, try other kinds, try Federal 230gn FMJ.

Don't go crazy with custom work. But get it fixed. Maybe upgrade some parts and refinish. I'd avoid custom milling and such. Just get the gun fixed up and keep your custom reciept. Good gunsmithing deos increase value. Plenty of $2200 custom Colts floating around.

 

[451 Detonics]

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