Help me pick my 1911 Mods

[Killermonkey21]

Hello All,

For background information I am 21 years old, active army (artillery, 13D), and an avid pistol fan. My pistol ownership so far has been:
-USP9c w/ LEM Trigger (crap sights, crap trigger)
-SW MP .45 full size (hate the trigger)
-High Standard 1911 Officers model (small, heavy, unreliable)
-Sig P228 (no more 9mm for me, and I hate DA/SA triggers)
-Glock 22 gen 2 (currently my IPSC gun, no complaints)
-Glock 23 Gen 3 (currently my everyday carry w/ backstrap reduction)
-SW Model 15-2 (mothers old LA Sheriffs Dept revolver, trigger like a dream)

along with a random assortment of rifles and one shotgun. I recently sold my CETME and my SKS along with some old collectable cards and managed to scrape together enough cash to buy a Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911.





Yes, the roll marks are annoying. Yes, all of the fanboys love "Deagles" and drool because of Counterstrike. And yes, it feels like a true 1911 and I think I'm converted.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wasn't a Glock OR 1911 fan-boy before today, but I think I just found paradise and I haven't even shot it yet (tomorrow, wife willing). It fits the hand perfectly, it has enough heft to be used as a club in the event I run out of ammo, and it has style.

My mission for ya'll is to help me help myself. The gun sits at my hip bone stock. Items of note:
-stainless extended beavertail grip safety. I like it.
-fixed black sights in dovetails. Changing them out for Heinie Straight Eights ASAP.
-Extended slide stop.
-Left side safety only. (I don't like ambi's, sorry)
-Slightly beveled magwell.

My plan was to get a slightly modified 1911 and change the parts I want to change to make it mine. That's where you come in. I don't hardly know anything about 1911 part makers, the pros and cons, or where to look. I ordered some slim line aluma grips and a crossbreed super tuck deluxe for it as I KNEW I wanted those, and the sights, but everywhere else I'm at a loss.

Some areas I need advice in are:
-Beavertail, leave it, or are there better options?
-Mainspring housing. Advantage of flat over arched?
-Long trigger or short trigger? I like the look of the long trigger, but I need to shoot it first to tell if I want the long or short.
-Finish. The gun came with a so-so dark bluing. Anything out there that stands out, but doesn't say "I'm a pimp"? Hard chroming is an option, but I'm kinda meh on that. What about DuraCoat? Or Gunkote? Pros, cons?
-Controls. Good place to order from? Manufacturer?
-Bushings?
-It has the full length guide rod. Pros, cons? Options?
-Magwell. I'm going to be carrying and competing in IPSC. Pros, cons?
-Magazine release. Do they offer an extended version? I have a hard time hitting it while maintaining a firing grip
-A good gunsmith to send it off to if I have to? I have one local that has a good rep, but he might be backlogged
-What are my options for getting rid of those rollmarks? Beadblasting?

If you can think of anything I'm missing please feel free to offer advice. I want this fine weapon to be mine, but that doesn't mean I can't ask for directions from ya'll, right?

I'm going to the range with 500 rounds of BVAC 230 grain FMj, 100 rounds of WWB 230 grn FMJ, 50 rounds of Ranger t-series JHP, 50 rounds of Speer gold dot 230 grn JHP, and 20 rounds of PDX-1 230 grn JHP for break-in and overall reliability testing (no I am not going to try to shoot 720 rounds through it tomorrow, I make E-6 next month then maybe I'll blow through $250 worth of ammo)

I appreciate any and all info you 1911 aficionados can provide. Thanks.

-SGT (P) John V.

 

[Joe Demko]

Until you've really, seriously shot it, you shouldn't be worrying about mods. The main thing a 1911 should bring to the party is a good trigger. If it doesn't have that, spring for a trigger job. Otherwise, put your money into ammo and your time into practice. You quite likely will find that you don't need or want any modifications after all.

 

[Quack]

Some areas I need advice in are:
-Beavertail, leave it, or are there better options?
Leave it if you like it

-Mainspring housing. Advantage of flat over arched?
preference on how the gun indexes for you. i prefer flat

-Long trigger or short trigger? I like the look of the long trigger, but I need to shoot it first to tell if I want the long or short.
I prefer flat triggers

-Finish. The gun came with a so-so dark bluing. Anything out there that stands out, but doesn't say "I'm a pimp"? Hard chroming is an option, but I'm kinda meh on that. What about DuraCoat? Or Gunkote? Pros, cons?
for a spray on and bake finish, Cerakote, otherwise send it out for Melonite

-Controls. Good place to order from? Manufacturer?
If you feel like you need to replace them, i prefer Ed Brown Products

-Bushings?
how's the current one fit? if it's loose get one fit

-It has the full length guide rod. Pros, cons? Options?
personal preference, i have both in my 1911's

-Magwell. I'm going to be carrying and competing in IPSC. Pros, cons?
up to you. if you are competitive and need the extra tenths of a second, then get it.

-Magazine release. Do they offer an extended version? I have a hard time hitting it while maintaining a firing grip
many extended items it there, so pick one you like

-A good gunsmith to send it off to if I have to? I have one local that has a good rep, but he might be backlogged
most 1911 smiths are back logged by a few months

-What are my options for getting rid of those rollmarks? Beadblasting?
ask the smith that you send it too.

see blue above, but i would recommend shooting it and see what changes need to be done. I know what works for me, so i have the parts (flat trigger and 10-8 rear sight) i change on hand for when i buy a new 1911.

 

[bigfatdave]

Until you've really, seriously shot it, you shouldn't be worrying about mods. The main thing a 1911 should bring to the party is a good trigger. If it doesn't have that, spring for a trigger job. Otherwise, put your money into ammo and your time into practice. You quite likely will find that you don't need or want any modifications after all.

There's your answer.
Nice magazines and a set of grips ... otherwise leave it alone. Monkeying with moving parts is not a task to be undertaken for fun with a new gun, Danny Dremel has the results of his "kitchen table gunsmithing" and "drop-in parts with minor fitting" at every gun show, don't be Danny Dremel,
Trigger work (professional quality if absolutely needed), might be an option, but who would buy an expensive 1911 with a lousy trigger?

Adding a magwell, swapping out moving parts, re-finishing a brand-new gun ... all marks of the tinkerer. You should buy a gun with the features you want, or at least run a few thousand rounds through before changing your mind about those features.

 

[Damon555]

"Until you've really, seriously shot it, you shouldn't be worrying about mods. The main thing a 1911 should bring to the party is a good trigger. If it doesn't have that, spring for a trigger job. Otherwise, put your money into ammo and your time into practice. You quite likely will find that you don't need or want any modifications after all."

What he said.

 

[Zerodefect]

Hello All,


My mission for ya'll is to help me help myself. The gun sits at my hip bone stock. Items of note:
-stainless extended beavertail grip safety. I like it.
-fixed black sights in dovetails. Changing them out for Heinie Straight Eights ASAP.
-Extended slide stop.
-Left side safety only. (I don't like ambi's, sorry)
-Slightly beveled magwell.


Some areas I need advice in are:
-Beavertail, leave it, or are there better options?
Don't know, got a pic?
-Mainspring housing. Advantage of flat over arched?
Flat
-Long trigger or short trigger? I like the look of the long trigger, but I need to shoot it first to tell if I want the long or short.
Long trigger for man hands
-Finish. The gun came with a so-so dark bluing. Anything out there that stands out, but doesn't say "I'm a pimp"? Hard chroming is an option, but I'm kinda meh on that. What about DuraCoat? Or Gunkote? Pros, cons?
Beat the finish off of it. Holster wear FTW! I Melonite my best 1911's black and send regular 1911's to CCR for House black.

-Controls. Good place to order from? Manufacturer?
Wilson, Ed Brown, DW
-Bushings?
Don't bother. Wait? Do you mean grip screw bushings? Midway has all types, I use EB grip screws and bushings.
-It has the full length guide rod. Pros, cons? Options?
stock is fine
-Magwell. I'm going to be carrying and competing in IPSC. Pros, cons?
Get a nice one that is one piece with the MSH.
-Magazine release. Do they offer an extended version? I have a hard time hitting it while maintaining a firing grip
Wilson has extended ones that are nice, they also have oversized extended which aren't needed
-A good gunsmith to send it off to if I have to? I have one local that has a good rep, but he might be backlogged
https://severnscustom.com/Hard_Hat_Treatment.html

-What are my options for getting rid of those rollmarks? Beadblasting?
think your stuck with them
If you can think of anything I'm missing please feel free to offer advice. I want this fine weapon to be mine, but that doesn't mean I can't ask for directions from ya'll, right?

I'm going to the range with 500 rounds of BVAC 230 grain FMj, 100 rounds of WWB 230 grn FMJ, 50 rounds of Ranger t-series JHP, 50 rounds of Speer gold dot 230 grn JHP, and 20 rounds of PDX-1 230 grn JHP for break-in and overall reliability testing (no I am not going to try to shoot 720 rounds through it tomorrow, I make E-6 next month then maybe I'll blow through $250 worth of ammo)

I appreciate any and all info you 1911 aficionados can provide. Thanks.

-SGT (P) John V.

Do some little mods to make the gun better. Nothing fancy. You can just upgrade to a DW, EB, LB when you are more familiar with 1911's later on.

Tripp or Wilson mags. Also why not learn to do a trigger job. It's easy and rewarding useing Wilson hammer, disco, sear, springs, and a Ed Brown Sear grinding jig.

 

[JTQ]

Killermonkey21 wrote,
I ordered some slim line aluma grips

I'm not familiar with the fit of Alumagrips, but most thin grips will require replacing the grip bushings.

 

[rkammer]

I'll add my agreement to what others have said about leaving it alone until you have shot it a lot to see how it feels and how you like (or dislike) it. The combination you have on your pistol in stock condition are more than sufficient for competition.

About the only things I'd add, since you're going to compete with it, are a good trigger job by a competent gunsmith and a good magwell for quick mag changes in competition. And, maybe a set of the grips of your choosing. That's it.

And, thanks for your service, my friend.

 

[BlindJustice]

IMHO - CLean and Lube, then Just shoot your 1911 -

* Got a good 'rig" for it? QUality Holster, gun belt 7, mag carrier(s)

* speaking of magazines try atop of the line
Tripp, ChipMcCormick, and WIlson ETM

Figure out what you like or could improve with a change.

Long or short trigger / Flat or arched MSH - try
shooting a 1911 with differences in those areas
Ren or swap with someone at the rang
WHen You've settled on that and have say 500
rounds through it - get a trigger job done. SOme
get the 4-piece Hammer/sear etc - forged parts from
Cylindeer & SLide or EGW and then fitted by a gunsmith

Novak offers options in Dovetail sights

ENjoy

Randall

 

[rkammer]

I'll also comment on the trigger/mainspring housing combos you were asking about. When the 1911 first came out, they had flat MSH and long triggers. When the Govt released the 1911A1, among other changes, it had the arched MSH and short trigger.

I prefer the arched MSH because I feel it gives me a better angle on my grip to force me up higher into the curve of the backstrap for a higher hold. It also changes my grip angle slightly and gives me a slightly higher point of natural aim. So, you should shoot your gun with both MSHs to see if you prefer one or the other. You can get cheap plastic MSHs for under $10 until you settle on one you prefer.

As for triggers, long or short, you should base that choice on the reach of your trigger finger when you grip the gun to fire. Small hands with short fingers usually prefer short triggers and long hands/fingers the opposite. You can also buy cheap plastic triggers to play with as well.

Just don't decide on these kind of things based on guns you've seen but, on guns you've actually used. Have fun deciding, though.

 

[Killermonkey21]

Thanks for the great suggestions, all. One note, though. I will NEVER take a dremel to my 1911. My mechanical skills equate to knowing to change the oil of my '72 Ranchero, knowing how to fix a leaky faucet, and being able to put my 1911 back together or disassemble it without sending the recoil spring plug flying across the room. I'll pay the monies to have the trigger jobs and stuff done by professionals.

Anyway, a small range report.
I put ~250 rounds of 230 grain ammo through it today at my local range, testing for reliability and accuracy as well as initial break in. I originally intended to lightly lube it (took the grease off yesterday) and shoot it until it jams, clean it, then shoot it some more.
It. Wouldn't. Stop. Working.
Tried WWB, PDX-1, Gold Dots, Winchester Ranger, and BVAC ball. Everything shot flawlessly. I was impressed.
Best group of the day was about 3.5 inches at 25 yards with Winchester ranger. The trigger was a bit creepy with a tiny bit of overtravel, but the smooth, crisp let off was consistent. First thing on my list is a flat trigger with a pull of about 3.5 pounds. It's sitting at about 4 pounds right now with the stock aluminum (3 hole) trigger.

So, after shooting it, I've noticed several things that have prioritized my list of "mods"
-Trigger job and flat trigger set at 3.5 pounds
-Frontstrap serrations needed
-The grip safety needs to be less "squishy", had a problem engaging it once or twice, but only on the bench, not in a offhand grip
-The sights were accurate, but hard as hell to see the front sight when it gets gloomy

To answer JTQ, I ordered the slim-line bushings for the Aluma Grips. I can do THAT myself, did it to my old High Standard 2 years ago. Not too hard.

Blind Justice-Ordered a Crossbreed Super Tuck Deluxe yesterday for it along with a nice stiff double sided leather belt

I think I'm going to stick with the long trigger.

I talked to a local gunsmith (Summit Services at the Marskman in Puyallup, WA) about getting the billboards removed and he basically said he'd mill both sides of the slide equally so it was even, and it would cost about 2 hours of shop time, but he could get them off.

He also talked about a Polymer resin type finish and showed the satin black finish to me and I'm impressed, but I'm going to look around before I decide on a refinish.

The barrel bushing has a pretty tight fit so I don't think I'm going to mess with it ATM.

I think I'll try out a flat MSH like rkammer said and see if I like it before I get the trigger job done.

One last question, flat triggers. Is 10-8 the leading producer or are there better/different options?

Thanks again gentleman. Pics to follow.

 

[Quack]

If you have a gunsmith fit it, the 10-8 would be the way to go.
If you are a novice and doing the install yourself, then I recommend the Wilson trigger.

Mine are mostly 10-8's.

 

[bigfatdave]

Anyway, a small range report.
<snip>
It. Wouldn't. Stop. Working.

Then WHY would you change anything?

 

[Joe Demko]

Then WHY would you change anything?

I'm wondering about this too. I understand the urge to customize and modify the gun to make it more uniquely your gun. I'd wring it out some more before I started switching out parts, though, especially parts that are involved in the mechanical functioning of the gun. How do you know you need a flat trigger? Have you ever shot a gun equipped with one? Have you tried a dab of white-out on the front sight yet to see if a higher visibility part is really what you need? Have you tried a piece of skate board tape on the front strap before deciding serrations are necessary? What do you mean when you say the grip safety is "squishy?"
This is your gun and you are perfectly at liberty to do whatever you want to it. It sounds like a good, functional piece as is, though. YMMV, but I don't start modifying my guns until the gun is holding me back.