Mil Spec mods, What do you think?

[Texasred]

Have a Springer Mil spec Parkerized, gun is okay, I like it. But there are pros and cons:
Pros:
1)Reliable so far, no jams lot's of HP ammo
2)Parkerized, I like this!
3)Forged frame, slide; this makes me feel good!
4)Springfield, good name...
5)Mil Spec
6)Reasonable accuracy out to 15yds, after that I really have to try
7)Backup gun to my Colt 1991(which runs very accurate and reliable so far)
Cons:
1)Severe hammer bite
2)Reasonable accuracy out to 15yds, after that I really have to try
3)Arched main spring housing, don't like this
4)Short Trigger, don't like this compared to my Colt
5)Sites aren't as good as my Colt's either...
6)It's a fullsized gun, so is my Colt...why two of the same?

So I would like to send this gun to Springfield myself and was looking at a couple of mods to justify the owning of this gun.
1. Novak Low Carry Sites 180.00
2. Modify frame to bobtail style 225.00
3. Install Springfield Beavertail grip safety 100.00
4. Defense Package 190.00

So my question is this? The sites seem to be something I can have a local smith do without worry, and the beavertail is something I can do correct?
Does this seem to be realistic in believing that my gun will come back a little more accurate and reliable? This is an all around gun that will go into my rotation of carry guns.
Or should I sell it and finish saving for a Wilson?

 

[Lastmohecken]

Well, your looking at putting $700.00 more into your Springfield, but the problem is your Springfield won't appreciate hardly any of that if you decide to sell it later, unless you can find a friend that really appreciates you modifications, and is willing to pay extra over a new Springfield for it.

I think I would cut my losses now, and look for something closer to what I wanted or save up for that Wilson.

I do have one Springfield US Mil-spec lightweight 4 inch gun, that is a keeper for me, but I already own a Wilson, and others. The Mil-spec only costs me something like $450.00 or so, a couple of years ago, and I wanted a Lightweight commander, but I had already had less then the best luck with a Colt Lightweight because the alloy feed ramp eventually got beat up, so I was looking for a built in ramped barrel, which the Springfield had.

To be happy with this Springfield, I had to add an ambi-safety (left handed) which I installed myself, and I didn't like the stock grips so I replaced them with some Wilson Checker double diamond grips, and I recently got rid of the ILS safety, with an Ed Brown Arched mainspring housing and new guts. So I now have over two hundred more in it. But I like the tiny sights for this gun's application, and the short trigger, and I don't mind the grip safety on this gun. So for me, it was worth it, as I finally got a lightweight commander sized gun that is more or less bare bones, and all business. But I would not have been willing to put 700 into it, like you are thinking about doing.

Also, you already have a Colt 5 inch, so is this Springfield going to fill any kind of hole in your battery, as well as something else would? Anyway, I have been where you are at, in the past, and its a tough spot, espacally when you have to pay a gunsmith for some of the work. You might be better off to trade the mil-spec off for a higher end Springfield if you want to stay with Springfield.

Wilsons are getting very expensive, I gave $1,700 plus for Classic, several years ago, and now Wilsons, Ed Brown's etc are going to cost you at least probably $2,500 or more, but you will get a finished gun without compromise.

 

[Texasred]

Well I think I'll hold on to it for now and save, I know that if I trade or sell it I might regret it later.
It's a solid gun and barebones. This is a good thing.
I think that I should really save for a Wilson, after I do that there's nothing else to ponder right?
I really like the fact that the Wilson will appreciate in value like the Colt will.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Cons:
1)Severe hammer bite
2)Reasonable accuracy out to 15yds, after that I really have to try
3)Arched main spring housing, don't like this
4)Short Trigger, don't like this compared to my Colt
5)Sites aren't as good as my Colt's either...
6)It's a fullsized gun, so is my Colt...why two of the same?

So I would like to send this gun to Springfield myself and was looking at a couple of mods to justify the owning of this gun.
1. Novak Low Carry Sites 180.00
2. Modify frame to bobtail style 225.00
3. Install Springfield Beavertail grip safety 100.00
4. Defense Package 190.00

You could sell the gun that you obviously don't like, buy one with most or all of those features already on it, and have money left over.

 

[Greg528iT]

I did, mostly the same mods you are talking about.
Springfield Mil Spec, in parker. The biggest complaint I had, was from the bite, from the stock grip safety edges. (most traditional 1911 sharpish edges). I had already swapped out the main spring housing for flat years and years ago. Current sites are adequate,

Wilson Combat will sell you a "drop in" grip safety. It will fit Springers, but may be hit or miss on other models. Call if in question. The only realy issue with it, is that the opening in for the frame flange is a bit larger than has to be for the Springer, so has a slight gap. Functions GREAT, but if I was to get into a fit and finish argument, I'd lose.
New beavertail requires a new hammer, and since I had wilson on the line I had them send me a new trigger.

I specifically went this way, and kept all the OEM parts. If for some reason I change my mind, in just a few minutes, all the OEM parts are back in. and it's back to full classic mil spec look.

If I had really decided I didn't like the sites. I probably would have been better off using the base model as a trade in on what I want.

Oh yeah.. I have a new Spri LOADED coming. Moneyt down, just waiting for the production run. It comes pretty much with everything and some what you are looking for.