Officer model 1911 parts

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Dkop1

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Hi all... Not having too much luck with google. I've just recently acquired an RIA officer's size (3.5") 1911. And I don't plan on modifying it much yet, however I do know these small 1911s are hard on their springs, and I very much take pride in maintaining guns myself when it's reasonable and safe to do so. I know I have to be careful about what size I purchase for grips, mainspring housing, and recoil springs. As for any of the other parts of the gun, do I need to hunt down something specifically for an officer's model? things like the extractor, firing pin spring, main spring, sear/safety spring, etc? or can I purchase standard parts for the government model?

This is primarily a fun range gun and NOT a regular carry piece for me, so while I would like reliability to be flawless, it isn't critical.
 
Short 1911s are hard on recoil springs and that's about it, everything else wears in relation to use/round count like any other 1911. Wolff carries what you need for spring maintenance. As far as other parts, aside from the obvious - mags, grips, MSH - they use the same as parts as Government/Commander size pistols. When shopping for officers/compact parts the ones that are specific to the smaller framed guns are clearly marked on retailer's websites.
 
Second the Wolff springs.

Recoil springs will be short lived (guess 500 rounds?) before ejection becomes overly dramatic and frame battering starts. Other than that, springs should be Gov't pattern.

Note, there's no telling what proprietary spring package RIA might have used, so research or ask Wolff to make sure they'll fit.
 
I have the same RIA model and it's been pretty flawless for the past 8-9years. The only modification I made to mine was to add some CT laser grips to it, and it's been on my nightstand forever. The only spare part that I'd purchased for it was a replacement recoil spring from Midway years ago. As others have noted, standard 1911 compact parts are what you're looking for.

I've probably got at least 1000 rounds thru it so far, and the replacement spring is still in my parts drawer. I really should replace that spring soon:(, but it's still running fine.
 
edwardware

I think maybe 500 rounds would be a bit early for spring replacement. Probably have over twice that many through my Colt Officer's Auto and everything's still running great. Only thing I do differently with my Colt is that I typically run lighter 185 gr. and 200 gr. loads through it instead of the usual 230 gr. FMJ stuff. Maybe that helps cut down on the long term wear and tear on the gun. Would definitely go with Wolff springs when the time comes to change them out though.
 
edwardware

I think maybe 500 rounds would be a bit early for spring replacement.

I think my Kimber Ultra (3", 26th a goofy double coil spring) started ejecting over-enthusiasticly at about 500. A true Officers spring should last longer.
 
Thanks everyone! I'll probably order a spring kit from Wolff with various recoil springs to see what cycles best... It's good to know that most parts are the same as government parts. One of these days I'll get a nice ROCK series 5" model once the budget allows. In the meantime, I've fallen in love with this absurdly heavy little behemoth (I've been primarily a polymer 9mm guy until quite recently)
 
While the discussion is open, does anybody have a typical recoil spring weight they find that works well in these small pistols? I don't plan to swap it out until I have issues, but it seems Wilson offers 18# and 24# conventional springs. Wolff offers a wider variety. I believe RIA has a 22# spring in from the factory
 
I would (DID) go with a flatwire recoil spring in an OACP.
EGW has them but notes you have to modify the plug to get it in an RIA.
http://www.egwguns.com/1911-parts/officers-guide-rod-spring-kit-w/clark-plug-blue/

That's what I ended up with, after repeatedly having problems with single coil replacements in my Colt Series 80 Officer's Model.

Living and working on boats, I went with the SS version.

I'm at about 1k rounds with it, and it's still running strong.
 
That's what I ended up with, after repeatedly having problems with single coil replacements in my Colt Series 80 Officer's Model.

Living and working on boats, I went with the SS version.

I'm at about 1k rounds with it, and it's still running strong.
What modifications need done to the plug? it says "guide rod instructions" at the end of the description, but there is no further detail
 
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