Where to get good parts for a Colt 1911?

[geojap]

I just got a Colt Sistema 1927, an Argentine pistol made on Colt machinery under Colt supervision. All parts are interchangeable with a Colt 1911, 70 series (if I understand this correctly).

The pistol is very, very nice. Arsenal refinished, new barrel, etc. Some of the parts are very rough though. I'm sure it will work fine but the trigger pull isn't the best, the slide is slightly rough, the hammer bites the web between my index finger and thumb.

My question is: I'd like to drop in some new trigger parts, and maybe replace the springs if needed and get a new hammer as well. I'd also like to replace that difficult slide lock piece. What companies/brands should I look for that sell quality products? I know I can buy most everything for this pistol at Brownells but I'm not sure what brands make this pistol into the smooth functioning 1911 that I want.

Also, any other tips about certain mods or parts replacements that will improve the pistol would be greatly appreciated.

 

[themic]

wilson combat.
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/

 

[10-Ring]

There are ALOT of aftermarket parts makers for the 1911! Rather than buying from a catalog straight off, try to find parts you can fondle & guns w/ these parts so you can see & feel how they work.

 

[longeyes]

You could try King's Gun Works in Glendale, CA. I've had them tweak
my Colt Sistema with good results. They have a website.

 

[Silent Bob]

One stop shopping: Brownell's

 

[1911Tuner]

re: Brownell's

Silent Bob nailed it. If you'll post a list of the things that you want to
buy for it, I'll give part numbers and their toll-free. One word to the
wise... Trigger groups shouldn't be swapped without knowledge and
experience. There are few things more unsettling than having an
unexpected and uncontrolled full-auto 1911, not to mention dangerous
and destructive. Drop-in does NOT apply to trigger groups, no matter
what anybody says.

Good luck with your pistol!

Tuner

 

[geojap]

Thanks for all the replies. I've read that "drop in" does not mean drop-in all the time.

I looked thru Brownells parts and then narrowed it down to Ed Brown parts. The hammer alone was $40! So I'm going to pick and choose my mods carefully and hopefully get someone to explain to me what would be best for my pistol and what the mod's benefit would be. I think I should probably take it to a local smith and see what he tells me. He could probably tell me what mods would get the pistol in the shape that I want it.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Al Thompson]

Hmmmmmmm......

I "thought" the question was less of "where to buy" than "which brand to buy".

Is Wilson, Brown, etc., etc. worth it? Are there suppliers that most stay away from?

 

[444]

The first thing I would do (at least this is what I do) is to buy a complete set of new springs from Wolf: www.gunsprings.com

As for the parts, I buy Wilson, but Ed Brown and many others made good stuff.

One book you might want to check out is The Custom Government Model Pistol by Layne Simpson. There are many books out about 1911 pistols, this just happens to be one I like.

 

[1911Tuner]

Parts is Parts...

Not.

Al asked:

Is Wilson, Brown, etc., etc. worth it? Are there suppliers that most stay away from?

Yes and yes. Brown and Wilson are good. Wilson offers a "Value" line
that aren't up to snuff, but the Bulletproof logo means quality. Ditto
for Brown Hardcore and Nowlin Tuff Stuff. MGW, EGW, Kings, and
Cylinder & Slide are generally first-rate. Avoid John Masen parts.
The cost is attractive, and they look good, but are often so far
out-of-spec that they can't even be hand-fitted.

Cheers!
Tuner

 

[Al Thompson]