Which 1911's are "non-standard" parts wise

[KegCommando]

Long story short, I'm helping my in-law find a 1911.

But one of the appeals is that there is a lot of aftermarket parts.

So the idea is to stay away from any makes/models that deviate from the standard.
Ex: Doublstacked Para's.

His goal is to have a couple makes/sizes, and have as few spare parts as necessary that work between them.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

llama is the big one to stay away from

 

[outerlimit]

The Norinco uses metric grip screws and I believe the grip screw bushings are also metric.

I believe certain Kimbers and STI's use non-standard barrel bushings.

 

[weisse52]

The Norinco uses metric grip screws and I believe the grip screw bushings are also metric.

that would be the only thing non-milspec. Norincos make a great piece to modify. Do the search....

 

[kragluver]

The Taurus PT1911 has non-standard sight dovetails in the slide.

 

[EHL]

The Springfield EMP although chambered in 9mm or 40SW does not use 1911 standard parts either.

 

[rbernie]

Single-stack Para's do not have standard frame dimensions in the mag release. SAM/RIA/Citadels have slighly variable dimensions in the barrel lug.

So far, my favorite for everything being dimensionally as it should is Colt, followed by Springfield Armory and Kimber. Kimbers and the Series 80 Colts use a firing pin safety that is not part of the 'original' design, but they are well known and supported in the industry.

 

[DeepSouth]

The Smith and Wesson 1911 is of a different breed.

So far, my favorite for everything being dimensionally as it should is Colt, followed by Springfield Armory and Kimber. Kimbers and the Series 80 Colts use a firing pin safety that is not part of the 'original' design, but they are well known and supported in the industry.

YEP, what he said.

 

[rduckwor]

So far, my favorite for everything being dimensionally as it should is Colt, followed by Springfield Armory and Kimber. Kimbers and the Series 80 Colts use a firing pin safety that is not part of the 'original' design, but they are well known and supported in the industry.

I believe that Kimber utilizes the "Schwarz" FP safety which is not an industry standard and considered a weak sister to the Colt Series 80 System. I've sworn off Kimber so they may have changed.

RMD

 

[KegCommando]

Thank you very much.

I spoke to him some more, and he was thinking of getting a basic, and slowly modifying it.

I hope I didn't misguide him but I thought he would be better off saving a little more and getting something with most of the standard mods already done.

I suggested something like a Springfield Loaded, Dan Wesson CBOB, a Kimber or on the budget side a RIA Tactical.
I figured that if he spent $300-500 more now, he'd get like 90% of anything he could want, and a smith and or buying various parts would end up a lot more.

Are the above mentioned decent for starting, and can still modified with whatever standard parts he may want later?

 

[HammerheadSSN663]

good luck finding a CBOB.

I'd recommend your standard issue Colt and customize it over time.

 

[JTQ]

If you were looking for a specific pistol that is a basic industry standard, it doesn't get any better than the Colt Series 70 Reproduction.

 

[KegCommando]

I've passed on the info, and leave the ball in his park for now.

Thanks to all that provided feedback.

 

[rellascout]

Sig and S&W both use external extractors.

 

[krs]

There are the "enhanced" Colt models that have ambi-safeties, Novak style sights, and the raised grip frame cut along with Colt's unpopular but functional beavertail grip safety. They don't cost much more but they do have those parts of the common mods done at factory.