Springer GI compact to CCW masterpiece

[toad]

http://forum.m1911.org/index.php?

I'd suggest joining this forum so you could search out the Springfield ILS system mods for improved trigger pull. This cost about 10 to 15 dollars worth of parts. IIRC you get a standard steel firing pin for the .38 Super Colt (optional but recomended) a regular power main spring, and a standard mainspring thingy that mainspring goes around instead of the locking ILS one plus a couple of other parts. This puts you down to standard mainspring weight for an Officers style instead of the overstrong one that the ILS system requires.

I go with putting about 500 rounds at least through it before doing major mods.
Speer is putting out a Gold dot round for short barrels you might like to try.

[Weetabix]

JB compound?

[1911Man]

I think Fastrope meant valve lapping compound. The JB Weld company may make that too. Just DON'T, under any circumstances put JB Weld on the moving parts of a 1911 that you want to shoot. Probably didn't need to say that, but . . .

I'd just polish the rails with Flitz and a dremel and then clean it good with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits and oil it with Militec. I can chuck up a half of a cotton swab in my dremel and get in those tight spaces pretty good. I made the frame feed ramp on a friend's Kimber shine like a mirror.

[Aegis]

Oh, am I the only one who doesn't hate GI sights?

I've got them, and I don't mind them too horribly much. Of course, I put some white paint on the front one, so now I can see it after 8pm, but yeah.

[TheIrishman]

Whirlibird,
Thank you for the input. I actually liked the suggestion of the Terry Tussey big dot front sight. Seems like something to look into. Also I have seen the solder on checkered front straps but am leaning more towards a serrated front strap. I am leaning either towards the teflon or Rogaurd as I read more on them. I will also look into the clark spring.

NVGdude,
I understand it is not a true officers model but is the closest to an original(slightly shorter barrel and no bushing) that is in a reasonable price range. I also plan on trying several different mags in it to see which ones work best/most reliably.

1911Man,
I like the hogue wraparounds but would like to avoid them on this pistol. they are very grippy on clothing while drawing and make adjusting your grip harder at high speed. As to the trigger job, other than adjusting spring tension, everything will simply be polished for now to smooth the trigger. lastly, I don't HATE the GI sights but find them not suited for either world. There are much better sights for fast pick-up with others better for precision.

toad,
Believe me, I've been poking around the M1911forum for quite a while looking for options.

Weetabix and 1911Man,
I believe Fastrope was referring to J-B bore cleaning compound. I have heard of this being used to polish a lot more than bores.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/acces ... ry_id=1086

[1911Man]

Weetabix and 1911Man,
I believe Fastrope was referring to J-B bore cleaning compound. I have heard of this being used to polish a lot more than bores.

You're probably right. Fastrope has introduced me to all sorts of good stuff in the past. Militec, for example. Perhaps this is another one.

[Combat Controller]

Be careful with the super short 1911's. I had the very model you mentioned and anywhere from a few mags to a few rounds it would jam due to the short stroke/cycle and/or a dirty ramp. My Colt Officer at 3.5 inches never did, but I think 3" is just too short. I actually find the CCO to be an ideal gun, and 4-4.5' is a good slide length with the shorter grip frame. This is after years of reading and shooting and playing. I like the little guys, but I never had 100% reliability from that model, nor have I heard of it.

YMMV, and it sounds like a cool project, just my 2 cents.

[TheIrishman]

The springer arrived at the store today but it will be a few more days before I can pick it up(damn PRNJ pistol permits). I did manage to start ordering up some stuff though. I ordered a set of replacement fiber-optic inserts from brownells as I am going to go with a sight similar to the Tussey sights that Whirlibird mentioned. The difference being mine will be milled straight from the slide. I also ordered up Graphite Black Cerakote but am unsure if I'm going to go all black or two tone(possibly sniper grey). First I'll try the Cerakote out on my trusty Czech since it is in need of a new finish after a rainy camping trip. Next up will be deciding on grips. I'm leaning towards non-checkered hardwood or maybe Micarta.

[1911Man]

Be sure that you're grip candidate isn't slippery when wet. If you have to use it in the rain or if your hands are sweaty, you don't want to drop your gun.

[HTRN]

Weetabix and 1911Man,
I believe Fastrope was referring to J-B bore cleaning compound. I have heard of this being used to polish a lot more than bores.
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/acces ... ry_id=1086

Yup. I personally use it to lap bolt lugs into recievers.


HTRN