View Full Version : Some questions RE:1991A1
flyhalf
11th July 2006, 13:29
1. If i wished to customize for carry, what's the first thing to go for?
2. When you are reassembling the weapon, which end the guide rod spring go to? I have a finished end that loops around 360 and one end that just stops.
3. My weapon is begining to rust where the grip meets the metal at the handle; all around. Can I use Scotch Brite to clean that? If I do, that will also scrape the finish, how much does that devalue the weapon. Also concerning the value, I will never get rid of it. It's my carry weapon but keeping it rust free in South Florida is important.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hawkmoon
11th July 2006, 14:41
1. If i wished to customize for carry, what's the first thing to go for?
I own an M1991A1 and I don't think it needs anything to be changed. The only thing I did was change the plastic trigger to an aluminum one, and that was just because I don't care for plastic. So if you feel you must customize it ... it'll be a matter of what you prefer, not what "should" be done.
2. When you are reassembling the weapon, which end the guide rod spring go to? I have a finished end that loops around 360 and one end that just stops.
The "open" end goes toward the muzzle, the closed end goes on the recoil spring guide.
3. My weapon is begining to rust where the grip meets the metal at the handle; all around. Can I use Scotch Brite to clean that? If I do, that will also scrape the finish, how much does that devalue the weapon. Also concerning the value, I will never get rid of it. It's my carry weapon but keeping it rust free in South Florida is important.
What's the finish on yours? Mine is Colt's dull or matte blue, the finish that looks more like Parkerized. I found that just rubbing a little oil into the finish with a course rag (terry cloth would be ideal) seems to hide any small imprefections. I would not use a Scotchbrite pad on anything other than a SS surface.
RickB
11th July 2006, 15:50
If the gun runs, and you can hit with it, you don't need to change anything. I have a mostly-stock '91A1 in .38 Super, and I shot it for a year of IDPA competition. I deepened the rear sight notch, installed a better-fitting trigger, had my local gunsmith fit a match bushing, did a bit of he-horning here and there, a very little bit of trigger work (shortened the hammer hooks and tweaked the sear spring) and it was good to go. I also have a '91A1 in .45, into which I've "invested" $800 or so in custom parts and work, and it doesn't shoot enough better to justify the extra cost.
If you have to "fix" something, I'd look at a trigger job, and a set of sights that you like.
For the rust, try 0000 steel wool, and some oil; it should remove the rust without unduly harming the finish. You'll probably want some kind of plated or painted finish, eventually.
Hunter
11th July 2006, 17:24
I also have a 1991A1 in 5" and and did not change a thing. she runs like a sewing machine and feeds anything from factory 230 ball to handloaded 185 LSWC with a problem. Sometimes less is more.
Dustoff '68
11th July 2006, 20:01
I have a 91 which I did some customizing....flared ejection port, trigger job to include aluminum solid trigger, arched checkered MSH, BCP checkerd wide spur hammer, and checkerd slide stop, Wilson Bullet Proof extractor and ejector, Ed Brown match bushing, checkered magazine catch, Wolff springs throughout, and ultra fine bead blast like re-parkerization...she now looks like what a Colt should have looked like (no plastic) with parts she should have come with (no MIM or cast).
flyhalf
12th July 2006, 22:35
You guys all rock and thanks for your input.
Hawkmoon- Yea I don't like the plastic trigger either and that was something I was thinking of replacing. The weapon functions great but I have only shot 230 through it so far. I will run some other stuff through to give it a good check. Ambi safety will be a must as I am left handed. Someone offered me a widened mag well but it doesn't seem like it would be comfortable for carry; it would probably dig into my side. The finish is that flat black (Armory coating??) I will say this on customizing: I was going to get a Kimber but my dear old dad gave me the 1991A1 as a welcome home gift so I went with it. I will get a Kimber some day though. I just wanted that "look"
Rick B - Yea, if I had to index a target and engage I am sure it would be eliminated. I worry about replacing the sight as the front would be ground off and some new would have to be tapped (Correct??). I will check out the steel wool.
Hunter - I understand. As I said to Hawkmoon, I just wanted that customized look about it. And I know it ain't about looks either. Performance rulz.
Dustoff 68 - First off, you are correct, Hadji don't surf. I know first hand. Second, pilots rock as I was dusted off myself from AStan. As for the weapon, I will probably due SOME of the stuff you mentioned.
Again guys, thanks for the input and remember, front sight focus!
flyhalf
12th July 2006, 23:23
Oh yea, my finish is the matt blue. Looks like flat black paint. What is an armory coat?
Dustoff '68
12th July 2006, 23:37
Welcome home brother.
flyhalf
12th July 2006, 23:48
Thank you sir and same to you!!!!
flyhalf
13th July 2006, 00:26
Think I might go with the EGW firing pin stop......
garrettwc
13th July 2006, 01:23
Think I might go with the EGW firing pin stop......
Someone's been doing his homework ;)
Welcome home and thanks for your service.
What to do to a 1911 is an extremely personal thing. Ask 100 people, you'll get 100 different answers. And none of them are wrong. That's the beauty of the 1911.
dakota1911
13th July 2006, 04:29
That is the great thing about the 1911 design. You can change it to fit you. Then you can change it again in a few years if your tastes change.
Instead of listening to others you may want to shoot it and then if possible shoot friend's guns with various options to see what you want to change. I would suggest saving any parts you take off, and if possible be able to return the pistol to the way it came.
Case in point is a 70 series Colt Gov I bought new in 1974, carried for a few years, and have now put about 22K rounds through.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/1911A170_r.jpg
About 1975 I had new sights put on it (not easily reversible) because I had problems aquiring targets with the sights that came on it. I had the ejection port opened up (not reversible) because I reloaded heavily in those days and did not want the brass dinged when I shot less than full power practice or plinking reloads. I put a flat mainspring housing and longer trigger on it along with different grips (All reversible because I saved the original parts) because it fit my hand better. Recently I changed the grips again to what you see.
Dustoff,
Who sells the BCP wide spur hammers?
I am familiar with the EMC hammers and slide stops, not so with the BCP?
Thanks.
Dustoff '68
13th July 2006, 13:04
Dustoff,
Who sells the BCP wide spur hammers?
I am familiar with the EMC hammers and slide stops, not so with the BCP?
Thanks.
....BFP are from Berryhill; Caspian also makes a wide spur, and it looks identical to the BFP, so I suspect either one makes them, or they are outside sourced.
BTW, I just purchased a new Series 70, Gov't in Stainless for $829.00 + $25.00 shipping to myy FFL, who charges $32.00 for the transfer...good price, you think?
Well duh on me, I've recommended Barryhill's parts and never paid any attention to the BFP moniker. :o
I don't think it's a bad price, we really don't see them that often in my part of the country.
It's easy to sell stuff cheap, if you don't have it. ;)
flyhalf
14th July 2006, 19:28
On the EGW stop, I went to a local gun smith, the guy looked at me like I was crazy when I spoke of it and it's modication and how it would effect the weapon.
Found a local IPSC match this weekend, might shoot it. If not, at least check it out. No one shooting back, I won't know what to do.....
garrettwc
15th July 2006, 01:01
On the EGW stop, I went to a local gun smith, the guy looked at me like I was crazy when I spoke of it and it's modication and how it would effect the weapon.
There are gunsmiths and then there are 1911 smiths. The two are not necessarily interchangeable
;)
Excellent point, Garrett. http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif
flyhalf
15th July 2006, 09:19
I was just surprised. It was pretty adiment about things. First thing I had asked when I went in was about an Ambi Safety. You know what they asked me? "Why do you need an ambi safety?"
I was really, really angry. I of course said because I am a south paw. "Oh, okay" was the reply. I know people get it for other reasons, looks, combat trasitions left to right etc etc, but who cares, I would have paid this dude for that component or to even possibly put it on.
Man was I angry. Gotta find some 10 rnd mags for tommorows match.
Dustoff '68
18th July 2006, 07:14
That is the great thing about the 1911 design. You can change it to fit you. Then you can change it again in a few years if your tastes change.
Instead of listening to others you may want to shoot it and then if possible shoot friend's guns with various options to see what you want to change. I would suggest saving any parts you take off, and if possible be able to return the pistol to the way it came.
Case in point is a 70 series Colt Gov I bought new in 1974, carried for a few years, and have now put about 22K rounds through.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/1911A170_r.jpg
About 1975 I had new sights put on it (not easily reversible) because I had problems aquiring targets with the sights that came on it. I had the ejection port opened up (not reversible) because I reloaded heavily in those days and did not want the brass dinged when I shot less than full power practice or plinking reloads. I put a flat mainspring housing and longer trigger on it along with different grips (All reversible because I saved the original parts) because it fit my hand better. Recently I changed the grips again to what you see.
Uh oh....I see another checkered slide stop...is that an original from Colt?
Is that checkered, looks serrated to me?
I hope it's serrated, I just had my eyes tested. ;)
Dustoff '68
18th July 2006, 09:57
Is that checkered, looks serrated to me?
I hope it's serrated, I just had my eyes tested. ;)
It's checkered....may I suggest looking through a couple of Coke bottles... :D
Phil
18th July 2006, 13:03
It's checkered....may I suggest looking through a couple of Coke bottles... :DGuess I need coke bottles, as well (also class of '68 USAF :D ). I blew up the photo and it looks like a computer artifact that's making it look checkered.
OK, using two Coke bottles, it is definitely serrated.
dakota1911
18th July 2006, 14:30
It is definitely serrated and the one that came on the gun when I bought it new in 74. Could be the problem came when removing detail so the photo could be posted on the forum. If it is really important I can photograph just the slide stop.
If it is really important I can photograph just the slide stop.
It isn't sir, you should know what is on your pistol. ;)
Dustoff '68
18th July 2006, 15:04
It is definitely serrated and the one that came on the gun when I bought it new in 74. Could be the problem came when removing detail so the photo could be posted on the forum. If it is really important I can photograph just the slide stop.
OMG....bright lights!!!....bright lights....I'm going blindddddddd.....oh the horror..... :p
daveohno
18th July 2006, 18:26
Flyhalf, welcome home. 1lt Infidel, I like that. I see by your current occupation and the previous one that you don't know how to stay out of trouble!
Phil
18th July 2006, 22:01
OMG....bright lights!!!....bright lights....I'm going blindddddddd.....oh the horror..... :p
Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Worse case than I thought. :lm:
dakota1911
19th July 2006, 03:50
On the other hand, this post has lead to a good learning experience for me about digital images, resizing, etc.
This shows lint, scratches, etc. Don't worry about the scratches. Thirty some years ago, in an earlier life, friends and I used to take these guys apart and put them together in the dark, blind-folded, etc. This guy needs a cleaning, then have about 100 rounds at least shot through it.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/gov_closer.jpg
Dustoff '68
19th July 2006, 08:26
On the other hand, this post has lead to a good learning experience for me about digital images, resizing, etc.
This shows lint, scratches, etc. Don't worry about the scratches. Thirty some years ago, in an earlier life, friends and I used to take these guys apart and put them together in the dark, blind-folded, etc. This guy needs a cleaning, then have about 100 rounds at least shot through it.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/gov_closer.jpg
Yep....it's serrated....I wonder what else is failing me...you know when life starts to really suck, when you have to wear bi-focals and your hair turns grey...well, I'm taking a stance right here and now....no Aricept and no Viagra for me...not now, not ever! :nono:
Phil
19th July 2006, 08:36
....no Aricept and no Viagra for me...not now, not ever! :nono:Thought those were standard issue in the Navy. :D
Dustoff '68
19th July 2006, 12:31
Thought those were standard issue in the Navy. :D
OK Phil....I've got your number..."this is Dustoff 68...I'm breaking away from the LZ...Phil is down their...too hot for even this rotorhead..." :lm:
Phil
19th July 2006, 18:57
OK Phil....I've got your number..."this is Dustoff 68...I'm breaking away from the LZ...Phil is down their...too hot for even this rotorhead..." :lm:Well, the Air Force will have to make do without the Navy, I guess....... Oh wait, that the way it's supposed to be......... :lh:
flyhalf
19th July 2006, 21:18
Daveohno,
Thanks for the welcome home. And no, I don't know how to stay out of trouble. I am all about the gun turret!
To all the rotorheads no matter the branch,
Keep up the good work! I would take any ride out of a hasty LZ by any stick jockey.
Oh yea, shot my first USPSA match. Had to borrow 10rnd mags and holders. My holster wasn't up to competition snuff and I didn't shoot that great but, I had an awesome time. I was nervous but next time I will know what to expect and will make a better showing.
On that note, anyone have any comments on Colt 10rnd mags as comared to Chip's or Wilson etc etc? Do they work? Do they fail??? What say you good Colt owners? :dead_hors
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