opinions: best values in 1911 parts.

[emilio]

in honor of the Brownell's 1911 catalog (finally!), a new Midway flyer, a paycheck, and my 101st post, i pose this question:

what's the best 1911 part or accessory value for $10 or less? $20 or less?

yeah, yeah, i mulled over exactly what forum to put this in. there's no generic enough forum in the parts bin, except for "Other Goodies" and, frankly, no one would have read it.

so, really anything - parts, tools, refinishing supplies, magazines, range gear, .45ACP ammo/reloading, cleaning equipment (let's try to keep it to just cleaning equipment, as there are plenty of cleaning supplies/consumables under $10), or whatever else is appropriate.

to kick it off, a pack of M16 double-end brushes are probably one of the best things for under $10. though i haven't tried them, the front-strap inserts that let you use existing grips seem to be a good value, like Wilson's checkered metal or the Pearce rubber grooves.

under $20, if you can find them, CMC PowerMags or a quality spring kit from Wolff/ISMI/etc. for spares (you never know when spares will be priceless to you!).

so c'mon, i want to spend responsibly but still feel reckless!

- emilio

[grendelbane]

I vote for the Wilson checkered front strap. Some people don't like them at all. I suspect that they are not compatible with some frames and grips. On my Doublestar build they were perfect. If there was not a slight difference between the blue of the Wilson frontstrap, and the black park finish of the DS frame, it would be difficult to tell them from an actual checkered front strap.

Of course, a piece of sand paper, or ping pong paddle material, or skateboard tape, or stippling or checkering the front strap yourself, would be just as effective, and cheaper. Unless you value your time at a high rate, or dislike the cheap look.

The thing I like about the Wilson product is that it is reversible. The same could also be said for skate board tape, though.

For the <$20 category, I would have to say that the EGW small radius firing pin stop is the most value for the money. It amazes me how much a small change makes in the way a pistol handles!

That is all that comes to mind right now.

[emilio]

grendel, how far back from the frontstrap's edge (where it meets the flat side) does the Wilson insert extend? my grips, Simonich Gunners, don't go all the way to the edge of the front radius, leaving maybe 1/16" of flat space; i think some folks complain about 'em because they have grips that leave different amounts of space, and the Wilson might not fill it.

the EGW "husky" firing pin stop does seem like an incredible value, assuming you can cut and radius that edge just right. i'll be ordering one this week.

funny, i expected a such a broad, useful, and opinion-heavy question to spark a cavalcade of suggestions, flame wars, tearful confessions of love... do i need to put a pot of coffee on?

- emilio

[Captain Eagle]

My vote goes to the grip screw bushing screwdiver tip. I hope I don't get another 4 demerits for using the word sctrewdirber........................