Dehoning my XSE

[Tom Fiorino]

If I were to dehone my SS XSE, will I have to do anything to those areas that are dehoned? I've added a Wilson beaver tail and speed shoot. I'm going to have the front strap checkered. I'm thinking of ordering a Wilson drop in barrel (33D) and bushing (29S), barrel link (142R3), slide release (7S), thumb safety (423S) and would appreciate you thoughts or comments.

[wetidlerjr]

If I were to dehone my SS XSE, will I have to do anything to those areas that are dehoned? I've added a Wilson beaver tail and speed shoot. I'm going to have the front strap checkered. I'm thinking of ordering a Wilson drop in barrel (33D) and bushing (29S), barrel link (142R3), slide release (7S), thumb safety (423S) and would appreciate you thoughts or comments.

It is "dehorn." ;)

Are you replacing these parts because of a function issue or because you want something that looks better? Sometimes the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" method is best but it's your money.

[Tom Fiorino]

The XSE has sharp edges and I would like to have them removed "dehorned" but I don't know if it will affect the finish. As for the other components, I want to achieve improved accuracy, and functionality of the weapon. Some manufacturers state that their weapons are capable of 1/4 inch @ 25 yds. and some state their weapons are capable of 2 inch @ 25 yds. What is the Colt capable of shooting with the standard barrel and bushing?

[JustinTime]

The XSE has sharp edges and I would like to have them removed "dehorned" but I don't know if it will affect the finish. As for the other components, I want to achieve improved accuracy, and functionality of the weapon. Some manufacturers state that their weapons are capable of 1/4 inch @ 25 yds. and some state their weapons are capable of 2 inch @ 25 yds. What is the Colt capable of shooting with the standard barrel and bushing?

I'm all for dehorning the XSE. They are sharp. I can see you getting the front strap checkered as well. On the barrel though I think Bill's approach is right on. I have to ask a few questions. Bare with me. What made you decide on the barrel link you list? They come in different links and effect the timing of the barrel unlocking and locking up. I wouldn't worry too much about what manufactuers claim there pistols can do because once they take it out of they're fixed mount and put it in someones uncapable hands they all shoot exactly the same from one manufacturer to another. I'm not aware of a current custom 1911 style manufacturer claiming 1/4" groups at 25 yards.

You can possibly improve the accuracy of your pistol simply by calling EGW (a site sponsor) and having George make you a custom barrel bushing for $20.00.

A Wilson slide stop and thumb safety will not change anything about your pistol and would be a huge waste of money. Unless you don't want a ambi safety (i don't blame you).Then I would buy the safety. You would have to fit it in or have a gunsmith do it. It would not simply drop in most likely.

To improve your accuracy you money would be better served on more ammo for more practice. (As with any of the rest of us too.)

[wetidlerjr]

I'm all for dehorning the XSE. They are sharp...To improve your accuracy (for) your money would be better served on more ammo for more practice. (As with any of the rest of us too.)

I agree. I could not have said it better. :D

[Tom Fiorino]

Thank you for you input. I will follow your advice!! Wilson's match barrel is capable of 1/2" at 25 yds, not 1/4" as I stated in my posting. The barrel link I listed (142R3) was from the Wilson website, and they state it is the standard link that is supplied with most 1911's. When looking at custom pistols, they are dehorned and have features that I like. I don't want to spend money on something that won't improve the accuracy and performance of my 1911. Your suggestions are most welcomed.

[daveohno]

Doesn't dehorning require some finish work?

[JustinTime]

Doesn't dehorning require some finish work?

I'd think it'd have to Dave. If you get it beveled they're using some sort of file or cutter to perform the work and if they melt it...well I don't know what they do then.

[JustinTime]

Wilson's match barrel is capable of 1/2" at 25 yds

Keep in mind...they want to sell you a barrel. As far as accuracy capability of a barrel goes...the quality of whom fits the barrel and bushing together with the slide is much much more important than whom manufactures it. Manufacturing processes and cnc machines today make all quality manifacturers extremely compareable. Then it comes down to whom fit the barrel and ultimately it comes down to whom holds the pistol. (sorry for the redundancy)

[smarcus]

After dehorning and checkering the front strap the pistol will have to be refinished. The least expensive refinishing would be on a stainless pistol, assuming you just want a brushed stainless look. If you have a blued pistol then the least expensive treatment is to have it reblued. For more money you could have a number of finishes appllied.

I think the factory Colt barrel is excellent.

[Tom Fiorino]

I've received alot of sound advice, and will follow your lead on this. Sounds like I don't realize what a fine pistol I have. I'm caught up with all the hype that I've read, and started to believe I needed to do more to the Colt to make it "better" than it is. I'll hold off on doing anything, and spend the time and money getting to know the pistol better, and shoot more often to improve my shooting skills.

Thanks to all for the advice

[DuckRyder]

FWIW

I sent my Stainless XSE to Colt for a dehorn among other things. Their price to dehorn seems to include refinishing as long as it is not a Lightweight frame.

See it at:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=33762

[RandyColt]

From my experience you will see very little, if any, improvement in accuracy by just "dropping in" a barrel and bushing.

[JustinTime]

I'm caught up with all the hype that I've read

That can be very easy to do. Your in good company. ;) (That is unless Hunter is there)










J/K Hunter. It's been a long time since I prodded you. I felt that you were due. :D