Parts for endurance & reliability

[recoil]

I'm a new owner of a parkerized SA Mil Spec. This is my first 1911 style pistol. I have purchased a pair Pachmayr Rosewood and rubber grips and several McCormick SS mags.

I'm a bit of a purist...drink my coffee black, don't do sweet mixed drinks, wouldn't engrave a shooter. Prefer reliability over pretty 7 days a week

Based on my reading, there really is little that needs to be done to this firearm to make it more reliable. I won't be purchasing a FLGR, primarily because field stripping w/o tools is important to me. The jury is out regarding the beavertail safety. I like the existing sights. Don't want a hot rod.

I am interested in perhaps purchasing parts for the piece that are substantially better than stock, i.e. SS internals. Prefer to do the work myself although I'd pay for quality gunsmithing.

I'd be interested in getting opinions from like minded individuals, especially regarding an improved trigger. I welcome your thoughts and opinions. Curious about how the specs of military pieces that apparently have been recently purchased.

Thanks!

Keep your powder dry

[stans]

Springfields usually have good parts in them. They had a run of bad extractors, but that was some time ago.

[Mick_In_Texas]

recoil, stans--

Agree completely with you both! I'm fixing to pick up a Parkerized Mil-Spec tomorrow, myself, recoil... Am sure looking forward to it! My preferences are pretty "meat and potatoes"--function over looks, the looks take care of themselves if the functionality is there, and I like the simple clean look of the 1911/1911A1 as is. There is a discussion on the Springfield forum about SA Parkerizing, you might want to check that one out; some interesting tips and comments there.

stans has a great deal of knowledge... I'm not sure about metallurgy, but, I've had a Colt, my current Springer, and three Auto Ordinances field-stripped by my own self, and examined thoroughly (one of the AOs was a Model 80). They all looked and felt pretty dang solid from the inside out.

Y'all all take care and be safe.
Mick

[stans]

The M-1911 design is robust, to say the least. The downfall comes in the form of modification to the original design and the substitution of inferior metals. Unfortunately, many manufacturers keep the cost of their 1911's down by substituting cast or MIM parts for forged or bar stock. These inferior materials can fail long before they should. Don't get me wrong, cast and MIM can produce good parts, but only if made properly and given a proper heat treatment. Springfield is pretty good in this respect.

[recoil]

Hey, if it ain't broke...

Turning to triggers, I feel that a trigger can make the difference between a good and great gun.

I'm not interested in a adjustable or light trigger pull but crisp would be great. Seems that most aftermarket triggers are geared toward 1) looks 2) light trigger

And what's up with the long triggers? Other than looks, I don't see the point. On a service weapon it seems counter productive. For looks sake however, they enhance the appearance.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

[garrettwc]

boy did you come to the right place:D

Do a search here on member 1911Tuner. You will find many statements to your liking. Like myself, and the others who have posted so far, Tuner subscribes to Col. Cooper's belief that all a 1911 needs is a decent trigger, good sights, and sharp edges removed and it's good to go.

You can also go to the forums home site - www.m1911.org and read the technical issues section for lots of good info on the 1911.

Also, if you do a search over at www.thehighroad.org forums, Tuner did a torture test on a new in the box Springfield and detailed everything that he found wanting, and what parts he replaced.

[OD*]

Tuner subscribes to Col. Cooper's belief that all a 1911 needs is a decent trigger, good sights, and sharp edges removed and it's good to go.

He's not alone. ;)

[garrettwc]

Roger that OD.

I have a dream pistol based on a Colt 70 series. Arched mainspring housing, short trigger, something like the Yost retro rear sight, and a modified version of the original GI thumb safety, nothing fancy, just lifesaving reliable.

[OD*]

garrettwc,

Yes sir, that sounds excellent!
I have couple set up that way on Series 80s.

[recoil]

Thanks for all the feedback. 1911Tuner has some helpful suggestions and seems to know his stuff.

I think I may upgrade the trigger but I have a few rounds to go through before I make that decision.

As for other things, I think I'll let stuff wear out and then replace/upgrade it. I'm sure to have an opinion by then.