Guidance for a new Mil-Spec Owner

[Georgian87]

Hey yall. I am not new to 1911s, but haven't had one in quite awhile. I decided to purchase one of the Mil-Spec Defender Series for around $500. I have always preferred the look of the USGI 1911. I am not planning on turning this into a custom piece, but was thinking of several upgrades. I first plan to shoot the snot out of the weapon and then make a decision on how I want it modified to my tastes.


My first thought was to purchase one of the Harrison Designs retro GI dovetail rear sights and send the slide to Novak for their front dovetail and to possibly have a fiber optic sight installed. Next, a better trigger, perhaps a CMC or Wilson solid serrated type. I would like to stay with the standard grip safety, unless I can find a type that is similar in look to the GI version, but more comfortable to handle/shoot.


I plan to conduct a full review of the handgun to include pictures, bench/off hand groups from 7-25 yards, etc.


Overall, I want to keep the GI/retro look and feel overall, but improve handling and shootability where possible. Any input/recommendations would be greatly appreciated, along with the opinions of other Mil-Spec owners!

[Spyros]

Hello,

You're starting the right way, i.e. by planning to shoot the pistol a lot, before deciding what to change on it.

Beyond that, I like the looks of Harrison's rear sight, though for a retro look, it's not strictly necessary. He has some nice triggers too, by the way.

I'm also a fan of fiber optic front sights, and contrary to some information out there, even if the gun bumps something and the fiber breaks... you still have an iron sight out there, complete with a handy hole. The gun still runs.

Oddly, there aren't any choices out there for a good quality GI-style grip safety, unless you go with some real pricey retro stuff from Cylinder and Slide.

All-in-all, in most cases if you shoot it long enough, the list of things you'll want to change on it, will get smaller.

[Georgian87]

My primary reason for wanting to update the trigger is because the factory trigger on my model has a plastic shoe......I do not know anything about the durability of plastic triggers in a 1911 style gun. They work in polymer striker fired guns, and it seems like the plastic trigger shoe would not have much stress imparted to it, but I just don't know. What is the consensus on plastic 1911 triggers?

[Spyros]

Others may tell you different, but I don't mind them, as long as they're otherwise fit properly. The bit of the trigger that gets any meaningful stress is the bow, not the plastic shoe -- and the bow is always steel. Now, if you asked me what trigger I'd pick for a dream gun... it would have to have a metal shoe. Without grooves, by the way.

Note, however, that a factory (i.e. slightly loose) aluminum trigger can make an audible noise, as it moves up and down or left and right, while a plastic/nylon one doesn't. Just a thought.

I also like plastic mainspring housings, so maybe wait for someone else to chime in...

[chrisD46]

What about a skelontized hammer and possibly new grips (if you have larger sized hands) ?

[Hawkmoon]

What is the consensus on plastic 1911 triggers?

My Colt M1991A1 Compact has a plastic trigger shoe. It's 30+ years old and going strong.

[Ron IL]

The best thing I did to my GI 1911 was to put a Wilson Combat flat trigger in it. My two grandsons don't like it because they get hammer bit. I never have been bit. I guess I don't hold it too high. They grew up in plastic guns.