[45shooter]

Being new to the 1911 I have a ton of questions for all that have much more experience than me. I would like to start modifying my Springer, and rather than going to a smith right away, I would like to try and make a few of the easier mods myself... if there are any... There is a local smith who specializes in 1911 custom work.

Other than adding a Wilson full-length guide rod the gun is completely stock. What a difference the guide rod that has made to the accuracy! :biggrin: Best move I've made.

Being a lefty, I'm going to need and ambi safety. I would also like to add a new hammer, trigger and grip safety. Any thoughts?

 

[langloisandy]

Accuracy?

You have measurable accuracy gains with the Guide Rod? Tell me more.

 

[glocker1911]

Welcome to the wonderful world of 1911's. But be warned, they are like Lay's potato chips, you can't stop with just one!:biggrin:

Did you happen to get one of Wilsons "group gripper" guide rod st ups? If so, I believe that it could help with yor accurracy some. But if you are talking about a "plain" FLGR, I seriously doubt it did anything to improve your gun. But if it gave you more confidence in your pistol so you shoot i better, that's great.

A word of warning. Once you get the changes made you are talking about, then it's just a matter of time before you want better sights, and front strap checkering, and so on and so on. Why not just keep your gun as is, and start saving for the next step up, like a loaded or TRP? I have an MC Operator that I would put up against anyones Baer or Wilson for fit and finish. Look around, there are some great 1911's out there. Good luck.

 

[ZeroTA]

If you want to modify it,that's cool. I'm a DIY kinda guy myself. Just be warned that most parts,even so-called "drop-in" parts,will require fitting. The good news is if you bugger it up you can just put the old parts back in!

But since you asked for opinons (and I love to give my opinion!) you're probably better off doing what Glocker said and just saving up for a Loaded model.

 

[45shooter]

I did grab the "group gripper" guide rod. The accuracy did improve, but glocker brings up a good point about the confidence because when I added the FLGR, I was also spending much more time at the range.

I have been looking at the higher end models from both Springfield and Kimber. It seems to just come down to me having a desire to do the work myself and learn something new. But I also don't want to bite off more than I can chew, and the gun shoots great!

 

[Reconvic]

A FLGR does not help one bit in accuracty, They are many aspect that do such as trigger pull and weight of trigger, snug fitted bushings bushing, and a good set of sights. I have not tried the Wilsons group gripper but in theroy it should work, I feel practice and a tight fitted pistol work best. Today I went shooting My Sig Revolution in Stainless at 50 feet with 4 mags this was the results

 

[Bud White]

Well a Custom Fit bushing will help and if you have the time and patiance the rest is easy .. The Springfields use a .220 Radius beavertail not the Std .250 of everyone else so be aware of that if you go at it yourself ..

Everything is doable by yourself if you have the time and don't mind to buy some of the tools or make them yourself

But the Jerry K ( i cant spell his last name ) Books on the 1911 they are extremely helpfull

 

[Reconvic]

Bud you are correct on the .220 Radius, it is one of the only ones that don't have the standard .25 R. and as you said Browells has a jig for that. Just need the time and knowledge to do so. Jerry Krurish or close lol. Also Patrick Sweeney book on 1911 is great.

 

[Bud White]

This is book one http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=199119&t=11082005

its

Kuhnhausen


and your right the Gun digest book of the 1911 1&2 by Pat Sweeney are very good also i forgot them

 

[Reconvic]

I have them all but I am not close to them now lol

 

[Bud White]

Out of town ?

 

[Reconvic]

No in a different room in the house Bud lol

 

[Bud White]

Dang your as bad as i Am:biggrin::biglaugh:

 

[Reconvic]

Lazy is the key word Bud LOL

 

[Bud White]

no no Well Relaxed is the Word

i keep one of the Books in the Head.. the best place to read

 

[Reconvic]

Well put Bud I like the way you put that relaxed, yeah thats the ticket