[clipse]

I posted this on another forum a couple years ago. Still, since this is a new forum I thought I would share.

I finally got around to taking pictures of the parts that I replaced and the parts that are stock. First off, if you haven't seen a picture, here it is.

It is a Springfield Armory GI 5" Parkerized. Model # PW9108L. I got it for $420 out the door at a gunshow.

The main thing I didn't like about this gun is the ILS safety in the Main Spring Housing. It has a little key that you use to turn a little nub in the MSH to lock the mainspring cap so the hammer won't cock.

I got out my Brownells cataloge and started writing down the number of the parts that need replace. (Main Spring Cap, Main Spring Retainer Pin, Main Spring, and Plunger) You can see the parts and the difference between the factory SA parts and the Colt parts.

The little 'L' shaped silver piece was another one of my worries. SA suggest that before you take out the MSH you need to cock the hammer and place the little 'L' shaped piece where the Retaining Pin would go. It will keep the Plunger from flying out.

It should like like this.

I would rather have the retaining pin, then I don't have to worry about loosing another tool or part.

continued in next post

 

[clipse]

My next concern was the Firing Pin. SA uses a Titanium Firing Pin and an extra powerfull spring. They do this as a drop safety. I don't really care for it. So I replaced them with a Wilson Bullet Proof Firing Pin and Colt factory Firing Pin Spring.

I did shoot it quite a bit with the stock FP and FPS and had no problems. It was just a personal preference.

Next I found out that the stock grip safety and the webbing of my hand were not going to work well together. So, I went back to the Brownells cat. and ordered a Kings Drop-in Grip Safety. I figured I would have to do some fitting but I installed it, did all the safety checks and badda bing badda boom I was in business. Here you can see the difference in the two.

Here is just another shot of the Grip Safety.

I also replace the recoil spring with a 16lbs one as Springfield Armory uses a 14lbs spring out of the factory.

Right now I am working on new grips. (making them myself). I finally got the correct bit and should have time to work on them today. If I am able to get around to actually working on them and get them done then I will post pictures of them as well. The grips are really bothering me now. I just can't get into the 'US' on them.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

clipse[/QUOTE]

 

[clipse]

Since then I have made my own grips.

 

[ZeroTA]

I posted in the picture thread that I liked it (cuz I do!) but I gotta ask...does the gap on the grip safety bother you?

 

[clipse]

Not at all. I was worried about it at first but, after shooting I can't notice at all.

clipse

 

[Bud White]

To bad some doesnt make a drop in for the springfield thats closer to the frame

 

[CopperKnight]

That's a well thought out combo. I've dabbled in making various grips myself, but the holes are always just a little bit off. How did you do the screw holes?

 

[Reconvic]

To bad some doesnt make a drop in for the springfield thats closer to the frame

Springers have that 220 Rad, instead o0f the normal 250 Raduis.
Overall a sweet looking Springer

 

[Bud White]

yep thats why its a shame that no onw makes a .220 drop in

 

[cbswh]

When I bought mine, it came with plain double diamond walnut grips. Later, the first time I saw the "US" grips, I kinda liked them, and was jealous. As time went on, I came to dislike them, and am glad now that I have the plain grips.

You got any electricity up there, Clipse?

 

[Reconvic]

Enlarge the hole and add a small counterbore so head seats in smoothly

 

[clipse]

You got any electricity up there, Clipse?

We do here at work. But, not at home. My wifes grandfather had a propane heater so we stayed warm last night. We lost power at about 5am yesterday morning.

Enlarge the hole and add a small counterbore so head seats in smoothly

I have a drill bit specifically made for the holes on 1911 grips. I'm not sure where I got now....it was a few years ago when I got it.

clipse

 

[SgtGing]

When I was customizing my GI, I first tried a Wilson drop in beavertail for the govt model. After installing it, it had a large gap much like your posted pics. I read somewhere that the Wilson drop in beavertail made for the commander model would fit better. The commander model from Wilson required some work with a dremel to shape it to fit my GI, but once installed, the gap is much smaller and hardly noticable. Works for me!:biggrin: