Step Up 1911

[Bart Solo]

I have a Springfield GI that I use for CAS Wild Bunch shooting.  Last weekend I used it to qualify in my CCW class.  My state requires all CCW applicants to qualify with both a revolver and a semi-auto. Since I had the 1911 and I needed the practice, I thought what the heck.  I had no trouble qualifying, (the pistol is plenty accurate and nothing was outside the 9 ring) but half way through the qualifying session the instructor handed me his 1911 and said try mine.  The three dot sights and trigger were night and day better.  I realize the Springfield GI is just that, a straight stock 1911 A1.  My pistol has WWII style sights and a heavy pull trigger.  I use it to play my Wild Bunch game which requires a pretty stock 1911.  I love shooting my 1911, but want something with a better trigger and a step up in sights.  What would you all suggest I buy if I want an enhanced 1911?  What about upgrading my Springfield?   By the way for the first 700-800 rounds the Springfield has been flawless.  I use 200 grain flat nose round point lead bullet handloads.  All the talk about the 1911 being finicky has proven groundless as far as I am concerned.

[Keith L]

I shot my Kimber SIS Custom RL this afternoon and it is my favorite pistol by far.  It is easy to shoot well, and the only problem I have had with it came from reloads that were to long. 

[1911crazy]

I would like to upgrade from the plain jane GI / WW2 models someday too.  I figure maybe a Thompson Custom 1911a1 in 45acp or the springfield armory loaded both in stainless.

[hillbill]

i have a kimber stainless 11 and am very happy with it.the only thing it lacks is a elevation adj rear site. but so far thats not been a prob with my cast loads.i cant seem to make it malfunction either, even tho its only got maybe 100 rnds thru it. all cast loads or cheap rem ball ammo.

[williamlayton]

Just up-grade the plain jane WW11--it is less expensive and you will not miss the old enough to want a second which has it.
Blessings

[Bart Solo]

Just up-grade the plain jane WW11--it is less expensive and you will not miss the old enough to want a second which has it.
Blessings

Thanks for the great advice. I talked to the nice people at the Springfield Armory Custom Shop and they can install better but still military style sights, and do an action/trigger job for a small fraction of the cost of a new gun. The gun will still have the plain Jane appearance that I need for shooting Wild Bunch in the traditional class. That is all I really want.  I think I am going to send it in this week. 

[inthebeech]

I am going to plug Hallston Custom Machining. John Vincent just finished building my Wad Gun for me and he did a fantastic job.  And while many pistolsmiths either want to totally rebuild your 1911 or charge you individually for discrete tasks, John charges a reasonable fee for the bare bones minimum package necessary to get you a three inch gun; kind of a happy medium not commonly found out there (Though John was my first choice I did later find out that Clark's very attractive accuracy tune up is no longer available).  He also later walked me through a few very valuable tips for gettign the best accuracy and reliability out of the target gun, once I began shooting it.  BTW, thats 'three inches' at fifty yards folks.  That's where the big boys tee off from.

[Swampman]

The Remington R1 is good and inexpensive.  The SR 1911 by Ruger and the Kimber Classic II are both very nice and reasonable.  Looking for one myself.

[Mikey]

Swampy:  you have 3 good name brands there, so it might just be a matter of finish and fit (to your hand).  Good luck..

[chefjeff]

Lotsa nice 1911's now, after many makers commemorated the 100th anniversary last year. Most all are reasonably priced. I have owned a few over the years,but the two I kept are a kimber match target and a 14/45 para.ord.

[SHOOTALL]

I had a nice colt 1911 , box stock govt mod. Had it for years. It stopped 2 home invasions with out a shot being fired. While at the gun show one sunday afternoon a guy at one of the tables said he had a deal. It was a Colt and the box indicated it was from the custom shop. It was a run they made not a speical gun. It was a carry gun. better trigger, guide rod , great snag free sights , rose wood stocks and a smoother frame and slide. Nothing earth shaking really or nothing that could not be done to any other 1911 really. Sold the old gun . I really didn't consider the up grades until I had them. Now wouldn't want to be with out them.
The deal , the guy had not sold much and needed to break even the gun was SS with 2 , 8 round mags . I got it for about 150 under what the local store would have ordered it for.

[ole 5 hole group]

  BTW, thats 'three inches' at fifty yards folks.  That's where the big boys tee off from.

You got that right.  So, you have a 1911 capable of cleaning the 50 yard target with the proper load - now the only problem is: living long enough so you can practice enough to be able to clean the target at 50 yards.   

[redleg155]

Wayne Novak is among the very few gunsmiths who's work actually enhances the value of the 1911.  He can build full blown customs that are worth more than most cars, but is really known for reliability work.  His prices aren't the cheapest, but very fair for the work performed - which is top notch.  Plus, he and his staff are top-notch. 
 
He builds for reliability first, and considers accuracy second to that.  His guns will shoot with the best though. 
 
For carry, if I had a stock 1911, I think it would have a visit to Novak's shop for basic reliability tuning, trigger work and sights - maybe a match fitted barrel bushing too.  The factory barrels are plenty accurate for everything but bullseye matches so I wouldn't replace the barrel. 
 
I think his website is "novaksights" or something like that.  A good place to visit.
 
regards - redleg

[SharonAnne]

Springfield Armory makes and adjustable sight that fits the standard notch and is what they use in their own custom guns. Midway lists it for $43.49.

[KAYR1]

I am very impressed with my Kimber Stainless Target Eclipse in .45 ACP. shoots great groups and runs with everything that I have shot through it from hardball to light 20 LSW handloads. Adjustable sights are by Meprolight, and work well

[Swampman]

I bought the R1 Remington.  It's a great value IMO.

[quasne.inc]

I had a Loaded Springfield 1911 that was amazing.  Like an idiot I sold it to fund another gun.  I kick myself more for selling that gun than all the others I have sold combined.

[SharonAnne]

if you are looking for a separate pistol to keep your current Springfield stock why not take a look at the Springfield Armory new "Range Officer" model.  It is an 'enhanced' 1911A1. Bomar type rear sight, patridge front sight, aluminum trigger, beavertail grip safety and long wide thumb safety. As that old commercial said, "try it, you'll like it".

[Bart Solo]

if you are looking for a separate pistol to keep your current Springfield stock why not take a look at the Springfield Armory new "Range Officer" model.  It is an 'enhanced' 1911A1. Bomar type rear sight, patridge front sight, aluminum trigger, beavertail grip safety and long wide thumb safety. As that old commercial said, "try it, you'll like it".

That is what the lady at the Springfield Custom Shop suggested as well.  As she said it has everything a competative shooter needs, but without expensive gingerbread. It might be my next pistol.
 
I replaced the sights and had the custom shop do a trigger/action job on my current pistol.  A friend of mine has the same model stock. Both pistols are used for SASS Wild Bunch shooting, hence wanting something as stock as possible.   We compared them side by side at the range, and my tuned pistol is dramatically smoother than his stock Springfield GI.  It is amazing what a little expert gunsmithing can accomplish.   

[SharonAnne]

Bart, are you as happy with the changes as you hoped? How about a range report?