Accurizing a 1911

[jonr]

I have a Colt Commander 1911 that shoots fairly well but I would like to up the accuracy.

What parts besides the barrel and bushing need to be replaced?

Do you have any suggestions on where I should get the new parts?
I was thinking of Ed Brown, but I did not know if the quality warented the price.

Thanks for the feedback!

Jonathan

[victorcharlie]

My thinking is it isn't so much the parts, but the way the parts fit.

[lefty o]

i recommend that you take your pistol to a gunsmith that KNOWS 1911's, and have him take a look at it. unless you know how to fit a barrel, you are not gaining anything by getting a drop in barrel from someone. you rpistol may just need a new bushing fitted, a recrowning, or anything else is possible.

[Mikey]

jonr - lefty o and victorcharlie have given you good advice.  Most often it is the 'fit' of the parts that cause accuracy problems.  However, that being said, I used an Ed Brown accuracy barrel and bushing in my SA GI and watched my groups drop from 7", 7" high and to the left, with a number of different mil-spec barrels, to 2.5" at poa (bullseye) at 25 yds with ball ammo.  

I would see if a quality gunsmith can fit the factory barrel to the slide better than it came from the factory - that might just be enough to improve your accuracy to your satisfaction without the $200 for a new barrel and bushing.  HTH.  Mikey.

[gunnut69]

Parts fit is the most critical factor in pure accuracy with match grade parts the next.  In practical terms the trigger function is most important of all.  It's the link between the shooter(the weakest link) and the weapon.  The fame to slide fit, barrel to slide fit and the trigger function are the triumverate of accuracy in the 1911.  Before deciding to improve the weapons accuracy you need to decide on what's needed.  Brown produces components with excellant quality as do several other makers.  I prefer Briley barrel bushings and any match grade barrel(no preferance).  Remember that match grade accuracy means tighter weapons and that means less reliable function.  In a defensive pistol, function is paramont..

[Dave in WV]

I had a M1911 made in 1919. Where it had "Property of US" on the frame had been etched through so collectors value wa way down on it. I had a set of high vis sights installed, used a long guide rod, and had a trigger jog done on it. It shot as well for a friend as his goldcup. A decent trigger and good sights seem to go a long way to help with a 1911.