Need hardball gun, can you help?

[Questor]

I want to build a hardball gun for the bullseye hardball matches. Problem is, I don't want to spend $1600 to get it. Can I take a $500 Springfield GI clone and accurize it to get 3" groups at 50 yards with a good crisp trigger pull and decent adjustable sights? How would I go about it? Can you recommend parts I'll need?

[Iowegan]

Questor, A very possible conversion and not too expensive. First, get a decent set of sights. Bullseye is not a combat course so you are more concerned about "sight picture" than frufru stuff like white dots or glow sights. Buy the matching set so your front sight is sized right for the rear sight. Adjustable sights are not necessary. If you need help, I will look up some part numbers from Brownell's.

Next, buy a match grade barrel bushing. The bushing will not fit on your barrel or in your slide without doing a little honing. Use some 400 grit sandpaper and a wooden dowel to size the inside of the bushing so it barely fits on the barrel. The OD of the bushing must be fitted to the slide so there is virtually no play.

Get a set of Hogue or Pachmayer finger groove grips that fit you well. A gun that fits will shoot much better for you.

Last, Have a reputable gunsmith buff your trigger parts and adjust springs for a 3.5 lb crisp trigger pull. Buy a trigger that fits your finger. They come in short, medium and long.

Just doing these few things will get your gun plenty accurate to compete. If you really want to go first class, a Kart match grade barrel can be fitted to the gun to really tighten things up. Most of the other accessories are just add ons and really don't improve accuracy or function.

[Reed1911]

+1 to everything Iowegan said, except the grips. I'm not a fan of the finger grip type ones, and I find that when it comes to a 1911 the standard model fits me great. Go to a match and talk to as many guys as you can and hold and feel and possibly shoot as many as you can. You may find that a standard or A1 grip fit you better than an over molded style, and you find that the 3.5# trigger is a bit light to you for the one handed grip. Other than that, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice....
I did find one thing that helped me out a bunch was to go to the toy store and get a plastic  toy pistol. While you are watching T.V. sit and hold it in front of you and keep shooting everyone on the screen. It helps build the muscles in the arms and hand.

[Questor]

Thank you. And thanks particularly to Iowegan for the detailed instructions.  I think this will make a dandy project gun.