1911 A1 to 1911
 

Hi I bought a Colt 1911 A1 it is a mis-matched gun so I would not worry about turning it into a 1911 &lt;pre 1926 configuration?&gt; does anyone know what parts need to be replaced,I do not know if it is possible but hope so. <img border="0" alt="[offtopic]" title="" src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" /> I do appreciate your time Thanks Walter

You can replace the trigger with a long one and the mainspring housing with flat one, and you could have the sights replaced with the old type that weren't as good as the 1911A1 type, but you can't easily fill in the small half moon cuts at the back of the trigger guard which made finger access a little easier... So No, not without welding and grinding and refinishing could you make it LOOK like a 1911... but it will never really be a 1911 so what's the point?

If a 1911 is what you really want... then save your money that you would use toward creating one and find a real 1911...

If you plan on shooting it... stick with the 1911A1 ...they made those improvements on the 1911 for a reason. It made a better and more serviceable pistol. I know because I carried one for 20 years.

(U.S. Army-Retired)

FWIW, I agree with John. Shooter 1911's are still available, and I see them at gun shows from time to time. Even more common are "mixmaster" 1911 frames with 1911A1 slides. If yours is full A1, someone with the above combo should be more than willing to trade.

The things some folks like about the 1911 are the long trigger and the flat mainspring housing, and both can be obtained from Brownells (www.brownells.com) or other parts houses for quite reasonable prices. You will probably want to keep the longer grip safety or even go to a beavertail type for shooting.

Jim

Over the years I have gone the opposite direction several times. I have several 1911s updated more or less to A1s. I never worried about the frame cuts which are not needed with the long trigger and big hands. The 1911 grip safety will give you hammer bite in a big hurry (why would you want that?). The long A1 grip safety is nice and you can't use a beavertail without a burr hammer which makes thumb cocking difficult. Also, a checkered arched housing is nice and S&W or Bomar adjustable sights are great. Great guns in any flavor.

Thank You I do appreciate every ones advice Thanks Walter <img border="0" alt="[nono]" title="" src="graemlins/nono.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />