1911 A1 to 1911

ninethirtysix1996 · 07-25-2003, 08:30 PM

Hi I bought a Colt 1911 A1 it is a mis-matched gun so I would not worry about turning it into a 1911 <pre 1926 configuration?> 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

John Sabato · 07-25-2003, 09:00 PM

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)

Jim Keenan · 07-26-2003, 03:58 AM

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

AGE · 07-26-2003, 04:44 AM

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.

ninethirtysix1996 · 08-01-2003, 03:22 AM

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" />

07-25-2003, 08:30 PM	#1
ninethirtysix1996 User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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 <pre 1926 configuration?> 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

07-25-2003, 09:00 PM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	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) __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

07-26-2003, 04:44 AM	#4
AGE User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 597 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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. __________________ Al Eggers (AGE) NRA Life Member

07-26-2003, 03:58 AM	#3
Jim Keenan User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 184 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	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

08-01-2003, 03:22 AM	#5
ninethirtysix1996 User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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" />