My 1911 Project, Colt 1991A1 Series 80

[H3NCO]

I searched and didn't see an appropriate thread already started for firearms projects so here goes:

I received a Colt 1991A1 Model 80 in a trade of goods and thought I would share the build project. I am not an expert with the 1911 but have been wanting to explore a bit. I have owned a few Glocks and enjoy their simplicity. I used to own a Kimber TLE and enjoyed shooting it.
Here are the before shots:



Feb 08:
What I decided to do is confer with a recommended gunsmith. Some of my concerns that I felt were important to address is ensuring no bad decisions or work was done previously. As stated I received this weapon in a trade of goods from a stranger. I cleared the serial number at work before accepting the deal. After discussing the pistol with said gunsmith this evening we have decided the following.
reliability run through
smoothing of edges
night sights
replacement of any "questionable" quality parts
Front strap checkering
Checkered MSH
4lbs trigger
gun kote finishing for slide and receiver - I'm not wild about the blued slide and want to do a black slide over an OD frame.

Fast Forward 4 months......
I went to the range today and gave her a go. The pistol range was closed for a shoot so I made do on the rifle range putting it through a quick hundred rounds worth of paces. It burped and chirped both 230g Remington factory loads and 185g reloads with no snags or hiccups whatsoever. Here is what I understand to have been done to it:
reliability run through
smoothing of edges
night sights
replacement of any "questionable" quality parts
Front strap checkering
Checkered MSH
extended beaver tail safety
gunner grips
4lbs trigger
gun kote finishing for slide and receiver.

I must say that I'm impressed with how it handled and look forward to thousands of more rounds of beating the piss out of it.
I know sometimes folks are to quick to customize something that maybe doesnt need it, or fix something that isn't broke. But, in this case I felt the timing was right. I got the pistol for next to nothing and if it was going under the knife anyway I figured it might as well come out what I would want it to be eventually.
Now for the gun Pron:



This is a little AR project that I've been building up in the meantime. It shot nice today as well:

[ssgharkness020147]

Sweet job on the 1911. I've got a Magpul PRS on my AR and have got to say its probably my favorite upgrade.

[wpage]

That is a nice Colt! The AR is nice Para as well.

I'm a little retro with my M1 Garand. Love the 8 round factory clips. Have had that from DCM for many years. Unfortunately they recalled my 1911 Colt after Kennedy was assassinated back in the 60's. Guess Uncle Sam was wondering what might become of their Civilian Army. With all that free ball ammo and weaponry around...


Good luck with the toys

[timgco]

nice job...not mount that thing on the H3 hood.

[H3NCO]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.. If I was to do that I'd have to upgrade to the Ma Deuce, .50 cal

[mikejr]

Hows the reliability on the 1911. I've got a Para-Ord 45 that i've had to polish the feed ramps etc to get it to fire reliably. Like you, I've got several glocks that are out of the box reliable so I wasnt used to having to shoot a pistol in to make it reliable. Nice job on the customization. What did it cost you?