Folks, after almost 20 years of shooting, I just put my hands on my first 1911A1. My Army time was just after the Beretta was adopted, so I never knew the pleasure/pain of the old war horse. but, after years of reading about them, first in the gun rags, and no on the gun sites, I picked up one. I traded a Sig Sauer 239 9mm (which had been spending all of its time in my safe) for a Sprigfield Armory MilSpec full-sized 1911A1. It's lightly used, but appears to be in excellent condition. It now sports wood grips with hex head stainless screws, a Shooting Star 8 round mag, and a Wilson stainless 7 round mag, both with base pads. Also contained in the package was a Wolff 18.5 lb recoil spring, another base pad, another spring (yet to be identified), 100 rounds of ball, and 20 rounds of Gold Dot. In handling it, I'm immediately thinking of a beavertail grip safety for comfort, a loop/Commander hammer for aesthetics, and Novak or some other lower profile sights. When money is available, maybe some tuning, a bigger thumb safety lever, and a new finish (I love the two-tone look).
First, anyone have any advice on the care and feeding of the new toy?
Second, should I be able to afford the work, who do you all recommend?
Three, any modifications you consider "must have"?
Four, any other useful information for a 1911 newbie you consider essential?
Any and all information appreciated.
Chris
