[clipse]

I finally got around to taking pictures of the parts that I replaced and the parts that are stock. First off, if you haven't seen a picture, here it is.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/23.jpg
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/1911camo2.jpg

It is a Springfield Armory GI 5" Parkerized. Model # PW9108L. I got it for $420 out the door at a gunshow.

The main thing I didn't like about this gun is the ILS safety in the Main Spring Housing. It has a little key that you use to turn a little nub in the MSH to lock the mainspring cap so the hammer won't cock.

I got out my Brownells cataloge and started writing down the number of the parts that need replace. (Main Spring Cap, Main Spring Retainer Pin, Main Spring, and Plunger) You can see the parts and the difference between the factory SA parts and the Colt parts.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/msh.jpg

The little 'L' shaped silver piece was another one of my worries. SA suggest that before you take out the MSH you need to cock the hammer and place the little 'L' shaped piece where the Retaining Pin would go. It will keep the Plunger from flying out.

It should like like this.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/msh2.jpg

I would rather have the retaining pin, then I don't have to worry about loosing another tool or part.

My next concern was the Firing Pin. SA uses a Titanium Firing Pin and an extra powerfull spring. They do this as a drop safety. I don't really care for it. So I replaced them with a Wilson Bullet Proof Firing Pin and Colt factory Firing Pin Spring.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/fp.jpg

I did shoot it quite a bit with the stock FP and FPS and had no problems. It was just a personal preference.

Next I found out that the stock grip safety and the webbing of my hand were not going to work well together. So, I went back to the Brownells cat. and ordered a Kings Drop-in Grip Safety. I figured I would have to do some fitting but I installed it, did all the safety checks and badda bing badda boom I was in business. Here you can see the difference in the two.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/gs.jpg

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/gs2.jpg

Here is just another shot of the Grip Safety.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/gripsafety.jpg

I also replace the recoil spring with a 16lbs one as Springfield Armory uses a 14lbs spring out of the factory.

Right now I am working on new grips. (making them myself). I finally got the correct bit and should have time to work on them today. If I am able to get around to actually working on them and get them done then I will post pictures of them as well. The grips are really bothering me now. I just can't get into the 'US' on them.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

clipse

[matthewdanger]

Good choices in parts. Looks like you will have an excellent no frills 1911. Thats just how I like 'em.

That beavertail is kind of neat. It won't win any beauty contests for sure, but I like that it drops in and works with the contour of the spur hammer (which I prefer for looks).

I can't wait to see the grips.

Nice work Clipse.

Matt

[clipse]

The grip safety is not good looking I realize. I didn't get this gun to be good looking though. I bought it work. And work it does. I has shot everything I put in it without fail. It is my CCW piece and I couldn't be happier. I should get the grips done this afternoon.

clipse

[john]

good job. :up: :up: :up:

[Fug]

Real nice. also inspiring me to make a post...

[cheekser]

keep up the good work :up:

[clipse]

Here are the grips. I still have put lineseed oil on them though.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/grips3.jpg
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/grips4.jpg
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/grips1.jpg
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/grips2.jpg

[clipse]

Here are the grips finally completely completed. :D

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/gripnew2.jpghttp://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/gripnew.jpg

And here is the pistol with the grips on it and everything. (I really like taking pictures. :D)

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/1911new2.jpg

[MtJerry]

That is just beeeeeeutiful !

:up:

[Marinesg1012]

Sexy is as Sexy does.

:up: :up:

Nice pistola all you guys and your 1911's are going to make me spend some money.

[Wayne the Shrink]

Beautiful work, Clipse!

[clipse]

Thanks guys.

clipse

[clipse]

Ok, this is the last time I update this thread untill I do something substantial. :) I put a couple coats of spray on laquer. I changed the personality quite a bit and I thought I would share.

http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/1911grips5.jpg
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~clipse/mypics/1911grips6.jpg

Let me know what you guys think.

clipse

[Marinesg1012]

Yeah I really need to get one of them.

[C96]

clipse - Looks good. You may want to consider replacing the extractor with an
Ed Brown Hard Core. A lot of these cheaper SA's have had the extractors go
bad after a couple of hundred rounds.

I love mine, haven't done much to it yet but all of your mods are on the list.

Here's mine, my son gave this to me for my birthday last year. :)

allan