1911 parts replacement - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

grahamstein · 06-17-2007, 08:18 PM

Never had a 1911 before but i am interested in picking one up, but a big part of my decision hinges on what i would be looking at spending on it.

So the real question is, if i wanted to swap the hammer and trigger, is it a simple parts replacement, or is gunsmithing required?

What about adding an ambi safety?

I_Route · 06-17-2007, 09:33 PM

It depends on what kind of parts you buy. Some are designed as "drop-in" replacement parts. Others are "semi drop-in" while some are "fitting required".

Trigger should be pretty standard but you have to watch the grip safety. 99% of the time you should be OK [with drop in parts] but you should always double check the safeties. Most competition triggers require fitting.

The hammer is a different story. It should be placed in a jig with the sear to ensure proper engagement. I would get the Brownell's drop in trigger job kit to test the waters of your ability if you are unsure. They are MIM parts but you can spend a few dollars more and get Ed Brown parts [including their sear jig] and try it yourself. You also have to buy the stones to do it right.

The only part I have replaced that I did not need to fit was a drop-in replacement mainspring housing. But you get what you pay for too. I bought a "cheaper" one than the Ed Brown one I eventually got and it was so far out of tolerance that I could not get it to fit. The EB one required no fitting at all.

HTH

**mvician** · 06-17-2007, 11:57 PM

Don't throw good money after bad

Even "drop in" parts may require fitting.
It is very easy to screw a 1911 up if you don't know what you are doing and start swapping parts.

Mike

grahamstein · 06-18-2007, 07:06 AM

I was looking to use the higher priced parts anyhow, and yes i would be using drop ins.

On one model i was planing to purchase, i wanted to replace the hammer, grip safety and add an ambi safety. On the other model i was looking at it would only be replacing the barrel.

I_Route · 06-18-2007, 09:47 PM

Grip safeties are never really drop-in no matter what they say. You should ALWAYS check the operation of safeties when replacing any parts related to or involving the safeties.

Mac45 · 06-19-2007, 02:50 PM

Where can I find accessories and more mags for my Kimber Ultra Carry II I just bought?? Please help I'm useless in net searches lol.

grahamstein · 06-19-2007, 04:43 PM

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=49&t=39394

Heathen-Yak · 06-19-2007, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac45

Where can I find accessories and more mags for my Kimber Ultra Carry II I just bought?? Please help I'm useless in net searches lol.

any commander magazines. I LOVE chip mccormick magazines.

06-17-2007, 08:18 PM	#1
grahamstein XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West Nyack, NY Posts: 649	1911 parts replacement Never had a 1911 before but i am interested in picking one up, but a big part of my decision hinges on what i would be looking at spending on it. So the real question is, if i wanted to swap the hammer and trigger, is it a simple parts replacement, or is gunsmithing required? What about adding an ambi safety? __________________ "To be Irish is to know that in the end, the world will break your heart." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

06-17-2007, 09:33 PM	#2
I_Route XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 816	It depends on what kind of parts you buy. Some are designed as "drop-in" replacement parts. Others are "semi drop-in" while some are "fitting required". Trigger should be pretty standard but you have to watch the grip safety. 99% of the time you should be OK [with drop in parts] but you should always double check the safeties. Most competition triggers require fitting. The hammer is a different story. It should be placed in a jig with the sear to ensure proper engagement. I would get the Brownell's drop in trigger job kit to test the waters of your ability if you are unsure. They are MIM parts but you can spend a few dollars more and get Ed Brown parts [including their sear jig] and try it yourself. You also have to buy the stones to do it right. The only part I have replaced that I did not need to fit was a drop-in replacement mainspring housing. But you get what you pay for too. I bought a "cheaper" one than the Ed Brown one I eventually got and it was so far out of tolerance that I could not get it to fit. The EB one required no fitting at all. HTH __________________ Later, Jeff If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a soldier.

06-18-2007, 07:06 AM	#4
grahamstein XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West Nyack, NY Posts: 649	I was looking to use the higher priced parts anyhow, and yes i would be using drop ins. On one model i was planing to purchase, i wanted to replace the hammer, grip safety and add an ambi safety. On the other model i was looking at it would only be replacing the barrel. __________________ "To be Irish is to know that in the end, the world will break your heart." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

06-18-2007, 09:47 PM	#5
I_Route XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Merrimack, NH Posts: 816	Grip safeties are never really drop-in no matter what they say. You should ALWAYS check the operation of safeties when replacing any parts related to or involving the safeties. __________________ Later, Jeff If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a soldier.

06-19-2007, 02:50 PM	#6
Mac45 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Stanwood, WA Posts: 264	Where can I find accessories and more mags for my Kimber Ultra Carry II I just bought?? Please help I'm useless in net searches lol. __________________ XD .45ACP Compact Kimber Ultra Carry II

06-17-2007, 11:57 PM	#3
mvician XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,658	Don't throw good money after bad Even "drop in" parts may require fitting. It is very easy to screw a 1911 up if you don't know what you are doing and start swapping parts. Mike

06-19-2007, 04:43 PM	#7
grahamstein XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West Nyack, NY Posts: 649	http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=49&t=39394 __________________ "To be Irish is to know that in the end, the world will break your heart." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

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