Colt 1911 Replica Project

[brushy bill]

I bought a Colt 1911 replica some time back with the intention of turning it into a basic carry gun.

I don't carry about 20-30 LPI checkering on the front strap or similar mods that might be good for some, but not me.

To that end, looking at:

Good sights (probably gold bead front)
Basic reliability package by compotent smith (Cylinder & Slide/Novaks/etc)
Replacing any parts that might be MIM
More rust resistant finish, but the Carbona is pretty...

Any recommendations on other essential (key here is KISS) mods or ideas on which parts on the Colt are MIM (I can't tell from looking).

[Rana]

Recommendations for a "basic" pistol in no particular order,

Dave Berryhill- MEU(SOC) PKG http://www.berryhillguns.com/

Jason Burton of Heirloom Precision can still do the 1* pkg I believe(?)

http://www.heirloomprecision.com/

Steve Morrison of MARS Armament http://marsguns.com/Home.htm

These guys have an excellent reputation and are still actually able to take on work it seems.

[SeriousStudent]

Mr. Berryhill and Mr. Burton are members here as well, and have posted photos of their work. Very, very nice.

I have always been a fan of the THUG pistol from MARS, although I have never fired one. I have handled one once. It appeared very nice as well, and the owner spoke highly of it.

[SWATcop556]

I would love a Burton 1* or a MARS thug but they are pricey.

Call the Springfield Custom Shop and they can help you spec out a package and it will be a little quicker on the turnaround as well.

[Rana]

I would love a Burton 1* or a MARS thug but they are pricey.

Call the Springfield Custom Shop and they can help you spec out a package and it will be a little quicker on the turnaround as well.

I think the mentioned are reasonably priced, considering.

The SA shop does have a good rep and will work on Colt's I understand.

FWIW If price is a big factor then I would steer clear of the 1911 and look at a Glock 17 or 19.

[13F3OL7]

Ron Phillips offers a basic reliability package. His prices look to be fairly reasonable.

http://www.phillips1911.com/

[SWATcop556]

I think the mentioned are reasonably priced, considering.

The SA shop does have a good rep and will work on Colt's I understand.

FWIW If price is a big factor then I would steer clear of the 1911 and look at a Glock 17 or 19.

Very good point. I'm a big believer in you get what you pay for in a 1911. I've been very happy with the Custom Shop.

Anyone know the current turn around time on Jason or MARS?

[d90king]

This is the only man who I will have work on my 1911's>www.harrisoncustom.com IMHO there are no better, but others who are equal. Plus he is a class act and GREAT smith to work with. I have a hard use in the works with him now built off a new SS Series 70 Repro...

Here is what he did on my WWI Repro "Retro" He used Turnbul for the finish.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC00238.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC04896.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC04900.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363871.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363865.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363872.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363864.jpghttp://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18296644264.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18296644265.jpg

[joffe]

Burton doesn't do 1*'s any more, they only do complete high dollar builds now. http://www.heirloomprecision.com/index2.shtml

[Dos Cylindros]

Very good point. I'm a big believer in you get what you pay for in a 1911. I've been very happy with the Custom Shop.

Anyone know the current turn around time on Jason or MARS?


I have a gun with MARS right now for a build (the Axiom not the THUG, but basically the same thing). The gun has been there for about three months and while Steve did give me a time frame which I don't in all honesty expect it to get done in that time. I really think it will probably take about ten months total. Heirloom quoted me about ten months give or take when I called them while researching this build. Heirloom does great work, but so does MARS and I have been drawn to MARS after seeing the THUG article in the SF mag.

[Mr. Smith]

I bought a Colt 1911 replica some time back with the intention of turning it into a basic carry gun.

I don't carry about 20-30 LPI checkering on the front strap or similar mods that might be good for some, but not me.

To that end, looking at:

Good sights (probably gold bead front)
Basic reliability package by compotent smith (Cylinder & Slide/Novaks/etc)
Replacing any parts that might be MIM
More rust resistant finish, but the Carbona is pretty...

Any recommendations on other essential (key here is KISS) mods or ideas on which parts on the Colt are MIM (I can't tell from looking).
We love to do retro guns. Like a street car body with race car guts. Some of the things that people do to gun are over the top for others.
This gun is a gun we built out of a colt 70 reproduction gun.
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/1911%20opperator/KYS_8922.jpg

The difference in my mind in the type of gun you would like to have built for you is your personal touches we would love to talk about it with you.
We had a customer do his version of a retro not long ago.
To me this gun is a nice gun but it is not retro. I love the gun so much that it hurts me the build just grew and grew as we went.

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SuperiorFirearms/heinie%20rear%20sight/COLT%201911/OFFICERS%201911/kyshooters1911.jpg

[Rana]

This is the only man who I will have work on my 1911's>www.harrisoncustom.com IMHO there are no better, but others who are equal. Plus he is a class act and GREAT smith to work with. I have a hard use in the works with him now built off a new SS Series 70 Repro...

Here is what he did on my WWI Repro "Retro" He used Turnbul for the finish.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC00238.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC04896.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC04900.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363871.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363865.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363872.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363864.jpghttp://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18296644264.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18296644265.jpg

John Harrison is an excellent 1911 smith. Perhaps one of the best for a full house gun- especially.

I know you have a lot of pride in the gun he built you as I have seen these photos in every 1911 thread on every gun forum on the INTERNET. Sometimes multiple times on the same forums:D

I would expect a relatively long wait for a Harrison Custom as he is in very high demand as are his peers such as Chuck Rogers, Bob Rodgers, Stan Chen Etc.

[Rana]

Burton doesn't do 1*'s any more, they only do complete high dollar builds now. http://www.heirloomprecision.com/index2.shtml

Have you spoken to him?

I have spoke to others who say they have an that he would still do the package but not call it a 1*.

Perhaps he could chime in to set us straight(?).

[Jason Burton]

Have you spoken to him?

I have spoke to others who say they have an that he would still do the package but not call it a 1*.

Perhaps he could chime in to set us straight(?).

My friend Rana has it right...

We can and still will do a build similar to what was previously referred to as the 1*... within certain parameters and sans the “1*” logo of course. ;)

The aforementioned parameters are the same for any project we do, the gun needs to be a complete functional makeover and we believe that includes various key modifications some of which were not offered on the 1* guns. We have found that there are certain modifications and processes that go into making a reliable and durable 1911 that will last over the long haul. So long as we are able to maintain those standards we are happy to build a gun that features some of the same options that were once popular on the 1* series of guns.

As with every gun we build, as long as certain key features and modifications are maintained the cosmetic options (checkering, flattened and serrated slide tops, line straightening, rear slide serrations, serrations on the front strap, etc.) and user interfaces (sights, safeties, mag-catches, etc.) are up to the customer.

With all that said, I can see where one may get the impression that we only do “complete high dollar builds” as much of what you see on our website or on forums reflects that. However, what appears on our website/forums are just examples of what we can and have done and in most cases those examples reflect what the vast majority of our customers request we build for them.

One other thing I very much agree with Rana on, if price is a factor the 1911 is probably not the best platform to fall in love with. I’ll be the first guy to tell you that these guns can cost pretty good money and that in the long run for a serious users it is neither wise or prudent to try and build a “quality” 1911 cheaply. To be durable and reliable the platform demands a certain level of components and skill and it’s allot like having a “cheap” roof on your house... eventually in one way or another you’re gonna’ pay for it.

[d90king]

John Harrison is an excellent 1911 smith. Perhaps one of the best for a full house gun- especially.

I know you have a lot of pride in the gun he built you as I have seen these photos in every 1911 thread on every gun forum on the INTERNET. Sometimes multiple times on the same forums:D

I would expect a relatively long wait for a Harrison Custom as he is in very high demand as are his peers such as Chuck Rogers, Bob Rodgers, Stan Chen Etc.


Yes, I am proud of this build, a lot of that prides come from the fact that it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Keep in mind I have found dozens of others posting the pics but I never really cared because it resides in my safe:D

I am looking forward to the current project because it will end up being a training and carry gun. It will replace my Vickers Recon and Baer Super Tac in those roles... I don't carry the WWI, I shoot the hell out of it, but don't carry it. It has one the finest triggers, and best sight pics of any of my 1911's and it is also very accurate.

Personally I think Johns work is worth the wait!;) Luckily I am already on his bench.:D

[Rana]

Yes, I am proud of this build, a lot of that prides come from the fact that it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Keep in mind I have found dozens of others posting the pics but I never really cared because it resides in my safe:D

I am looking forward to the current project because it will end up being a training and carry gun. It will replace my Vickers Recon and Baer Super Tac in those roles... I don't carry the WWI, I shoot the hell out of it, but don't carry it. It has one the finest triggers, and best sight pics of any of my 1911's and it is also very accurate.

Personally I think Johns work is worth the wait!;) Luckily I am already on his bench.:D

I agree, John does do Fantastic Work and is on the "short list" of World Premier 1911 Smitty's.

For a basic gun, within a "relatively" short wait period (<2years) then the aforementioned recommendations I believe are much more realistic and attainable for a "simple" basic working pistol.

[Lawdog-1]

What options were listed on the 1* Package ?