Upgrading a M1911A1 WW2 repro

[VMI_Marine]

Someone gave me a Colt M1911A1 WW2 reproduction several years back. While I take it out and shoot it from time to time, it largely sits around because it's not as fun as some of my pistolss. I'd like to upgrade a few things to make it shoot better and make it more useful for both home defense and tactical shooting in general. I've been surfing Wilson Combat's site for some ideas, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for improvements.

[dsa]

Send it to MARS Armament http://marsguns.com/Home.htm

[S. Kelly]

Sell it to someone looking for one, and use the profit to buy a "fun" gun. Don't tinker with a collectible.

[Turnkey11]

Did a Springfield a few years back, still a couple more things Id like to try on it before I leave it alone. If I buy the WWI and WWII Colt repros, Id probably end up doing the same thing to them.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/DSC04708.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/DSC04710.jpg

[Army Chief]

If you've no special attachment to the gun, and it wouldn't offend the giver(s), you might consider selling it and using the money to invest in something with more of the features you're looking for. I say this because the WWII repros are somewhat difficult to find these days -- at least, in relative terms -- and they command high prices for what they are.

That's not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, but I dare say that you could sell yours and come out surprisingly close to even against a lightly-used Wilson CQB or similar "step above" pistol. This is a highly individual decision, but one worth contemplating, as sending the gun off to be upgraded will actually lessen its value in this respect.

Of course, if you need to keep the gun for whatever reason, and you still wish to make changes, I would encourage you to come up with a clear vision of what you would or would not like to see done before you get too far along with selecting a particular shop or smith to do the work. Rework projects like these can quickly result in an outlay that is equal to, or greater than, the residual worth of the pistol, and if you're spending that kind of money, you want to get exactly what you're after. Too many guys send these kinds of Colts off for work simply because they know that this is a logical next step, but without really understanding which feature, or combination of features, would best meet their needs.

Sights? Safeties? Action jobs? Beavertails? Triggers? Checkering? Match barrels? The list is nearly endless where the 1911 is concerned, so take your time, ask questions, look at a lot of pistols, and if you feel that more specialized counsel is warranted, you may want to visit the M4C of all-things-1911 at 1911forum.com.

AC

[VMI_Marine]

Gents,
Thanks for the good advice, I'd actually been debating between selling the Colt to buy something that has the features I want, or upgrading it. I may see if the giver wants it back before I try to sell it - he's much more of a collector than I.

[Dos Cylindros]

Send it to MARS Armament http://marsguns.com/Home.htm

I agree, my WWI repro is due back from Steve very soon.

[Dunderway]

If you really want to make a custom out of your WWII then go for it.

But as others have said, that is a fairly rare pistol. Colt has made a ton of the WWIs and they are still available, but the WWII was a pretty small run. You should be able to sell it on Gunbroker for a premium and then buy a new S70 repro and still have money towards your build.

The only way I would modify your gun is to send it to Dave Berryhill for an MEUSOC repro, since the ordinance/gov markings on the receiver would make it look extremely authentic.

Just my take. It's not like it's a pristine original GI gun or anything, so just do want you want really.

ETA: If you don't want to do a build, I'm sure you could also come out even or ahead on a new Colt Special Combat that has all of the feature you want.

[Bolt_Overide]

I dont see a problem with customising a wwii repro, or an original for that matter, unless of course its an extremely rare example.

[BBossman]

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq169/bbossman1/cd1a1bbd.jpg

[Army Chief]

Oh, wow ... now that is one beautiful Old School 1911. My compliments on an unusually desirable pistol.

AC