I am new to this I've always like the 45 auto, but i am wondering what is the diffence between the Colt 45 auto 1911 and the 1911A1?
Thanks,
Uncle Sam

 

The A1s started in 1924 and were modified to correct some minor complaints
The beavertail was extended and hammer spur was shortened to prevent hammerbite
The mainspring housing was arched instead of flat
Metal was relieved behind the trigger guard to make it more ergonomic

 

Will the parts from the 1911 and the 1911A1 interchange? Barrels, slide, springs and etc?

Uncle Sam

 

Yes
The only real modifications were cosmetic

Except for the machined reliefs in the frame behind the trigger nothing was changed on the actual gun

You'renot thinking about a rework are you?

 

Rework? no i'm building one, I already have a few parts and i didn't know what parts to be looking for. I didn't know how much of a difference there were in the two guns. Where is there a good place to find the parts and a frame?

Uncle Sam

 

Go with the A1 design there is a very good reason for the upgrade
One case of hammer bite will convince you

Sarco
Brownells
McCormick
Are all good parts sources

frames and slides are so varied on prices that there is no right answer

Frames can cost from about $100 up to what ever you want to pay
Slides are about the same

If you really want expert opinions and knowledge go to Club1911.com
http://www.club1911.com/

There are a couple of 1911 geniuses there, BluesBear in particular
Tell them Bugman sent you and tell them a story or two

What parts are you lacking
I may have some or know where to get deals
The guys at the club are always trading back and forth

 

Bugman,
I pretty much need a lot. I've got a slide (Remington Rand) w/ front and rear sights, main spring housing w/ spring, cap, & retainer, slide stop, grips, clips, firing pin w/spring, firing pin stop, extractor, grip safety. I'm bidding on a barrel on Ebay, and I've got a set of springs on the way. So you see i need a lots more...hahaha. Thanks for the info and all the help. I saw a frame on line the other day for about $89. What do i need to look out for as far as junk goes?


Uncle Sam

 

Forged not cast is preferable in my opinion but most are cast these days

You can also get a copy of Shotgun News and look at the Sarco add
They usually have some surplus frames of one sort or another

Have you been to Club1911?

Do you know the maker of the frame you are bidding on?

 

It was a barrel i was bidding on it's made by Roto 4M, it's a 5 inch 45 acp Forged Barrel, got it for $34.50. The frame i saw was at Sarco i think it's a Essex #gun018 $99.50. I'm wanting to have the gun parkerized after i get all my parts. Thinking about getting a parkerize kit. Have you done any parkerizing? I think i want to do it in a gray color.

 

A lot of 1911s are built on Essex frames and that price is about the norm
Essex was one of the first to produce after market frames for 1911s
I have a friend who did a build using one and it is one of the tightest and most accurate 1911s I have ever shot
Essex frame are guaranteed for life if I remember correctly
The barrel is a fair price also. I have no personal experience with Roto barrels but they seemed to be respected

I have not done a full build yet
I have always been lucky enough to find used pistols in good shape to use as platforms fro enhancement

I have two Noirincos and a Sistema that are on the list as soon as I get time

DuraCoat is a fairly new product that you can use at home to give the gun a good looking very durable finish
They have many different colors to choose from
Parkerized Black or Gray is available
I'm thinking about doing a tigerstripe camo on one of mine
The cost is about $50 with a lot of product left over

 

Bugman, do you know anything about http://www.45gunparts.com ? They're about the cheapest place i've found to get 1911A1 parts.

Uncle Sam

 

I hadn't heard of them before but they are in my favorites list

I see a bulk magazine deal in my future

I also need parts to rebuild a Sistema and possibly a Norinco

Thanks for the link