I have the basic Rock Island 1911-A1. I realize that it does not have all the bells and whistles that your Wilson has, however, I have put hundreds of rounds through it without a malfunction and it shoots perfectly. This is an exact replica of the 1911 that I used in Vietnam while in the Marines. Mine cost $399 compared to your $2000 gun. You learn to shoot with what you have and mine shoots very well.
I have a 900$ Guccied out Glock that i use for my carry gun, but I also fucking the classic look of my RIA 1911. Just a sleek blacked out classic. I would just wanna upgrade the internals and hammer.
My carry gun is soon to be a Tisas 1911, variant is "The Volunteer", I'm adding custom texas grips on it for extra flash. Wilson combat mags will be the first upgrade to it, and I'll wait till I put at minimum 200 rounds through it for break in before the internals. Can't change the slide though, it's engravings are too nice to change it. On the side is engraved "You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas", quote Davy Crockett
I want to mention something very important. I appreciate you Brother for caring to ask for People to assist at Homeless Shelters and other Volunteer opportunities. It’s because they are at the lowest point of their lives sometimes and it’s essential to get help when it will literally save your life! Thank you 🙏🏼 and thank you for caring about us to teach us important information that will improve safety and competence in The Firearms Community. We’re all ambassadors and it’s necessary to know as much as possible! God Bless you Brother and your Family! 🙏🏼❤️🦅🇺🇸
Holy crap...I didn’t realize that you’ve been completely demonetized? You’re living proof of being able to pump out quality videos with no worries of unfair biases or influence. I appreciate your videos even more than ever before!
We all share monke brain 🗿 I used to think they’re old fudd guns… i was a 9mm fanboy until i bought a nice 1911bb gun i fell in love and said FUCK IT then pulled the trigger and bought a kimber full size that looker identical to the bb gun and fell in love. I am now looking into another one (springfield emmisary) and soley carry one.
@@pablo4yu I just got to feel one of the government sized Emissary’s in 45 and it’s pretty smexy. Fit pretty good and tight. Only thing I didn’t like was that it has a plastic trigger. Yes it can be changed out pretty easily but still
If you want to do this work yourself, keep in mind the grip safety, Ambi-thumb safety, mainspring housing with mag well, and the new trigger may all require fitting (read: removing metal) to function correctly. It's not complicated but does require the right tools and research. I recommend a trigger job as the first upgrade to a 1911 - they sell jigs and there are tons of videos on how to clean up your sear and trigger to get a perfectly clean break.... not to mention you'll learn how this gun works, and you'll be able to do all of the other mentioned work yourself. I carry a 1911 every day - great video!
Fixed up a Norinco with: Hogue grips, extended mag release, magwell, polished the slides, and hand fit an oversized barrel bushing. Shoots like a dream.
I like to checker the front of the trigger guard. Different people have different shooting styles, as we all know. I shoot right-handed, but I usually rest my left thumb on top of the slide lock and my left index finger on the front of the trigger guard. checkering there helps me to maintain a more positive and more consistent grip. I also recess the top of the trigger guard on the right side. It helps with faster trigger acquisition from the ready position.
I have the same RIA.. put over molded grips on it... and painted the front sight and enhanced the rear with fluorescent orange. Work great. Cost $5 a piece of emery and paint pen.
I love your approach to accessories. Before beginning to think about modifying the internals of the gun, you modify the points you interface to the gun with. It’s cheaper, safer and allows you to squeeze every bit of performance out of the gun, without using crouch accessories
Sir, You packed a thousand dollars worth of information in a 16 minute video. Thank you! I love your videos and always am amazed at your accuracy and that coupled with your outstanding speed brings me back time and time again.
7:20 - The Pachmayr neoprene grips with the front panel gives you the effect of having checkering on the frontstrap. Coupled with a checkered or rubber overlay on the mainspring housing, that improves the gripping surface all the way around.
Watched this one a long time ago. Back here to watch again ! I have a RIA Tac Ultra, and love it. Got an old RIA basic 1911. Just sent the Tac Ultra back to RIA to upgrade to Novak fully adjustable fiber optic set w/green rear and red front sights and a reliability checkup.
I put a Wilson Combat recoil spring and buffer in my 1911 and I can tell and feel the difference. Ive heard all the buffer complaints but have found none of them to be accurate. I have no problem racking and locking my slide. For 6.95 a very good upgrade
I had a .45 ACP S&W 1911. It came with almost all these upgrades plus a tactical rail. It was an amazing firearm. Wirth every penny. As well, I agree these upgrades do make a big difference in your accuracy and speed of shots down range. Excellent video!
I love the 1911 45. As an USMC Grunt M-79 Man in Vietnam 1968/69 with the 5th Marines I carried a 1911, and later as a Scoutsniper I carried a 1911 along with sniper rifle .
I have on my 1911 what Colt I believe calls Combat grips. It is a one piece wrap around, hard rubber and very nicely checkered grip! It is a fantastic way to get great checkering on that front strap without needing to get the frame modified and of course cost less as well.
Ever since the original GI Joe came out, back in the 60’s, I’ve liked the look of the 1911. Now, two or more years into the pandemic, I found one at Turners Outdoors for just over 500 clams. I have it at home now and I’ve been reading all I can find and watching videos on these. A year ago, I found a Sig p238 like my wife has, I liked hers so much. Yes, I shoot big guns and small guns, so mock me with your best. Anyway, my Sig came with night sights (hers didn’t). After seeing the difference, that’s all I want now. I loved this video, thank you.
I have carried a Colt 1911A1 made in 1933. Only modifications were to throat the barrel and install Kings Gunworks 3 dot sights. Yes I'm and old fart. Replace springs as needed. Sometimes replace the extractor. Now I carry my Les Baer Thunder Ranch, A Colt Wiley Clapp CCO or a Kimber. The beaver tail helps, otherwise the web of my hand bleeds from Hammer bite.
I'm mainly a springfield guy...that being said i also have some canik,rock island,ruger,taurus,and custom built stuff...but i had always wanted a 1911 and most of them are a little more expensive then your normal side arm so I went ahead and went all out and got a kimber custom 2.now that being said I absolutely love my 1911!a buddy of mine is nothing but 1911s from 380 to 9mm up to 45 acp and all of his are all customized so I've been looking for some "good" upgrades and not just for looks so of course honest outlaw is where I came as always!my kimber after as long as I've had it is starting to get that perfect patina so it's definitely time to do some upgrading.as always i just redid the recoil spring cause I replace it every oh 6 or 7 months cause I do take it to the range every single time even if I'm taking something else the kimber always comes with.this was a great video and giving me alot to look at so thank you sir!
The Rock Island 1911A1 Standard FS has all the same stuff as that Wilson Combat for $100 extra compared to the GI Edition plus it also comes with rubber texturized grips and a full-length guide rod. Well worth it in my opinion honestly
I got a 9mm and 45 RI 1911FS. Came with everything but fibre sight and magwell. I went with matching G10 grips with integrated well. Awesome firearms. The 9mm is slick as snot. Just need to upgrade the front sight.
Used to agree with you that the pad of the finger was the best area to press the trigger with. Read where many of the top bullseye shooters prefer the thinner harder (less mushy) portion of the crook of the finger to press the trigger with. I tried the crook as recommended and shot the best groups of my life as it lacks the mushiness and inconsistency of the pad of the finger that the bullseye shooters found lacking. But to each his own on what suits you best.
I discovered the same thing as well. Especially on my subcompact M&P shield I was pushing low and left. I read that it was due to using the pad (middle) of my finger instead of edging up against the crook like you said. Same results. The low and left push ceased and my groups easily shrank by 1/3.
My dad, Korean war vet, loves my Springfield but hates my Kimber TLERL2 My upgrades would be sights, tactical rail for a Surfire and lasergrips. Mine are SHTF guns but fun plinkers in .45ACP. trigger work is optional but skeletonised triggers are essential for my big mitts. You are a great shot and I enjoy your videos
I bought a Girsan MC P35 (Hi Power clone) and a BUL Armory 1911 Commander over the course of this year. I don't care for the girsan front sight, at all. The BUL has great features, with the full beavertail, tall grip safety, front and back checkering and G10 grips. The only thing I really don't care for are the all-black sights. So I just ordered a sight pusher on Amazon, tritium sights for the Girsan from Brownells, and a fiber optic front sight for the Commander from the BUL website. And I ordered a Wilson Combat magwell for the Commander. I think these changes will really make a difference with these pistols. The Commander, especially, is a great pistol for only $850, with all the features of a more expensive 1911 and an awesome trigger. I wasn't even in the market for another 1911, until I dry-fired it a couple times.
My TRP got Truglow TFX Pros. My favorite sight. Thats all preference 10-8 gi style guide rod. I hate FLGRs. Slotted grip screws. I had a grip come loose at range. Dont carry around allen keys. Got slotted screws and loctited. If they do come loose super easy to tighten in field.
You left out the most important upgrade of all. You made mention of the need for accuracy as hand guns may be the only weapon you have for defense and longer shots may be necessary, but no where in the video do you include how you tune a 1911 to shoot with extreme accuracy. Everyone that shoots competition with a 1911 knows ( or should know )that barrel fitting is the critical enhancement. An easy way to check you barrel fit is to remove the firing pin, place an empty case without a primer in the chamber and look through the firing pin hole at the hole where the primer was. If you see any sign of a crescent, or the two holes aren’t perfectly aligned your barrel is not centered. Many factory 1911s aren’t perfectly centered. This is something best done by a 1911 knowledgeable gun smith. This and a quality trigger job are your top two priorities. TH-cam 1911 barrel fitting for a deeper dive.
Never saw this question, i don’t understand what you’re asking exactly , fitting the barrel if it’s not centered requires some metal be removed from some places on the barrel lug I believe. We’re talking thousands of an inch here and there and it’s above my pay grade to articulate the specific process. I have watched a master gun smith do it and it’s not an amateur project. Definitely something you don’t want to try on your own.
#1, grips. I have long fingers and need a wider grip, so Hogue over-molded wraparounds fill the bill. #2, lanyard loop. I’m in a wheelchair and can’t easily retrieve a dropped pistol, but I can reel it back in with a lanyard. Gravity is a paraplegic’s worst enemy.
Thank you for pointing that out. I always hear about the lanyard loop obsolete. I bet many like myself had not thought of this unique situation. Now I'm sure there are many others. Thank you for sharing.
Great list. Another good upgrade that I have done is converting any and all series 80 1911’s to a 70 series with a conversion shim. It makes an already good 1911 trigger absolutely great! Thanks for the video.
For range/competition use by me, I dropped in a match trigger, honed the triggerbar and sear, and added an Aristocrat "tri set" full rib sight. Really sweet and smooth trigger pull, great sight picture, and a little extra weight to tame recoil.
Glad i watched the video, so many just have some wannabe posing and acting like they know everything. Is nice to see someone who actually knows his weapon and how to use it. Kudos to you brother. Thank you for the helpful information. I just recently purchased a RIA .45 and was dang glad to see you use one also. Will look into changing out the grips as you advised. I guess I am fortunate in that my hand is just right to fit the palm safety and press it. I carried the 1911A1 the entire time I was in the Army and never had an issue with the palm safety. ( I probably misnamed it!) Thanks for the good advice.
Just got my first 1911. My brother had a 2015 model Colt trophy gold cup 9. Traded him a kilo of silver for it. He only put a mag or three through it before we swapped. Only complaint I have is the rear sight, that thing is edgy! I love it though, even with the hefty weight it's comfortable open carry for me. Stainless w/blue grips.
FYi, thanks for video, my kimber 1911 had some issue with grip safety (more or less my grip) wasn’t fully engaging the safety. So i had it replace with bum version and I’ve not had any issue. Large part due to video recommend/plus some testing i did. Thanks!
Though i love my taurus 1911 have about 600 rounds through it no issues. Ugraded to fiber optics and Magpul grips. No other upgrades for now, maybe later! Good info 👍
As a retired USAF Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor, I find your content refreshing. I'm the one who got USAF approval for the Wilson stance. I'm the one who brought the three shot drill. Look at the 80s, and the modernization of the combat techniques.
I was waiting through the WHOLE video... But, yeah, pretty much agreed on everything in there after you mentioned sights. Only thing I would say is that if you were going least important to most important I'd have put grips at the beginning, and a better beaver tail right behind the sights.
Aftac extracter, ISMI recoils spring. Add those to the list. The TRPIs my duty weapon. Any extractor issues go away with the self adjusting extractor. That ISMI recoil spring is by far the best. Great review
Put a set of Tritjicon night sights and Altamont rosewood grip panels on my RIA Gov't 38 Super. Everyone in the family prefers it now to all other handguns in the family. Amazing how a few simple changes can aid shooting efficiency.
I like the truglo fiber optic/tritium combination. I use them on my EDC pistol. They are great for aging eyes and truly the best of both worlds. Thanks for your videos. Good information.
My$600 Magnum Research 1911U came factory with checkered front, rear and side grips, extended grip safety and high vis front sight, so you dont have to get a $1000 1911 to get some of the upgraded features, just thought I throw that in here for those people who, like me, cant afford a Wilson combat 1911 but want some of the upgrades mentioned in this video.
i realize this is an older video but if you happen to be reading comments would love your recommendation for my first 1911 $1000-1500 range use. thanks great video
Great video bro. Love the range. Quick story. I got a Wilson combat classic. Friend passed. Never fired. I called Wilson (very good customer service) gave them ser# . They informed me that this sweet piece was bought 2011. In 2013 sent back to Wilson $3100 worth of upgrades. I have the list. Still never fired. Plusssss I live in Massachusetts where Wilsons are on the Santa's naughty toy list. Yeah man. Should I shoot it or not?
Upgrading the grip safety can have the extra benefit of a healthy beaver tail as seen on your Wilson Combat. On a GI 1911 if you choke up on the gun when you fire you can get hammer bite where the hammer hits the back of your hand while the gun is cycling (potentially hard enough to make you bleed). A healthy beaver tail prevents this as it provides a layer of unmoving metal between your hand and the hammer.
I just bought one of those Rock Island 1911s and the sights do leave much to be desired. I started watching this video because I knew replacing the sights would be on the list.
@@thelastrebel87 let me get back to you on that after I clean it. I've had some issues with mine. I bought mine used and I like it but there have been a few times where the cartridge just doesn't fire and I have to diagnose why. It happened once the first time I shot it and then it started happening every other magazine
Being a lefty I find an extended slide release really useful. Just the opposite for an extended magazine release as the left trigger finger rides almost right in that slot.
I'm a lefty too... I have learned to use my trigger finger to drop the mag. Its so instilled in my training that even when shooting my ambi mag release guns, I still use my trigger finger.
...just contributed to the welfare of some workers in Grinnell Iowa and copped a pile of 1911 upgrade shit...including the Wilson grip safety, extended thumb safety, slide stop, hammer, sear, disconnector and an Ed Brown magwell/flat mainspring housing...
Great presentation, very informative for me especially being my colt 1911 is at my buddies place Coastal Machine in ga being worked on now. Addition of good sights as you described here is why I took it in to him originally and as of ur video I watched this morning I’ve ask for a couple other changes most of all the mod to the grip safety. Thanks for some GREAT tips.
Some of us don't like front texture, grips (some grips don't work well for left hands) are probably the best upgrade for handling. There beaver tail, trigger (also adjustable would be good to take up the extra travel) & sights are extremely expensive on a GI. you are often far better off buying a slightly more expensive gun that already has the dovetail cut slide (cheaper to buy the upgrade than have the slide milled).
I have been shooting a 45 for 40 some years, never had grip safety not work, I have large hands, the DE fist my hand perfect, as for grips I use finger grove grips that go under the side panel,
Another great video, because the information you present is logically based, well reasoned, and most of all, you NEVER just say ' Believe me just because I'm saying it.'!!!! You raise the issue of self upgrades, (though you did cite using a gunsmith) so what I would like to see you do, IN DEPTH please, is a review of the Top 5 Tool Sets for upgrading the 1911-2011 series of pistols. The Top 3 could be 'reasonably priced' sets, while leaving the last 2 sets for Bargain Basement Tool Sets for those of us who are Dirt Poor (just got another Shut Off notice from the city for my W/S/G .....actually got a job project last Wednesday, first work I've had in nearly two months....being crippled up sucks sometimes). I've saved this video to a sub-folder, so that if/when I get any luxury scratch for both upgrade parts and tool kits, I can go back and review it. Naturally, the next progression would be for you to do a sample upgrade on your Rock Island, say the Main Spring and/or Grip Safety. Lastly, I'm a BIG FAN of Hogue Finger Contoured Non-Slip Grips for any pistol: the finger grips provide an excellent base for memory gripping, the non-slip adds precision and surety, and best of all, they usually run under $20 on Ebay! Durable as all get out too! Thanks again for your hard work in filming and especially post production.....PS......I would really like to see your wife do a series on Personal Protection Shooting, holsters for the ladies, various sidearms (auto and wheel), and especially her thoughts/mindset on serious practice both on range and at home (dry fire). I've got 5 sisters, several female cousins, and several female friends as well, and the few times I've seen your wife in the videos, she has struck me as being very much a woman with her own mind, deliberate in what she likes/dislikes and why for both sides. Anywho, take care and cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY!
If you buy a 1911 with most of these upgrades at $600 to a $1000 and spend the rest of your money on training and ammunition you will become much better at shooting a handgun.
I get G-10 grips from a company called Klonimus, I have been using their products for about a decade now on my 1911s and 1911 builds. Great price point, get them for about $25-$35 for a set, and they look nice. I got a set on my 80% build and one on my Metro Arms American Classic II 1911 chambered in 9mm.
Klonimus does have some.bery nice stuff. I buy mainspring housings, grips, magwells, grip safeties and some other stuff. Avoid the hammers and sears as they are MIM. Other than that all his stuff is pretty top notch.
Thank you for trying your heart out to sell things that do not need to be sold. I, my self, Kevin C. have just bought a pair of R.I. 1911s. For mysellf only, this is the way to experience what it "MIGHT" have been if granpa had only the 1911 or his fists . or his thumb, or his teeth... Does the fair fight rules apply when you just want to go home? The 1911 is outdated all te pros agree.... until, that put your head between your knees moment...BUT WAIT... I HAVE THIS!!! IMHO J.B. finally got it right with this weapon. Nothing your video showed enhanced the make the bad guy dead before he kills me from what J.B. did and what R.I. sells.
Cheap solution for the grip safety; Remove grips. Place taught over the grip safety, all the way to the mag well window. Re-install grips. No more worrying about if your grip safety is going to work. Also looks great, and feels better in the hand. As for the front strap checkering, do the same thing but with grit tape. Problem also solved.
A Kimber Custom TLE ii has all these features except the extended magazine release. The Kimber magazine release works just fine for my hands. (Also it has night sights, which in some situations may be better than the fiber optic.)
I have a Springfield Armory 1911 Milspec. I put an adjustable rear sight, smooth walnut grips, a silicone recoil buffer, steel guide rod and a parkerized match grade barrel bushing on it. I only swapped out the barrel bushing because I did not like the bright steel one. It was a fantastic shooter out of the box but the addition of the adjustable leaf and guide rod did tighten up the groups a bit.
I have shot a 911 for many years. I keep my gun will tuned and maintenance I have never had a problem with the grip safety. If you are having a problem with the grip safety a simple spring kit from any of the major manufacturers will fix the problem.
Les Baer, baby! My LB’s will be my kid’s one day. Gotta love old school hand fitting. I do agree that fiber optics are the way to go. The stock black front sight just melts into the black target, so I do not know where I am pointing.
The rock river works fine stock for me. I’ll say I do fee a difference between a Upgraded 1911 though. I have a colt series 80 gold cup trophy match with a recoil reducer buffer, 18# spring and some delta rubber grips. Feels like a hammer
Love your videos! Awesome info, unbiased, genuine, and full of deep pro insights. 1) you mentioned in many videos that you have been demonitized by TH-cam. Is that a good thing for you? What happened? If you need sponsorship, how can we as your viewers sponsor you? 2) some of the upgrades you mentioned in this video come standard on many Kimber pistols. What’s your thoughts on them? I don’t recall see you include them in your mentions. Why? Keep up the amazing work!!!
I don't know if this has been mentioned but I think Wilson Combat sells a thin metal piece with checkering stamped into it that wraps around the front strap and secures under the grip panels.
I have the basic Rock Island 1911-A1. I realize that it does not have all the bells and whistles that your Wilson has, however, I have put hundreds of rounds through it without a malfunction and it shoots perfectly. This is an exact replica of the 1911 that I used in Vietnam while in the Marines. Mine cost $399 compared to your $2000 gun. You learn to shoot with what you have and mine shoots very well.
I have several 1911's and I agree by basic RI never fails me. Great firearm.
Dry your eyes grasshopper
RIA 1911A1 can you get any accessories for these
I have a 900$ Guccied out Glock that i use for my carry gun, but I also fucking the classic look of my RIA 1911. Just a sleek blacked out classic. I would just wanna upgrade the internals and hammer.
My carry gun is soon to be a Tisas 1911, variant is "The Volunteer", I'm adding custom texas grips on it for extra flash. Wilson combat mags will be the first upgrade to it, and I'll wait till I put at minimum 200 rounds through it for break in before the internals. Can't change the slide though, it's engravings are too nice to change it. On the side is engraved "You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas", quote Davy Crockett
I want to mention something very important. I appreciate you Brother for caring to ask for People to assist at Homeless Shelters and other Volunteer opportunities. It’s because they are at the lowest point of their lives sometimes and it’s essential to get help when it will literally save your life! Thank you 🙏🏼 and thank you for caring about us to teach us important information that will improve safety and competence in The Firearms Community. We’re all ambassadors and it’s necessary to know as much as possible! God Bless you Brother and your Family! 🙏🏼❤️🦅🇺🇸
I saved up about 7 months until my birthday, and bought myself a Sig Sauer 1911 Tacops 10mm. Love it.
Bought my colt delta Ellie in early 80s had to wait 6 weeks to get made, then no ammunition, I love it shot pin matches and steal plate at gun club
Great time to have a 10mm, no in 2020 there is 10mm ammo in all gun stores that I have seen. But no 9mm. Glad I don't own a 9mm.
@@chrisboyd1408 Why not own more? I have a .380acp, 9mm, .45acp, and 10mm. Can't complain with any of them.
@@Slinkman2021 oh yes, I love my 45's, .357, .380, .40, and .460. But while I haven't seen much 9mm on shelves, I have seen a lot of 10mm available.
Holy crap...I didn’t realize that you’ve been completely demonetized? You’re living proof of being able to pump out quality videos with no worries of unfair biases or influence. I appreciate your videos even more than ever before!
Yeah I'd like to know the story there
@@theruckers905 TH-cam is so soft nowadays, just show some guns and they will automatically demonetize you
@@theruckers905 can't monetize guns in this day & age
Just realized after watching your video my 1911 has all these upgrades I'm very happy about this
I bought my first gun, a Rock Island 1911 45 ACP about a month ago and this video has me geeking out about modding my RIA!
Same
Bought a ruger 1911 commander
I'm a simple man. I see 1911, I press like
Same!
You and me both.
We all share monke brain 🗿
I used to think they’re old fudd guns… i was a 9mm fanboy until i bought a nice 1911bb gun i fell in love and said FUCK IT then pulled the trigger and bought a kimber full size that looker identical to the bb gun and fell in love. I am now looking into another one (springfield emmisary) and soley carry one.
@@pablo4yu I just got to feel one of the government sized Emissary’s in 45 and it’s pretty smexy. Fit pretty good and tight. Only thing I didn’t like was that it has a plastic trigger. Yes it can be changed out pretty easily but still
Fffr e❤🎉one bm j jl
Thanks, now I know what to get myself for my birthday! I have five good ideas.
I ran into ur video today. I'm a combat vet from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars luv the 1911
If you want to do this work yourself, keep in mind the grip safety, Ambi-thumb safety, mainspring housing with mag well, and the new trigger may all require fitting (read: removing metal) to function correctly. It's not complicated but does require the right tools and research.
I recommend a trigger job as the first upgrade to a 1911 - they sell jigs and there are tons of videos on how to clean up your sear and trigger to get a perfectly clean break.... not to mention you'll learn how this gun works, and you'll be able to do all of the other mentioned work yourself.
I carry a 1911 every day - great video!
I'm new to the 1911 platform and honestly I like the way a 1911 handles over the striker fires. Plus I like the range of options for aftermarket parts
I didn't realize until today that you were so close to home, pretty cool to see, you got a new subscriber today
Fixed up a Norinco with: Hogue grips, extended mag release, magwell, polished the slides, and hand fit an oversized barrel bushing. Shoots like a dream.
Ive got a Norinco NP29. Little rough around the edges but itll eat anything you throw in it and its accurste as hell.
Norinco is a fine 1911.
Best 1911 period. Norinco metal is so hard some Smith's won't work on them because they tear up their tools
I like to checker the front of the trigger guard. Different people have different shooting styles, as we all know. I shoot right-handed, but I usually rest my left thumb on top of the slide lock and my left index finger on the front of the trigger guard. checkering there helps me to maintain a more positive and more consistent grip. I also recess the top of the trigger guard on the right side. It helps with faster trigger acquisition from the ready position.
Wilson combat checkered front strap. Throw on some electric tape beneath it so it doesnt move. Hasnt budged at all on my springfield loaded. 👍
I have the same RIA.. put over molded grips on it... and painted the front sight and enhanced the rear with fluorescent orange. Work great. Cost $5 a piece of emery and paint pen.
I love your approach to accessories. Before beginning to think about modifying the internals of the gun, you modify the points you interface to the gun with. It’s cheaper, safer and allows you to squeeze every bit of performance out of the gun, without using crouch accessories
Glad I went with a Springfield 1911 TRP. It comes with everything you mentioned out of the box.
Awesome channel. No skits, no politics, and no bullshit.
Sir, You packed a thousand dollars worth of information in a 16 minute video. Thank you! I love your videos and always am amazed at your accuracy and that coupled with your outstanding speed brings me back time and time again.
7:20 - The Pachmayr neoprene grips with the front panel gives you the effect of having checkering on the frontstrap. Coupled with a checkered or rubber overlay on the mainspring housing, that improves the gripping surface all the way around.
Watched this one a long time ago. Back here to watch again ! I have a RIA Tac Ultra, and love it. Got an old RIA basic 1911. Just sent the Tac Ultra back to RIA to upgrade to Novak fully adjustable fiber optic set w/green rear and red front sights and a reliability checkup.
I put a Wilson Combat recoil spring and buffer in my 1911 and I can tell and feel the difference. Ive heard all the buffer complaints but have found none of them to be accurate. I have no problem racking and locking my slide. For 6.95 a very good upgrade
I had a .45 ACP S&W 1911. It came with almost all these upgrades plus a tactical rail. It was an amazing firearm. Wirth every penny. As well, I agree these upgrades do make a big difference in your accuracy and speed of shots down range. Excellent video!
Just started the process of buying my first handgun. Getting a Ruger SR1911 special edition. Very excited.
Since you control recoil so well I can’t even tell if it’s 9mm or .45ACP!!
Thats because it is 9mm… He states his expensive 1911 is in 9mm
1911 always my favorite, trigger, grip size, looks (usually very pretty), solid as hell, etc. Love them. Great video once again.
AK,mene,Lena,hi
I love the 1911 45. As an USMC Grunt M-79 Man in Vietnam 1968/69 with the 5th Marines I carried a 1911, and later as a Scoutsniper I carried a 1911 along with sniper rifle .
You had me at 1911... Can we spoon? Great vid brother! Long live the 1911
Glad to see something other than a list of Glock mod's for the Glock I do not own!
Bought a budget Tisas Duty BR which comes with everything here and a picatinny rail and I paid $429 for it! Not a bad price for what you get
I have on my 1911 what Colt I believe calls Combat grips. It is a one piece wrap around, hard rubber and very nicely checkered grip! It is a fantastic way to get great checkering on that front strap without needing to get the frame modified and of course cost less as well.
Also try pachmyer rubber wrap around grips they've been around for decades.
we used them on our 1911A1s in the Coast Guard
Ever since the original GI Joe came out, back in the 60’s, I’ve liked the look of the 1911. Now, two or more years into the pandemic, I found one at Turners Outdoors for just over 500 clams. I have it at home now and I’ve been reading all I can find and watching videos on these. A year ago, I found a Sig p238 like my wife has, I liked hers so much. Yes, I shoot big guns and small guns, so mock me with your best. Anyway, my Sig came with night sights (hers didn’t). After seeing the difference, that’s all I want now. I loved this video, thank you.
I have carried a Colt 1911A1 made in 1933.
Only modifications were to throat the barrel and install Kings Gunworks 3 dot sights.
Yes I'm and old fart.
Replace springs as needed. Sometimes replace the extractor.
Now I carry my Les Baer Thunder Ranch, A Colt Wiley Clapp CCO or a Kimber.
The beaver tail helps, otherwise the web of my hand bleeds from Hammer bite.
Love my Les Baer 1911.
I'm mainly a springfield guy...that being said i also have some canik,rock island,ruger,taurus,and custom built stuff...but i had always wanted a 1911 and most of them are a little more expensive then your normal side arm so I went ahead and went all out and got a kimber custom 2.now that being said I absolutely love my 1911!a buddy of mine is nothing but 1911s from 380 to 9mm up to 45 acp and all of his are all customized so I've been looking for some "good" upgrades and not just for looks so of course honest outlaw is where I came as always!my kimber after as long as I've had it is starting to get that perfect patina so it's definitely time to do some upgrading.as always i just redid the recoil spring cause I replace it every oh 6 or 7 months cause I do take it to the range every single time even if I'm taking something else the kimber always comes with.this was a great video and giving me alot to look at so thank you sir!
The Rock Island 1911A1 Standard FS has all the same stuff as that Wilson Combat for $100 extra compared to the GI Edition plus it also comes with rubber texturized grips and a full-length guide rod. Well worth it in my opinion honestly
My Ffl was only about $10 more
I got a 9mm and 45 RI 1911FS. Came with everything but fibre sight and magwell. I went with matching G10 grips with integrated well. Awesome firearms. The 9mm is slick as snot. Just need to upgrade the front sight.
Used to agree with you that the pad of the finger was the best area to press the trigger with.
Read where many of the top bullseye shooters prefer the thinner harder (less mushy) portion of the crook of the finger to press the trigger with.
I tried the crook as recommended and shot the best groups of my life as it lacks the mushiness and inconsistency of the pad of the finger that the bullseye shooters found lacking.
But to each his own on what suits you best.
I discovered the same thing as well. Especially on my subcompact M&P shield I was pushing low and left. I read that it was due to using the pad (middle) of my finger instead of edging up against the crook like you said.
Same results. The low and left push ceased and my groups easily shrank by 1/3.
Love my Springfield TRP 1911 my wife shot it and loved it as well but she wanted the SIG STX 1911 we love them both nothing like steal in your hands
6:19
I love the clicks from 1911s and I can hear how smooth the slide is.
God I’m jealous
I’m here to help the algorithm for us as well as maybe learn something too. Steady as she goes young man, thank you!
Thanks for this! Going to upgrade the grips and sights on my 1911 soon!
My dad, Korean war vet, loves my Springfield but hates my Kimber TLERL2
My upgrades would be sights, tactical rail for a Surfire and lasergrips. Mine are SHTF guns but fun plinkers in .45ACP. trigger work is optional but skeletonised triggers are essential for my big mitts. You are a great shot and I enjoy your videos
I bought a Girsan MC P35 (Hi Power clone) and a BUL Armory 1911 Commander over the course of this year. I don't care for the girsan front sight, at all. The BUL has great features, with the full beavertail, tall grip safety, front and back checkering and G10 grips. The only thing I really don't care for are the all-black sights. So I just ordered a sight pusher on Amazon, tritium sights for the Girsan from Brownells, and a fiber optic front sight for the Commander from the BUL website. And I ordered a Wilson Combat magwell for the Commander. I think these changes will really make a difference with these pistols. The Commander, especially, is a great pistol for only $850, with all the features of a more expensive 1911 and an awesome trigger. I wasn't even in the market for another 1911, until I dry-fired it a couple times.
My TRP got Truglow TFX Pros. My favorite sight. Thats all preference
10-8 gi style guide rod. I hate FLGRs.
Slotted grip screws. I had a grip come loose at range. Dont carry around allen keys. Got slotted screws and loctited. If they do come loose super easy to tighten in field.
Automatic like for your vids. Always good content here and 1911s are my favorite piece.
6:18 still a great shot.
I don't know much about 1911s. Thanks for the vid. I am learning more and more things from your channel. I dig on that Wilson Combat 1911!
bro your videos are some of the most informative and helpful with firearms on TH-cam today thanks !!!
You left out the most important upgrade of all. You made mention of the need for accuracy as hand guns may be the only weapon you have for defense and longer shots may be necessary, but no where in the video do you include how you tune a 1911 to shoot with extreme accuracy. Everyone that shoots competition with a 1911 knows ( or should know )that barrel fitting is the critical enhancement. An easy way to check you barrel fit is to remove the firing pin, place an empty case without a primer in the chamber and look through the firing pin hole at the hole where the primer was. If you see any sign of a crescent, or the two holes aren’t perfectly aligned your barrel is not centered. Many factory 1911s aren’t perfectly centered. This is something best done by a 1911 knowledgeable gun smith. This and a quality trigger job are your top two priorities. TH-cam 1911 barrel fitting for a deeper dive.
Do you have a specific barrel fitting you like and what is it?
No he just wanted to sound smart on a comment, not help anyone
Never saw this question, i don’t understand what you’re asking exactly , fitting the barrel if it’s not centered requires some metal be removed from some places on the barrel lug I believe. We’re talking thousands of an inch here and there and it’s above my pay grade to articulate the specific process. I have watched a master gun smith do it and it’s not an amateur project. Definitely something you don’t want to try on your own.
#1, grips. I have long fingers and need a wider grip, so Hogue over-molded wraparounds fill the bill.
#2, lanyard loop. I’m in a wheelchair and can’t easily retrieve a dropped pistol, but I can reel it back in with a lanyard.
Gravity is a paraplegic’s worst enemy.
Thank you for pointing that out. I always hear about the lanyard loop obsolete. I bet many like myself had not thought of this unique situation. Now I'm sure there are many others. Thank you for sharing.
Great list. Another good upgrade that I have done is converting any and all series 80 1911’s to a 70 series with a conversion shim. It makes an already good 1911 trigger absolutely great! Thanks for the video.
For range/competition use by me, I dropped in a match trigger, honed the triggerbar and sear, and added an Aristocrat "tri set" full rib sight. Really sweet and smooth trigger pull, great sight picture, and a little extra weight to tame recoil.
Glad i watched the video, so many just have some wannabe posing and acting like they know everything. Is nice to see someone who actually knows his weapon and how to use it. Kudos to you brother. Thank you for the helpful information. I just recently purchased a RIA .45 and was dang glad to see you use one also. Will look into changing out the grips as you advised. I guess I am fortunate in that my hand is just right to fit the palm safety and press it. I carried the 1911A1 the entire time I was in the Army and never had an issue with the palm safety. ( I probably misnamed it!) Thanks for the good advice.
I bought a RIA 1911 like the one you have there. I changed the grip for rubber one and put grip tape on the front. Next will be a magwell.
Just got my first 1911. My brother had a 2015 model Colt trophy gold cup 9. Traded him a kilo of silver for it. He only put a mag or three through it before we swapped. Only complaint I have is the rear sight, that thing is edgy! I love it though, even with the hefty weight it's comfortable open carry for me. Stainless w/blue grips.
1911 Everyday All day!! DW & Ruger are the best value for me. Don't overlook Ruger they are very Accurate & not picky about ammo! Good job Bro!
Ruger is still 100% Made in the 🇺🇸
I've been weighing a Kimber Custom II 1911 purchase and your video was very helpful. Liked & subscribed.
FYi, thanks for video, my kimber 1911 had some issue with grip safety (more or less my grip) wasn’t fully engaging the safety. So i had it replace with bum version and I’ve not had any issue. Large part due to video recommend/plus some testing i did. Thanks!
Though i love my taurus 1911 have about 600 rounds through it no issues. Ugraded to fiber optics and Magpul grips. No other upgrades for now, maybe later! Good info 👍
,i had the Taurus and the sig. Sold the sig
As a retired USAF Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor, I find your content refreshing. I'm the one who got USAF approval for the Wilson stance. I'm the one who brought the three shot drill. Look at the 80s, and the modernization of the combat techniques.
Many times going through CATM and never knew what it stood for, thanks for the info!
I used the skateboard tape a while back and it’s awesome.
I was waiting through the WHOLE video... But, yeah, pretty much agreed on everything in there after you mentioned sights. Only thing I would say is that if you were going least important to most important I'd have put grips at the beginning, and a better beaver tail right behind the sights.
Aftac extracter, ISMI recoils spring. Add those to the list. The TRPIs my duty weapon. Any extractor issues go away with the self adjusting extractor. That ISMI recoil spring is by far the best. Great review
Put a set of Tritjicon night sights and Altamont rosewood grip panels on my RIA Gov't 38 Super. Everyone in the family prefers it now to all other handguns in the family. Amazing how a few simple changes can aid shooting efficiency.
I like the truglo fiber optic/tritium combination. I use them on my EDC pistol. They are great for aging eyes and truly the best of both worlds.
Thanks for your videos. Good information.
My$600 Magnum Research 1911U came factory with checkered front, rear and side grips, extended grip safety and high vis front sight, so you dont have to get a $1000 1911 to get some of the upgraded features, just thought I throw that in here for those people who, like me, cant afford a Wilson combat 1911 but want some of the upgrades mentioned in this video.
i realize this is an older video but if you happen to be reading comments would love your recommendation for my first 1911 $1000-1500 range use. thanks great video
Great video bro. Love the range. Quick story. I got a Wilson combat classic. Friend passed. Never fired. I called Wilson (very good customer service) gave them ser# . They informed me that this sweet piece was bought 2011. In 2013 sent back to Wilson $3100 worth of upgrades. I have the list. Still never fired. Plusssss I live in Massachusetts where Wilsons are on the Santa's naughty toy list. Yeah man. Should I shoot it or not?
Lock and load, why have a gun and not shoot it. Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch talks about that.
Upgrading the grip safety can have the extra benefit of a healthy beaver tail as seen on your Wilson Combat. On a GI 1911 if you choke up on the gun when you fire you can get hammer bite where the hammer hits the back of your hand while the gun is cycling (potentially hard enough to make you bleed). A healthy beaver tail prevents this as it provides a layer of unmoving metal between your hand and the hammer.
That was a main issue with ww1 1911s not as often with the 1911a1 style
I just bought one of those Rock Island 1911s and the sights do leave much to be desired. I started watching this video because I knew replacing the sights would be on the list.
hows the rock island looking at buying one since its 10mm and i can aford and dont want remington
@@thelastrebel87 let me get back to you on that after I clean it. I've had some issues with mine. I bought mine used and I like it but there have been a few times where the cartridge just doesn't fire and I have to diagnose why. It happened once the first time I shot it and then it started happening every other magazine
Being a lefty I find an extended slide release really useful. Just the opposite for an extended magazine release as the left trigger finger rides almost right in that slot.
I'm a lefty too... I have learned to use my trigger finger to drop the mag. Its so instilled in my training that even when shooting my ambi mag release guns, I still use my trigger finger.
...just contributed to the welfare of some workers in Grinnell Iowa and copped a pile of 1911 upgrade shit...including the Wilson grip safety, extended thumb safety, slide stop, hammer, sear, disconnector and an Ed Brown magwell/flat mainspring housing...
#1 checkered front strap
Great presentation, very informative for me especially being my colt 1911 is at my buddies place Coastal Machine in ga being worked on now. Addition of good sights as you described here is why I took it in to him originally and as of ur video I watched this morning I’ve ask for a couple other changes most of all the mod to the grip safety. Thanks for some GREAT tips.
Some of us don't like front texture, grips (some grips don't work well for left hands) are probably the best upgrade for handling. There beaver tail, trigger (also adjustable would be good to take up the extra travel) & sights are extremely expensive on a GI. you are often far better off buying a slightly more expensive gun that already has the dovetail cut slide (cheaper to buy the upgrade than have the slide milled).
I have been shooting a 45 for 40 some years, never had grip safety not work, I have large hands, the DE fist my hand perfect, as for grips I use finger grove grips that go under the side panel,
I recommend a softer recoil spring. They’re cheap, easy to install, and will improve accuracy and speed of follow-up shots by reducing recoil.
Another great video, because the information you present is logically based, well reasoned, and most of all, you NEVER just say ' Believe me just because I'm saying it.'!!!!
You raise the issue of self upgrades, (though you did cite using a gunsmith) so what I would like to see you do, IN DEPTH please, is a review of the Top 5 Tool Sets for upgrading the 1911-2011 series of pistols. The Top 3 could be 'reasonably priced' sets, while leaving the last 2 sets for Bargain Basement Tool Sets for those of us who are Dirt Poor (just got another Shut Off notice from the city for my W/S/G .....actually got a job project last Wednesday, first work I've had in nearly two months....being crippled up sucks sometimes).
I've saved this video to a sub-folder, so that if/when I get any luxury scratch for both upgrade parts and tool kits, I can go back and review it.
Naturally, the next progression would be for you to do a sample upgrade on your Rock Island, say the Main Spring and/or Grip Safety.
Lastly, I'm a BIG FAN of Hogue Finger Contoured Non-Slip Grips for any pistol: the finger grips provide an excellent base for memory gripping, the non-slip adds precision and surety, and best of all, they usually run under $20 on Ebay! Durable as all get out too!
Thanks again for your hard work in filming and especially post production.....PS......I would really like to see your wife do a series on Personal Protection Shooting, holsters for the ladies, various sidearms (auto and wheel), and especially her thoughts/mindset on serious practice both on range and at home (dry fire).
I've got 5 sisters, several female cousins, and several female friends as well, and the few times I've seen your wife in the videos, she has struck me as being very much a woman with her own mind, deliberate in what she likes/dislikes and why for both sides.
Anywho, take care and cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY!
If you buy a 1911 with most of these upgrades at $600 to a $1000 and spend the rest of your money on training and ammunition you will become much better at shooting a handgun.
Good vid. I enjoyed the shooting inserted in between the upgrades.
I get G-10 grips from a company called Klonimus, I have been using their products for about a decade now on my 1911s and 1911 builds. Great price point, get them for about $25-$35 for a set, and they look nice. I got a set on my 80% build and one on my Metro Arms American Classic II 1911 chambered in 9mm.
Klonimus does have some.bery nice stuff. I buy mainspring housings, grips, magwells, grip safeties and some other stuff.
Avoid the hammers and sears as they are MIM.
Other than that all his stuff is pretty top notch.
Thank you for trying your heart out to sell things that do not need to be sold. I, my self, Kevin C. have just bought a pair of R.I. 1911s. For mysellf only, this is the way to experience what it "MIGHT" have been if granpa had only the 1911 or his fists . or his thumb, or his teeth...
Does the fair fight rules apply when you just want to go home?
The 1911 is outdated all te pros agree.... until, that put your head between your knees moment...BUT WAIT... I HAVE THIS!!!
IMHO J.B. finally got it right with this weapon.
Nothing your video showed enhanced the make the bad guy dead before he kills me from what J.B. did and what R.I. sells.
Cheap solution for the grip safety;
Remove grips.
Place taught over the grip safety, all the way to the mag well window.
Re-install grips.
No more worrying about if your grip safety is going to work.
Also looks great, and feels better in the hand.
As for the front strap checkering, do the same thing but with grit tape.
Problem also solved.
1911's🧟♂️ Will never die🤗 #Zazz + #Spice=🎆
Back to bsck World wars
What the fuck
1911's Will never die, just multiply...
Not a real big fan of 1911's. But let me tell you. I picked up a STI 2011 and NEVER looked back! Lol
Wow, nice pick up.
What's not to like about a 1911? What pistol do you prefer?
Live in Portland and had the boys in camas build mine. Caspian frame and slide, everything else is Wilson. Vz grips with dark grey cerakote
A Kimber Custom TLE ii has all these features except the extended magazine release. The Kimber magazine release works just fine for my hands. (Also it has night sights, which in some situations may be better than the fiber optic.)
I usually fast forward commercials. I own RIA .45 a1 FS , Nice Wilson Combat Video.
I have a Springfield Armory 1911 Milspec. I put an adjustable rear sight, smooth walnut grips, a silicone recoil buffer, steel guide rod and a parkerized match grade barrel bushing on it. I only swapped out the barrel bushing because I did not like the bright steel one. It was a fantastic shooter out of the box but the addition of the adjustable leaf and guide rod did tighten up the groups a bit.
RIA is good enough for me 👍break into my house and see how accurate it is 😂
I have shot a 911 for many years. I keep my gun will tuned and maintenance I have never had a problem with the grip safety. If you are having a problem with the grip safety a simple spring kit from any of the major manufacturers will fix the problem.
Dab some white paint or nail polish on front sight . It will be in contrast to the rear sight . 1 white between 2 black. Fast easy mod .
Mags would be my #1
Wilson or Tripp
Les Baer, baby! My LB’s will be my kid’s one day. Gotta love old school hand fitting. I do agree that fiber optics are the way to go. The stock black front sight just melts into the black target, so I do not know where I am pointing.
The rock river works fine stock for me. I’ll say I do fee a difference between a Upgraded 1911 though. I have a colt series 80 gold cup trophy match with a recoil reducer buffer, 18# spring and some delta rubber grips. Feels like a hammer
Love your videos! Awesome info, unbiased, genuine, and full of deep pro insights. 1) you mentioned in many videos that you have been demonitized by TH-cam. Is that a good thing for you? What happened? If you need sponsorship, how can we as your viewers sponsor you? 2) some of the upgrades you mentioned in this video come standard on many Kimber pistols. What’s your thoughts on them? I don’t recall see you include them in your mentions. Why? Keep up the amazing work!!!
I don't know if this has been mentioned but I think Wilson Combat sells a thin metal piece with checkering stamped into it that wraps around the front strap and secures under the grip panels.
Skate tape, excellent!!! Thanks bro
I prefer my 1911 to be striker fired. Lol
Excellent upgrades, relatively fast and affordable ways to make blah into bling.
Damn this guy can shoot.
Every time he shoot so fast and so accurate it makes me jealous and mad like bruh 😤😂
The best front sight I put on my Wilson Combat was a gold bead. It shows up really well. Fiber optics work well, but they do degrade over time.
Can you add everyone of these upgrades to the GI rock island 1911?
Bump
@@Brantlins yes you can
Buy a RIA cco. My absolute favorite.
Yes you can . Some fitting might need to be done but it not terribly hard to do