1911

[locomike]

Hi, i currently have a SA 1911A1 milspec. Ive loved it just fine for many years but now that i need reading glasses the sights just arent cutting it.
So im thinking of modding vs buying a different one.

Am willing to look at other models but really want to stick with 45ACP

Any thoughts or recomendations? Either a good gunsmith near San Jose and around what they would charge or a different model that just comes with the desired upgrades. Im liking a stainless (shiny) model and maybe a rail on it.

Would like to keep it under $1,500.00

thanks in advance

[CifaldiPrecision]

[L-2]

For stainless steel (white metal) railed 1911 (and on CA's roster) I can only think of Kimber and SIG 1911 guns.

KIMBER: https://www.kimberamerica.com/stainless-tle-rl-ii-ca

SIG, unknown exact model and availability. I didn't see a SIG 1911 on SIG's website matching the description on CA's roster. Check with your FFL/dealer. Perhaps a dealer would know if there's new, but old stock or if SIG has Calif. models which I just didn't see on its website.

With CA's roster, any railed 1911 guns are very limited as to what's available at any price. Specifying a stainless-steel 1911 makes the list even smaller (maybe just that Kimber). Even without the roster, railed stainless steel 1911 guns are pretty limited.

For sights and gunsmithing, I'm unaware of what's available in San Jose, but I heard there are some shops in the area. With the firearms business climate, these shops seem to come and go.

You might also check out the gunsmithing services in the Reno, NV area (~a 4 hour drive on a good day).

Consider having a dovetail cut into the slide for the front sight. Novak-cut dovetails are popular, but not necessarily a univeral cut. Perhaps this could be discussed with your selected gunsmith.

Do check with Cifaldi in Post_2 to see what his turnaround time will be, and I entirely agree with considering just mailing the slide to your selected gunsmith if farther than you care to drive. I think USPS has a $7 flat rate shipping method still.

[boltstop]

I would suggest mailing your slide to Brett and have him mill the dovetail and install a suitable sight. I’m sure he can suggest some good sights.

The slide isn’t the serialized part i.e. it isn’t a gun so it can simply be sent via good old USPS.

Far cheaper and less hassle than buying, and then becoming familiar with, a new gun. Most gun stores are shut down now anyway.

[Tarmy]

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[ShaneB]

Mail slide and sights of your choice to Brett, use the remainder for ammo.

[XDJYo]

I love the Dawson fiber optic sights! I love me a good 1911 too!

Brett does awesome work and a great resource and contributor here. No matter his turn time, he will do you right.

As far as options on a 1911 with a rail, few stainless models exist. There are 2 others that I know of off the top of my head, but neither are stainless. One is an MC Operator and will get you in under the $1,500 figure. The TRP is a full rail and same as above. But again, finish is different and the TRP is a different beast all together. Some say a railed 1911 isn't a true 1911. Oh well. To each his own.

One thing you'll want to talk to Brett about is the refinishing option since he'll have to mill the slide. It may not match exactly the frame of your current gun.

Either way, enjoy. 1911's are a journey.

[whan]

As far as buy vs customize, it depends what you care about. On retained value I'd say buying a new gun probably would keep its value better vs. customizing a 1911

However, I personally went the customize route with Jim Garthwaite. There's something to be said for getting upgrades to a 1911 that are exactly what you want. A SA Milspec is a great base gun to customize as well. Tons of great independent gunsmiths as well as bigger shops that can do the work. As far as bigger names, Wilson Combat, Springfield and Nighthawk all work on customer supplied guns

Using Wilson's prices as an example, for $1,500 I'd probably do the following on an SA milspec for a non-carry 1911:

- Competition front sight with green fiber optic ($80)
- Battlesight rear sight, square notch, black ($125)
- Checker Frontstrap 30LPI with high cut ($275)
- Trigger Job with flat trigger ($250)
- 1-piece magwell, full size, blued ($215)
- Single sided wide lever safety, blue ($75)
- Ultralight hammer ($100)
- Beavertail grip safety with high grip mod ($165)
- Armor Tuff finish, Black slide and grey frame / small parts ($290)

[SomeGuy75]

OP, I have a Burris FF3 red dot on my Kimber 1911 9mm. Simple DIY mod with a sight pusher. Night and day difference. Might be worth checking out.

[sirgrumps]

I have the same issue with my eyesight.
I went with a red dot instead.
The Holocaust seems to be holding up.
That’s my suggestion.

[simonp]

OP talk to Brett, the Springfield is a great base gun.


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[locomike]

thanks for all the great info guys! so if i forget the rail and just go with a stainless (shiny) finish. i saw rock island made a model. NO idea if its CA compliant but they definitely have 1911s for sale here in CA, no idea what the difference would be but ive seen them online for around $600.00. I hear good things about them. anyone know if one can get one of those in CA?
if i went that route i would get that one and maybe mod the one i have idk. im thinking sights and maybe a better trigger if it would really help increase accuracy. the rail is a good option but i can certianly live with out it especially if i have night sights on the gun

[Snoopy47]

..... now that i need reading glasses the sights just arent cutting it.

It's not the gun, it's your eyes.

USPSA Competitive Shooting Optometrist:
Frank G. Zheng, OD, MS
located in 958 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA, 94549

I got reading glasses from him, as well as shooting classes set in eye protection frames. I can see my Mil Spec sights just as well as anything. My competitive sores improved 10% right out of the gate.

Glasses also carry over to all firearms you have with the same sight distance from your eye. It's like upgrading multiple firearms for a single price.

[locomike]

the sight i have to do something about for sure and i figure while im at it anything that will make it more accurate/functional--why not? The nickel finsh, well i just have a desire to get one. if i can get 1 that ties that all together so much the better. idk

[simonp]

the sight i have to do something about for sure and i figure while im at it anything that will make it more accurate/functional--why not? The nickel finsh, well i just have a desire to get one. if i can get 1 that ties that all together so much the better. idk