Sell current/buy new 1911, or modify old?

[esartori]

Hi Guys,

I am looking for some opinions from some people who hopefully have gone through a similar routine with their 1911's. Dilemna:

I have a mil-spec 1911. I like it a lot, but I would like something nicer, more refined, and with some more features. I was wondering if anyone here has decided to upgrade their 1911, or just sell it and use the amount you sold it for plus the amount you would have spent customizing it to buy a better 1911.

I don't have enough $$ to outright buy a new 1911. For simplicity sake, let's say I have $600 to spend (not including if I sell the mil-spec). Should I sell the Mil-spec and use the extra cash to buy something nice (TRP ish range?) or just modify to get my 1911 nicer?

Let me know your thoughts/opinions and if anyone has done something similar (either way) and learned a lesson or two, what do you have to say?

Thanks

[Dark Mod]

Buy a new (or used) TRP. Why throw all that cash into a gun you cant recoup later? plus it will be nice to have a gun thats polished from the ground up, Id settle for a Springfield Loaded and use the extra money on components for reloading

[keenkeen]

It almost always is better to get the finished 1911 to start with from a hard dollars standpoint. For example...to add a TRP package I think the SA Custom Shop charges like $995 for a loaded and like $1659 for a GI.

In both cases better to sell the original gun and just by a TRP...now if you think you will have other custom workl done anyway then the re-work route starts to make a little more sense but still the $$ tell you to sell and purchase a new gun.

Generally the same with custom cars, boats, houses, guitars, etc....

[esartori]

Buy a new (or used) TRP. Why throw all that cash into a gun you cant recoup later? plus it will be nice to have a gun thats polished from the ground up, Id settle for a Springfield Loaded and use the extra money on components for reloading

I thought about the loaded as well. I probably wouldn't even be able to tell the difference (shooting wise) between the two. Do you know if the trigger is about the same on both?

[AlchemyCustom]

You have a very rare gun. (if it's the one I think you are talking about) I would modify that particular weapon to meet your needs. You will be able to dictate the quality level of all the parts used, and the overall quality of the gun will be much better. Sure, you will never re-coup all the money, but you will have a one of a kind gun made the way you want it. Who knows, you may get a few extras on the house if you choose the right shop.

[Striker]

Building on a good frame and slide has it's own value. You get what you want; you can do it in increments, so the total cost doesn't have to come all at once and you get a great gun on the other end. So if you have a Springfield or Colt, this can be a great way to go. You just need to find a good 1911 smith that's currently taking on work, because a lot of them are not. This can be expensive though. I would start with beavertail, hammer, sights and new trigger.

If not that, and you think you'll have $1000.00-$1500.00 to spend; the above mentioned TRP is a good option, as is a Colt XSE or XSE Rail Gun, or a Springfield MC Operator. The other gun you might want to look for is a lightly used Series 1 Kimber. They are out there. Nice guns and not real expensive. You might be able to find one for around $800.00-$900.00, but they're hard to find.

[esartori]

Building on a good frame and slide has it's own value. You get what you want; you can do it in increments, so the total cost doesn't have to come all at once and you get a great gun on the other end. So if you have a Springfield or Colt, this can be a great way to go. You just need to find a good 1911 smith that's currently taking on work, because a lot of them are not. This can be expensive though. I would start with beavertail, hammer, sights and new trigger.

If not that, and you think you'll have $1000.00-$1500.00 to spend; the above mentioned TRP is a good option, as is a Colt XSE or XSE Rail Gun, or a Springfield MC Operator. The other gun you might want to look for is a lightly used Series 1 Kimber. They are out there. Nice guns and not real expensive. You might be able to find one for around $800.00-$900.00, but they're hard to find.

Do you (or anyone) know a rough estimate on how much just a beavertail, trigger, and hammer would go for to install? I am sure it would require some smithing.. I am fine with the sights.

[greybeard]

Do you (or anyone) know a rough estimate on how much just a beavertail, trigger, and hammer would go for to install? I am sure it would require some smithing.. I am fine with the sights.

I would check some of the custom gun makers for pricing. I know both Night Hawk and Rebar has prices for work on their web sites. I suspect Wilson does also.

[esartori]

I would check some of the custom gun makers for pricing. I know both Night Hawk and Rebar has prices for work on their web sites. I suspect Wilson does also.

Thanks!

[JTROKS]

I would keep the old milspec and save up for a Springfield Loaded or Kimber with target sights. If you want to improve the accuracy of that milspec you'll end up porking for a new barrel, bushing and fitting in which will eat $300. Then you'll want a trigger job with new parts, a beavertail and target sight that will require machining the slide. Your $300 balance just got depleted. Then you still want checkering and refinishing. Save another $200 then wait around the classified for a model mentioned above.

[plsmyk]

To get an idea of the cost for those mods, download the Springfield Armory Custom Shop 1911-A1 Custom Worksheet.

http://springfield-armory.com/custom.php

Keep in mind that adding/fitting a beavertail grip safety will require a refinish of the gun.

[stormy_clothing]

I personally don't care for 1911's but after para put out the video with tj cranking off 1000 rounds rapid fire I'd go that dirrection.

[rubber duckie]

sell and buy one with options you want. you will save alot more down the line and resale is better.

[DannyInSoCal]

Depends - If the changes are to the frame - Sell it and upgrade.

If the changes are anything else - Upgrade your current frame...

[DCF]

I had a Springfield 1911 GI before to learn about the 1911 platform. I sold it and got a Springfield loaded and never been happier. All the features that comes with a loaded and the more refine fitting and trigger makes whole lot of difference for less than 300 bucks. If you have $600 on top of the mil spec, then you can sell the mil spec and get something in the $1000 range. Once you are in that price range you have a lot more to choose from.